World-leading researcher and scientist Professor Bronwyn Myers has been appointed the foundation Director of Curtin’s enAble Institute, a new research collaborative focussed on enabling individuals living with physical and mental health needs or facing the challenges of ageing, The Curtin enAble Institute is a new collaborative venture focussed on conducting research which uses a whole of life (from maternity to palliative care), and whole of person (body, mind and place) approach to meet the physical and mental health needs of people of all levels of ability and age, to help them stay well and in their communities and to live personally meaningful and enriching lives.
Professor Myers was most recently Deputy Director of the Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit of the South African Medical Research Council, and has worked extensively in enhancing services for people with mental or physical health disorders to improve their quality of life.
Curtin University Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne welcomed Professor Myers’ appointment and the wealth of international experience and expertise she will bring to the role.
“Professor Myers is an internationally recognised researcher and leader in the field of clinical psychology, who will bring great insight and depth to the role of inaugural Curtin enAble Institute Director,” Professor Hayne said.
“She has decades of experience working internationally to provide consumer-focused research leading to meaningful and impactful outcomes, which is at the heart of the Curtin enAble Institute’s mission.
“This mission to translate consumer-driven research into real action and results, through collaboration with industry, government and service providers, embodies not only the research future of the University, but our values and vision.”
Curtin’s Pro Vice-Chancellor Health Sciences Professor Archie Clements said with Professor Myers at the helm, the Curtin enAble Institute is well-placed to become the leading research-into-practice and research-into-training institute in Australia.
“The enAble Institute’s primary focus is on helping West Australians achieve a better quality of life by putting consumers first. It will ask them and their families what they need and then adopt a cross-campus approach to take in all the research and innovations across our faculties, before working together with service providers to translate them into solutions,” Professor Clements said.
“Professor Myers outstanding experience in engaging those in need, academics and service providers to turn research into real-world impact will be invaluable in securing the Curtin enAble Institute’s future success.”
Professor Myers said she was looking forward to joining Curtin and leading the enAble Institute team.
“I am excited to be working closely with consumers, innovators, government and service providers to make a difference in the lives of those in need of care, no matter what their age or level of ability,” Professor Myers said.
“At a time when society is challenged to think differently about its care systems, policies and practices to support and meet the needs of all people, I look forward to taking on this incredible opportunity to be part of positive and sustainable change.”
