Professor Marc Ruitenberg has been appointed as the Director of Biomedical Research at Mater Research, bringing internationally recognised leadership in neuroinflammation and central nervous system injury research.
Currently a Professor in the School of Biomedical Sciences at The University of Queensland (UQ), Prof Ruitenberg has held significant leadership portfolios, including as Program Director for the Bachelor of Biomedical Science and Chair of UQ’s Health Sciences Animal Ethics Committee. His appointment marks a pivotal moment for Mater Research as it strengthens its focus on further integrating discovery science with clinical needs.
Prof Ruitenberg said he was drawn to Mater Group’s unique organisational structure, which brings together health, education, research and the foundation under one umbrella.
"This integration offers a rare and powerful internal platform for bidirectional translation, one where clinical problems can be directly taken to the lab and solutions returned to the bedside," Prof Ruitenberg said.
"I am committed to furthering the outstanding research already taking place at Mater, and in an environment that organically grows true partnerships between basic scientists and clinicians to address the health challenges of our times."
Prof Ruitenberg’s research career has been defined by challenging established concepts. His team has advanced understanding that inflammation following brain or spinal cord injury is not solely detrimental, but rather a process that can be reframed and modulated to promote repair.
This innovative approach has led to tangible translational outcomes. His work has already delivered real-world impact, with a world-first trial treating spinal cord injury, and he is currently working alongside Mater clinicians to develop a new diagnostic tool for autoimmune encephalitis.
Mater Research Executive Director Professor Allison Pettit said Prof Ruitenberg’s demonstrated ability to turn discovery into therapy made him an ideal choice for the executive team.
"His record of scholarly excellence, translational impact and collaborative leadership aligns perfectly with Mater Research’s mission," Prof Pettit said.
"His vision directly supports Mater Research’s aspiration to accelerate bidirectional translation - from clinic-informed discovery to bedside-ready innovation."
Professor Ruitenberg will commence at Mater Research on 2 March 2026.
