December 11, 2023

UOW Vice-Chancellor appointed to Research Australia Board

Professor Patricia M. Davidson welcomed to the Board of the nation’s peak body for health and medical research and innovation

University of Wollongong (UOW) Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Patricia M. Davidson has been appointed to the Board of the nation’s peak body for health and medical research and innovation, Research Australia, alongside CSL, Vice President of Research, Dr Michael Wilson.

As a global leader in nursing, health care, and advocacy, Professor Davidson’s work focuses on person-centred care delivery and the improvement of cardiovascular health outcomes for women and vulnerable populations.

Chair of Research Australia Martin Bowles AO PSM said, “It is wonderful to be able to enhance our Board with two well-renowned leaders in health and medical research. Professor Davidson and Dr Wilson bring extensive local and international clinical, academic, and drug development expertise. 

“Professor Davidson is best known for her contributions to improving cardiovascular nursing and transitional care, with a focus on underserved populations in a global context. Patricia’s contribution to nursing and advocacy for nursing, as well as her leadership in higher education, will be invaluable as we focus on workforce innovation and change in the health and medical research sector.”

Professor Davidson said, “I am honoured to join the Research Australia Board. Australia has world-leading expertise in health and medical research, and I look forward to helping drive the future of health innovation in Australia.

“Research Australia plays a vital role connecting and engaging researchers, governments, companies, and individuals to respond to the challenges and opportunities of the future. Investing in evidence-based research to deliver the best possible healthcare, to improve health outcomes in Australia and around the world, is critical.”

Professor Davidson joined UOW as Vice-Chancellor in May 2021. Prior to her current role, Professor Davidson was Dean of the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing in Baltimore in the United States.

In 2021 she was the recipient of the Consortium of Universities for Global Health (CUGH) Distinguished Leader Award. This honour celebrates her exceptional contributions to the advancement of global health worldwide.

Professor Davidson has extensively studied chronic conditions, transitional care, palliative care, and the translation of innovative, acceptable, and sustainable health initiatives across the world.

Research Australia’s CEO and Managing Director, Nadia Levin said she was delighted to welcome two experienced and dedicated individuals to the Board of Research Australia. 

Ms Levin said, “We look forward to working closely with Patricia to learn from her international experience and amplify the work that she is doing championing improved academic and health outcomes for women. As a representative of the health and medical research community on the Government’s Women’s Health Advisory Council, which was an initiative announced by Minister Ged Kearney [Federal Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care] at the 2022 Research Australia Awards, this is an important cause for Research Australia.”

Professor Davidson serves as counsel general of the International Council on Women’s Health Issues, and was a past board member of the Consortium of Universities for Global Health.