Australia’s national institute for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research, the Lowitja Institute, has appointed Romlie Mokak as CEO.

The Lowitja Institute brings together world-leading researchers, policy makers and experts in cutting-edge service delivery, enabling collaborative health research that will make a real difference to people’s lives. Its vision is to achieve equity in health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Born in Darwin, Mokak has extensive experience working at community, state and national levels in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander policy. His previous role as CEO of the Australian Indigenous Doctors Association (AIDA) saw him build the organisation into a substantial and critical organisation in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector.

“We are very much looking forward to Romlie joining us and taking our organisation into its next stage of evolution,” says Lowitja Institute Chair, Pat Anderson.

“We have seen how Romlie has built AIDA and know that his skills will be well used in further building the Lowitja Institute to ensure we achieve our vision.”

Mokak’s appointment coincides with the institute’s new five-year funding cycle, providing the institute and partner organisations with stability and an opportunity to ensure work continues without interruption.

BioMelbourne Network has announced Dr Krystal Evans as CEO.

Evans is a recognised advocate for science and technology in Australia. She has previously been active in the political arena, the research sector and in science media.

Throughout her career she has gathered a broad range of experiences, including stakeholder engagement, public affairs, advocacy and business. She is a recognised thought leader on a variety of science issues and is at the forefront of recent industry change. Evans previously held the role of Senior Research Officer at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research.

“As our sector continues to evolve, so must the BioMelbourne Network. We are confident that Krystal is the right person to advance and develop Victoria’s unique position as the premier life sciences and health technology state in Australia,” says BioMelbourne Network Chair, Andrew Macdonald.

Evans commences in a full-time capacity in early August.

Third Sector would like to congratulate both Evans and Mokak on their recent appointments.