Chair’s Report

On behalf of the Board of the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the Florey’s 2020 Annual Report.

During a year like no other, where the world has grappled with the unprecedented events caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, I am immensely proud to inform you that everyone at the Florey has persisted and overcome these significant challenges. As you’ll read in the report, many of our talented researchers applied their considerable skills and expertise to the crisis itself, contributing to the global scientific understanding of the virus, and options for diagnosis and treatment.

Like the majority of other workplaces in Australia and overseas, the Florey faced considerable disruption in 2020. In recognition of the importance of the Florey’s work in finding ways to treat and cure diseases of the brain and mind, we were provided special exempt status by the Victorian State Government during times of restriction, which meant that laboratory research continued uninterrupted throughout the year. We were also fortunate to receive financial support from the Australian Federal Government in a number of ways. We are also extraordinarily grateful to our philanthropic partners, trusts and foundations, and valued donors who generously continued their support of our work. The combination of these factors meant, both financially and in terms of productivity, the Florey weathered this challenging year with as much stability as the circumstances allowed.

Thank you to our Board Members

Mr Mark Jones AM, Chair

Prof. Steven Petrou, Director

Mr Harold Mitchell AC (Chair, Retired Dec 20)

Dr Maxwell Alexander (Retired Jun 20)

Ms Lyndsey Cattermole AM

Mr Peter Haig (Appointed Oct 20)

Mr Adam Horsburgh (Appointed Sep 20)

Prof. Mark Hargreaves

Prof. Andrea Hull AO

For this and many other reasons, I would like to acknowledge Mr Harold Mitchell AC, who retired as Chair of the Florey’s Board in December 2020. On behalf of the Board and all at the Florey, we thank him for his outstanding service to the Institute and look forward to his continuing support as a special friend of the Florey. I would also like to thank and acknowledge all of my fellow Board members and the Management Team for their diligence, counsel and commitment. We have commenced a process of refreshing the Board as some Board members near the end of their terms to replace these exceptional individuals with new members who will bring new skills and perspectives to guide the Institute over the coming years.

On a final note, my long association with the Florey as a supporter, then Board member and now Chair has been enormously gratifying. There is no doubt in my mind that the Florey is making a difference to the lives of those living with brain diseases or disorders. I thank you for your interest in, and support of the Florey, and for joining us in our mission to solve the greatest brain and mind challenges of our era.

Mr Mark Jones AM Chair, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health

Ms Kate Joel (Appointed Oct 20)

Prof. Shitij Kapur

Prof. Christine Kilpatrick AO

Mr Ross Oakley OAM

Mr Stephen Spargo AM.

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