Frank and Fearless with Dr Doug Hilton AO

ANDHealth’s Frank and Fearless series shines a spotlight on the visionary leaders who are transforming the landscape of health, science and innovation in Australia and beyond. Frank and Fearless is your gateway into the brilliant minds of those who are pushing boundaries, inspiring change, and leading us towards the future of healthcare and technology.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: This event has been postponed. 2025 date to be announced soon!

From his beginnings as a molecular and cellular biologist to now being one of the most highly respected leaders of the sector, Dr Hilton’s journey is nothing short of inspiring.

Dr Hilton served as Director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) between 2009 and 2023, and led the institute into a new era that accelerated effort around translation and commercialisation whilst continuing to embrace fundamental research and discovery.

Beyond his dedication to research, Dr Hilton has been a passionate advocate for strong institutional cultures and diversity in science, including as a member of the Champions of Change Coalition and a board member of Australians Investing in Women. During his tenure at WEHI, Dr Hilton opened the first on-site childcare centre at an Australian independent medical research institute, supporting researchers with an easier return to work after parental leave.

Last year, Dr Hilton took the helm of CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, during an era where misinformation, conspiracy theories and distrust in science are on the rise. He is on a mission to grow our nation’s understanding of and belief in science so that scientific research can continue to be a catalyst for progress, prosperity, and a better future for all Australians.

For his achievements as a researcher, communicator and advocate for science, Dr Hilton has received accolades including the NHMRC Outstanding Contribution Award in 2023, Melburnian of the Year from the City of Melbourne in 2020, and Officer of the Order of Australia in 2016.

Our host, ANDHealth CEO and Managing Director Bronwyn Le Grice, will take us on a deep dive into Dr Hilton’s remarkable career, incredible impact, personal philosophies, and explore his vision for the future of health and science.

Don’t miss this chance to hear from a luminary in the world of medical research in an intimate setting where no question is off limits.

Not all heroes wear capes, but every hero has a story to tell…

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Tuesday 29 October 2024

Time: 4:45 pm: Arrival and registration

5:00 pm: Frank and Fearless interview

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Networking

Where: CHICC – Connected Health Innovation and Commercialisation Centre, Suite 2, Level 2, 99 William Street, Melbourne 3000

Guest speaker: Dr Doug Hilton AO, Chief Executive, CSIRO

Host: Bronwyn Le Grice, CEO & Managing Director, ANDHealth

SPEAKER DETAILS

Dr Doug Hilton AO, Chief Executive, CSIRO

Dr Doug Hilton AO commenced as CSIRO Chief Executive on September 29, 2023.

Dr Hilton is a molecular and cellular biologist and previously Director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI). At WEHI, his medical research focussed on understanding how blood cells communicate and using this knowledge to improve disease treatments. He and his team held more than 20 patents and translated their research through collaboration with venture capitalists and the biopharmaceutical industry. Through an honorary appointment in the Zoology Department at University of Melbourne, he also studies a family of tiny day-flying moths involved in the pollination of Australian plants.

Beyond research, Dr Hilton has emphasised the importance of strong institutional cultures, and furthered diversity in science including as a member of the Champion of Change Coalition and a board member of Australians Investing in Women.