QIMR chairman retires

Professor John Hay, AC is retiring from the position of Chair of the Council of the Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR).

Professor Hay will step down as Chair and from Council on Friday 18 May, 2012.

Appointed by the Queensland Government as Chair in 2009, Professor Hay has led QIMR through a period of transition including the construction of the Institute’s soon-to-be-completed 15 storey research facility at Herston and the appointment of its seventh Director and CEO, Professor Frank Gannon.

With the completion of the new building and QIMR’s roadmap for research success finalised and in operation, Professor Hay said it was an appropriate time to stand aside.

“It has been a great privilege to have served as Chair of this outstanding Queensland organisation,” Professor Hay said.

“I am very proud to have been associated with the magnificent medical research that continues to be performed by the dedicated staff of the Institute,” he said.

Speaking about the outgoing chair, Professor Frank Gannon said Professor Hay’s leadership and contribution cannot be overstated and that he would be greatly missed by the Institute.

“On behalf of the scientists and staff at QIMR, I would like to sincerely thank John for his very significant contribution to QIMR. Under his guidance and leadership, the Institute is now well-placed to realise its ambitious goals for growth in its three research programs – cancer; infectious diseases; and mental health and complex disorders.”

Deputy Chairman, Mr Christopher Coyne, will assume the role of Acting Chair until the State Government appoints a replacement for Professor Hay. Professor Bryan Campbell will be Acting Deputy Chair.