A globally recognised leader in maternal and child health has been named The Kids Research Institute Australia’s third Executive Director.
Professor Caroline Homer AO, whose international career spans clinical care, academic research, policy influence and senior leadership, has also been appointed a Professor at The University of Western Australia and Director at the UWA Centre for Child Health Research.
She will take up the role of Executive Director at The Kids – Australia’s largest medical research institute and the only institute dedicated to the health and wellbeing of children and young people – from 20 July this year.
Currently at the Burnet Institute in Melbourne, Professor Homer is Executive Council Member; Deputy Director, Gender Equity, Diversity and Inclusion; and Co-Head of the Global Women and Newborn Health Group.
A Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences, she has served as Chair of the National Health and Medical Research Council since 2021 and holds honorary, adjunct and visiting appointments at the University of Melbourne, Monash University and Kings College, London. She previously held senior leadership roles at the University of Technology Sydney.
Ms Naomi Flutter, Board Chair at The Kids, said Professor Homer brought significant leadership capabilities and experience, supporting the translation of research into real-world impact including through the development of strong, impactful relationships with diverse partners.
“Caroline joins The Kids having led significant research programs focused on improving health outcomes for women, children and families,” Ms Flutter said.
“Her work in academic and Institute settings and with global health bodies, including the World Health Organization, has directly influenced policy and practice in Australia and internationally. We’re confident that Caroline’s leadership will help guide the Institute through this next critical period as we implement Research Reimagined, our strategic plan.”
Professor Homer said she was honoured to be appointed as the third Executive Director at The Kids, following distinguished researchers and scientists Professor Fiona Stanley AC and Professor Jonathan Carapetis AM.
“I’m excited to join The Kids, with its impressive track record delivering outcomes for kids and families and strong reputation, built over the last 35 years. I look forward to partnering with the executive and broader team to continue to deliver health and wellbeing outcomes for children and families,” Professor Homer said.
“I’m attracted to The Kids’ strategic plan, which establishes a compelling ambition for the Institute, and see opportunities to draw upon my experience at the Burnet, NHMRC and in international forums like the WHO, to build partnerships across health services and stakeholders to deliver the plan.”
Professor Homer was selected by the Board following a rigorous recruitment process, which attracted extremely high calibre domestic and international candidates. The Executive Director role also carries a professorial appointment with UWA.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at UWA, Professor Anna Nowak, said Professor Homer was an inspired choice.
“As a leading midwifery researcher, and with an international reputation as a scholar and leader in maternal and newborn health care and service delivery, Professor Homer is perfectly placed both to lead The Kids and to advance research and advocacy in these important fields in Western Australia.
“As a State we will benefit greatly from the outstanding expertise and experience she brings.”
Professor Homer will replace Professor Jonathan Carapetis AM, who has served as Executive Director of The Kids for 14 years. Professor Carapetis will continue his research at The Kids and with UWA, pursuing his lifelong focus on finding a vaccine for Strep A and ending rheumatic heart disease.
Professor Homer will be the second woman to lead The Kids. Professor Stanley, Founding Director and now Patron, retired in 2011.