Translational Research Institute to farewell Chief Executive

Respected respiratory physician Professor Scott Bell today announced he will not seek an extension of his five-year tenure as Chief Executive Officer of the Translational Research Institute. His tenure concludes in February 2025.

Professor Bell took the TRI helm in early 2020, just in time to steer the 1100-strong community of researchers, clinicians and industry stakeholders through the COVID-19 crisis.

A determined advocate for the benefits of translational research, Professor Bell has over 300 peer reviewed publications and has received grant support of more than $24 million. He commenced at The Prince Charles Hospital in 1996 where he established the Lung Transplant program, secured state-wide centre status for the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Centre and was its director from 1998 until 2016. His research interests include acquisition and transmission pathways for human infection and his multi-disciplinary research has resulted in significant changes to clinical practice and policy implementation globally.

TRI Board Chair Emeritus Professor David Siddle praised the contribution Professor Bell has made to advancing translational research in Australia.

“Scott did a remarkable job of leading TRI through the global pandemic. His greatest contribution here, however, has been his ability to galvanise meaningful collaboration between our partner shareholders The University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology, Mater Research and Queensland Health,” said E/Professor Siddle.

“This has not only supported powerful research outcomes beneath TRI’s roof, but it helped to forge clearly defined and highly visible pathways for connection between TRI-based researchers and hospital-based clinicians.

“Scott has also been instrumental in the expansion of TRI’s capability with the construction of our new translational manufacturing building, proudly funded by the Queensland Government and TRI. It will be the first facility of its kind in Australia to support mid-stage biotech companies as they mature, expand and scale-up product manufacturing.”

TRI will conduct a global search for a new Chief Executive Officer with the Board scheduled to appoint a recruitment firm to lead the campaign in the near future.

“The TRI Board intends to make an appointment to this pivotal role by late August 2024, allowing for a seamless handover with Scott before he concludes his term,” said E/Professor Siddle.

“Our next CEO will join TRI at an extremely exciting time given we will be opening the doors to our new translational manufacturing facility in late 2025.”

Professor Bell said that although it had been a difficult decision not to seek a second term as TRI CEO, a recent family relocation to northern New South Wales had been the catalyst for change.

“It will be incredibly hard to farewell the strong and united TRI community I have been privileged to lead, but I do know there will be a myriad of opportunities to continue our collaboration in the future, given TRI is the epicentre of translational research in Australia,” said Professor Bell.

“I want to thank past and present TRI Board members for their wise counsel and acknowledge the exceptional TRI Corporate team who have been instrumental in the Institute’s success over these past five years.”