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News

30 Nov 2022

New chair of the Doherty Council

The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (Doherty Institute) warmly welcomes the announcement of Martyn Myer AO as the new chair of the Doherty Council.

As the first independent chair of the council, Mr Myer joins other members from the University of Melbourne and The Royal Melbourne Hospital which formed the joint venture establishing the Doherty Institute in 2014.

Doherty Institute Director Professor Sharon Lewin, who is also a member of the council, said Mr Myer brings breadth and depth of experience on the boards of commercial and not-for-profit organisations which will be of immense value to the Institute.

“Martyn’s leadership and success in a range of ambitious development programs will be invaluable to the Doherty Institute realising our strategic objectives in the next five years. We are delighted that he will be joining us, and I look forward to working closely with him.

“His expertise in strategy, governance, complex stakeholder engagement and philanthropy will play a vital role in facilitating the Doherty’s bold vision to improve human health globally,” Professor Lewin said.

Mr Myer also serves as chair of Cogstate Ltd and board member of the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Fishermans Bend Development Board and Watertrust Australia. As a trained engineer with degrees from Swinburne, Monash and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Mr Myer has a strong track record of bringing people together to execute and deliver complex projects.

Mr Myer said he was thrilled to join the Doherty Council.

“The institute has established a strong reputation in Australia and internationally for its contribution to medical research, and particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. I am delighted to join at this exciting time when it’s embarking on several ambitious new programs,’ Mr Myer said.

“A bold vision requires strong leadership and hands-on involvement by leaders including both the director and the chair of the council.

“Backed by the Doherty Institute’s achievements and impact in the past, I believe we can do so much more in the coming years,” Mr Myer said.

Professor Lewin thanked outgoing chair Professor Christine Kilpatrick for the significant contribution she had made during her term.

“Under Christine’s leadership over the past three years, the Doherty has made major contributions to the COVID-19 response and secured substantial government and philanthropic funding. Her thoughtful guidance, hard work and commitment to the Council and the institute has been critical to our success and impact,” Professor Lewin said.