Professor Ian Frazer AC has informed the Australian Government of his decision to step down from his role as Chair of the Australian Medical Research Advisory Board (AMRAB).
As the inaugural Chair of AMRAB, Professor Frazer played a pivotal role in establishing the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Professor Frazer has led three iterations of the Australian Medical Research and Innovation Strategy and Priorities, guiding MRFF research investments and advancing medical research and innovation.
His leadership and vision has been a driving force in the MRFF's mission to support medical research to improve health outcomes for all Australians. He leaves a great legacy.
Professor Frazer has served since AMRAB’s inception in 2016 and stepped down as Chair on 16 February 2025.
The Australian Government thanks Professor Ian Frazer for his service and wishes him every success in an already illustrious career.
I am also pleased to announce that I have appointed Professor Caroline Homer AO as Acting Chair of AMRAB for a period of three months.
Professor Homer has served as Deputy Chair of AMRAB since 2021 alongside Professor Frazer. Professor Homer is also the Chair of the Council of National Health and Medical Research Council.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
“Australia has a strong track record in medical research and discoveries. Under Professor Ian Frazer’s expert guidance AMRAB has advanced Australia's research potential.
“I know many people will recognise Professor Frazer’s name as the co-inventor of the technology which brought us HPV vaccines, now used worldwide to help prevent cervical cancer[1].
“Professor Frazer brought his training, skills and expertise to AMRAB for the benefit of all Australians and on behalf of the Australian Government I thank him for his leadership and for giving us the benefit of his knowledge, experience and passion.
“I look forward to working with Professor Homer in continuing to support national health and medical research that improves the health and wellbeing of all Australians.”