University of Adelaide: South Australian of the Year to lead Women’s and Children’s research

Through the new role, the South Australian of the Year and leading vaccine researcher will foster and drive innovative research, build internationally competitive and high calibre research programs, and collaborate with key stakeholders and staff.

Professor Marshall has an extensive background in child health and immunisation research and holds an array of senior leadership positions.

She was named as the 2022 South Australian of the Year and SA Woman of the Year for her tireless work to ensure South Australian babies and children receive the best possible protection against meningococcal disease.

In the same year, she became a Member of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day Honours and a Fellow of the Academy of Health and Medical Sciences. Professor Marshall will maintain her role as Consultant in Vaccinology and Medical Director for the Vaccinology Immunology Research Trials Unit at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

She will also continue as Deputy Director of the University of Adelaide’s Robinson Research Institute, where she is currently undertaking vital research in influenza and COVID-19 vaccines.

As a statewide women’s and children’s health service, we have the unique opportunity to be the leaders in investigating health outcomes aimed at improving the lives of women and children both here and across the globe.
Clinical Research Director, Women’s and Children’s Health Network, Professor Helen Marshall AM
This joint University of Adelaide and WCHN appointment has been made possible thanks to funding through the Women’s and Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Women’s and Children’s Health Research Fund.

The role will help further elevate the state’s world-leading research and improve health outcomes for women, babies, children, young people and their families.

Quotes attributable to Clinical Research Director, Women’s and Children’s Health Network Professor Helen Marshall AM

I am incredibly honoured to be the inaugural Clinical Research Director at the WCHN, where I will be able to drive and contribute to innovative research which can ultimately change lives.

As a statewide women’s and children’s health service, we have the unique opportunity to be the leaders in investigating health outcomes aimed at improving the lives of women and children, both here and across the globe.

I am inspired by the incredible research undertaken across the WCHN and look forward to developing and expanding my contribution to advancing clinical practice and policy and improving the health of women, babies, children and young people.

Quotes attributable to Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research), University of Adelaide, Professor Anton Middelberg

Professor Marshall’s excellence in medical research makes her an outstanding appointment. As one of Australia’s most research-intensive institutions, the University of Adelaide is proud of the impact of our health research, and our involvement with the Women’s and Children’s Health Network. Our researchers, such as Professor Marshall, who work in the Discipline of Paediatrics are world-leaders in their fields, tackling challenges head on and discovering innovative solutions to real-world problems that directly benefit our community.

Quotes attributable to Government of South Australia, Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Chris Picton MP

Professor Helen Marshall AM is a leader in her field with strong international networks and experience, so we feel extremely fortunate to be able to use her extensive knowledge and expertise. I would like to congratulate Professor Marshall on her important new role which will undoubtedly improve the lives of some of our youngest and most vulnerable South Australians and their families. Her appointment will help cement our state’s growing reputation for world-leading, life-changing research.