Following an international search, Professor Maher Gandhi has been appointed Director of Clinical Research at Mater Research.
Professor Gandhi joins Mater from the Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland and as a Pre-Eminent Senior Staff Haematologist and Head of Academic Haematology at the Princess Alexandra Hospital.
The newly created position of Director of Clinical Research will provide oversight, leadership, and guidance in the management and execution of clinical research at Mater. The position will work collaboratively to establish research priorities and assess organisational processes associated with clinical research and create a research program that influences future national and international health policy and practice, through integration of Mater Research with clinical care.
A Specialist Haematologist for 16 years, Maher’s medical speciality training was completed in the UK in Cambridge and Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, and in Toronto Canada. He completed a PhD in Viral Immunology in Cambridge, came to Brisbane on a Fellowship in 2003, and has stayed here supported by uninterrupted NHMRC funding since 2005.
His past appointments include Chair of the Australasian Leukaemia Lymphoma Group Scientific Sub-Committee and Chair of the Metro South HREC. Professor Gandhi’s research interests relate to the tumour microenvironment in lymphoma. He is passionate about promoting translational research and personalised medicine, implementing interdisciplinary research, innovative clinical trials, and forging stronger links between scientists and clinicians.
In his upcoming roles as Director of Clinical Research with Mater Research, and Haematologist with Mater Health, he looks forward to facilitating clinical research activities through strategic and academic planning and engaging with diverse stakeholders across the Mater Group.
“As a Senior Clinician and Translational Researcher, I value this exciting opportunity to optimise research performance on the Mater campus, and to facilitate the translation of research findings within Queensland’s premier clinical and biomedical hub,” Professor Gandhi said.
“I am very much looking forward to implementing interdisciplinary research, engaging with diverse stakeholders and maintaining exceptional standards of performance, integrity and engagement within the spheres of administration and research.”
The Director of Clinical Research’s role is to set strategy and create a clinical research program that influences future national and international health policy and practice through the full integration of Mater Research with clinical care. Whilst centred on Mater Research, the role will have close involvement with Mater Health, Mater Education and Mater Foundation.
Professor Gandhi will start in his new role on 15 October 2018.