Following a global search, Professor Peter van Wijngaarden has been appointed as the new Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health. Board Chair Martin Adams welcomed the appointment, citing Prof van Wijngaarden’s outstanding leadership and clinical research experience as key factors in the decision.
Prof van Wijngaarden, currently Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Melbourne and Deputy Director at the Centre for Eye Research Australia, brings expertise in retinal imaging, artificial intelligence, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer’s disease.
“I am honoured to be joining The Florey as its new Director and excited to be working with scientists who are leading the world in making fundamental discoveries in neuroscience and improving diagnostics and treatments for an impressive range of mental health and brain-related conditions,” said Prof van Wijngaarden.
Mr Adams thanked retiring Director Professor Trevor Kilpatrick for his leadership and commitment to the organisation.
“Trevor has done an outstanding job leading The Florey through a period of important structural changes which have positioned us to continue to make significant scientific breakthroughs with our partners. I’m confident that Peter will build upon these efforts.”
Prof Kilpatrick acknowledged Prof van Wijngaarden’s “stellar career as a clinician scientist, administrator and entrepreneur”.
“He is ideally placed to lead The Florey in the next phase of its journey as a world-leading neuroscience and mental health-oriented research institute.”
