Research Institute Director's Citizen of the Year Honour

June 4th, 2008 - Media Statement

The head of WA's premier adult medical research institute has been honoured for his vision and commitment in the annual state-based Citizen of the Year Awards.

Western Australian Institute for Medical Research (WAIMR) Director Professor Peter Klinken was on Sunday night named WA's Citizen of the Year in The Professions category of the awards at a gala dinner at Burswood Entertainment Complex.

The award comes during WAIMR's 10-year anniversary celebrations and recognises Professor Klinken's tireless efforts in helping create an environment that fosters collaboration between the state's scientists and reversing the so-called "brain drain" by attracting world-leading researchers to WAIMR.

These achievements are bolstering the opportunities for the next generation of young medical scientists in their own backyard and are critical for ensuring the health of the WA community.

The award also honours his leadership in the forthcoming establishment of two state-of-the-art research buildings in WA which will help to put Western Australia on the medical research world map.

WAIMR Chairman Richard Lester extended his congratulations to Professor Klinken.

"Peter and his WAIMR colleagues have helped to transform the face of medical research in WA by ensuring the best minds in the state come together with greater frequency," he said.

"And their latest venture is also a fine example of collaboration as these buildings will be home not just to WAIMR, but other key medical research groups also."

Professor Klinken, who was nominated by respected local businessman and prostate cancer survivor John Poynton, said he was humbled to receive the award from WA Governor Dr Ken Michael.

"I am very excited about the future of medical research in WA and what we've been able to achieve so far," he said.

"I believe, importantly, this award reveals how vital medical research is to the entire community and I'm thrilled that before they are even built, the importance of these cutting-edge research hubs has been recognised."

"There have been many, many people involved in bringing this vision into reality and each and every one of them should be commended for their dedication and foresight too."

Some of those include WAIMR Deputy Director Professor Peter Leedman, WAIMR Board Deputy Chairman and University of Western Australia Vice Chancellor Alan Robson, Lions Eye Institute Director Ian Constable - who won the inaugural Sir Charles Court Inspiring Leadership Award at last night's ceremony - and the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research's Professor Fiona Stanley.

Past recipients of the Citizen of the Year (Professions) include Professor Stanley, Malcolm McCusker QC, Dr Fiona Wood, Nobel laureates Barry Marshall and Robin Warren, and Chief Justice Wayne Martin.

The Citizen of the Year awards are announced and presented each year on the anniversary of Western Australia's June 1, 1890 Foundation Day.

For more information please contact:
Natalie Papadopoulos
Media Consultant for the WA Institute for Medical Research
Mobile: 0407 984 435
Office: (08) 9388 9280