Meet the experts.
- Perth Children's Hospital Foundation
Meet the experts.
- Perth Children's Hospital Foundation
Introducing PCHF’s new Scientific Advisory Committee – guiding the future of kids’ health research.
We’re excited to share that 11 expert advisors have joined PCHF’s new Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC), helping ensure that the research and experts we fund are of the highest quality and truly make a difference to health and wellbeing of WA kids.
This new committee brings specialist expertise from across Australia in areas including nursing, physiotherapy, mental health, infectious diseases, epidemiology, neonatology, clinical trials, childhood cancer and dietetics.
The committee is led by Professor Graham Hall, a health researcher with more than 25 years’ experience across healthcare, academia and the not-for-profit sector.
“It’s humbling to see how many respected professionals from across Australia have volunteered their time for WA kids,” said Prof. Hall. “Crucially, the SAC exists to ensure donors’ contributions are invested wisely, supporting innovative, impactful research that improves the lives of WA kids today and into the future.”
Prof. Graham Hall, Scientific Advisory Committee Chair.
What does the Scientific Advisory Committee do?
- Reviews research proposals submitted by clinicians at Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH) and the Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS)
- Provides independent, expert advice to help determine which projects receive funding
- Support strategic planning by advising PCHF and its Board on research priorities
PCHF CEO Carrick Robinson welcomed the new committee, saying: “We are thrilled to have the SAC on board to help shape our funding priorities. Every new research project, fellowship and professorial appointment will now be independently reviewed by up to three SAC members, adding a strong layer of expert oversight.
“PCHF has invested more than $108 million in grant funding to the hospital since 1998, and this committee will play a key role in continuing that legacy of innovation, excellence and accountability.”
Dr Catherine Carmichael, a Melbourne-based cancer researcher specialising in childhood leukaemia, said joining the SAC was an opportunity for her to support high-quality, impactful research.
“It’s incredibly motivating to be part of a process that helps ensure community donations are directed to research with the best chance of delivering real outcomes for children in WA and beyond,” Dr Carmichael said.
“The Comprehensive Kids Cancer Centre project proposal really stood out to me. It brings together a lot of different people to support childhood cancer research and has the potential to expand clinical trials, meaning more WA kids could access potentially life-saving treatments.
“I was also impressed by how many proposals aim to improve healthcare for First Nations children. It’s fantastic that so much research is happening in this space in WA.
Dr. Catherine Carmichael, Scientific Advisory Committee Member.
PCHF is committed to ensuring the SAC reflects the diversity of the WA community. The goal is for at least 50% of committee members to be women, and to continue building a team that includes a broad range of cultural backgrounds and healthcare specialties. Looking ahead, we’re also prioritising the inclusion of experts in endocrinology and First Nations health.
To learn more about the Scientific Advisory Committee, visit: pchf.org.au/scientific-advisory-committee
