At Alzheimer’s Research Australia, a passionate and dedicated team is working tirelessly to make a profound impact in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
As we invite you to meet our team, we also encourage you to be a part of our journey to make a positive impact on the lives affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s Research Australia partners with researchers from: Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University, The University of Western Australia and Macquarie University. Together, with our national and international collaborators we are advancing towards a world where Alzheimer’s is detected early, prevented effectively, and treated successfully.
Our Executive Team
Our executive team, led by CEO Professor Vicky Vass and Director of Research Professor Ralph Martins, AO is the driving force behind our research efforts. Their vision and leadership guide our organisation, ensuring that we stay at the forefront of Alzheimer’s research.
Our Research Team
Our esteemed research team is dedicated to pioneering new scientific research including early-stage dementia detection, and preventive strategies against the decline of memory and thinking. Our researchers actively engage in national and international initiatives, boasting substantial portfolios of peer-reviewed publications, resulting in high quality outcomes that secures results for the community.
Our Clinical Trials Team
Our clinical trials team is focused on conducting trials for new pharmaceutical treatments being developed to treat Alzheimer’s disease. This provides the opportunity for people at risk of Alzheimer’s, or with an early diagnosis, to trial new potential treatments which may assist in slowing or halting disease progression. The team is led by a very experienced manager, Paula Mather, together with geriatrician Dr Roger Clarnette.
Our Board
Our distinguished Board members provide strategic guidance and leadership, shaping the future of Alzheimer’s Research Australia. Their commitment to our mission is invaluable in guiding our organisation towards a world without Alzheimer’s.
Our Research Support Team
Our Research Support team comprises a cohesive and dedicated group with diverse skills that support our mission. They are responsible for fundraising, facilities management, public education events, and communication. This team’s commitment and expertise fosters an environment that enables researchers to concentrate on their research and its impact.
Chief Executive Officer
Professor Vicky Vass BA (Hons), PhD
Professor Vass is an experienced CEO and academic. She exemplifies a tri-sectoral leader, having skilfully navigated the complexities of Not-For-Profit, tertiary education, and private industry. Her extensive experience and exceptional leadership transcend these sectors, leaving a lasting mark on the global landscape of education, research, and governance. Renowned for her ability to forge meaningful collaborations, she has played a pivotal role in health and medical communities in both the UK and Australia, fostering ties with government entities to drive comprehensive initiatives. Vicky adeptly weaves her multifaceted leadership approach into providing a comprehensive perspective that emphasises her steadfast dedication to advancing research, cultivating partnerships, and enhancing effective governance in alignment with the mission of Alzheimer’s Research Australia.
Chair – Graeme Prior
Chief Executive Officer – Hall & Prior Aged Care Group
Graeme Prior joined the board in 2019 and brings over 30 years of leadership experience in the aged care sector. As the CEO of Hall & Prior Residential Health and Aged Care Group, he oversees the care of thousands of residential and community clients across Perth and Sydney. Graeme is a passionate advocate for improving the quality of aged care services through education, technology, and workforce enablement. He holds numerous leadership roles in national and international aged-care organisations.
Deputy Chair – Dr Terry Bayliss
Coordinator Development, Projects & Research – Ramsay Health Care
Dr Terry Bayliss has been a board member of Alzheimer’s Research Australia since its inception in 2000 and previously served as Chair in 2005. He has over 40 years of experience in medicine and hospital management. Dr Bayliss is also Chair of the Hollywood Private Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee and heads the Hollywood Private Hospital Research Foundation, which has funded over $1 million in research grants. He is passionate about advancing medical research in the private hospital and not-for-profit sectors
Treasurer – Rod O’Dea
Chief Executive Officer – Ellann Finance
Rod O’Dea joined the board in 2018 and brings nearly 30 years of experience across banking, treasury, superannuation, and funds management. With a Bachelor of Finance from Edith Cowan University and an MBA from Curtin University, he has held senior roles in financial services. Rod is a Fellow of both the Financial Services Institute of Australasia (FINSIA) and the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA). His expertise strengthens the board’s financial governance and oversight of strategic investments.
Director of Research – Professor Ralph Martins, AO
Professor of Neurobiology – Macquarie University & Foundation Chair of Ageing and Alzheimer’s disease – Edith Cowan University
Professor Ralph Martins has been a board member of Alzheimer’s Research Australia since its inception in 2000 and is internationally renowned for his work in Alzheimer’s disease research, having dedicated over four decades to studying the disease. He is the Foundation Professor of Ageing and Alzheimer’s Disease at Edith Cowan University and ARAs’ Director of Research. Professor Martins’ groundbreaking research has focused on early diagnosis and preventative strategies, and he has contributed to major global studies and trials. In recognition of his work, he was awarded Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2013.
Tim Andrew
Head of Office UBS Perth
Tim Andrew joined the board in 2019 and has over 25 years of experience in corporate finance, having held senior roles in investment banking, equities research, and mergers & acquisitions across Australia and Asia. He is currently the Head of UBS Australia’s Perth office, leading a team serving corporate clients across various industries. Tim’s global experience, including leadership roles at Standard Chartered and Deutsche Bank, adds valuable insight into corporate governance, strategy, and financial management.
Dr Pamela Cresswell
Adjunct Professor in Nursing – Curtin University
Dr Pamela Cresswell joined the board in 2023 and brings over 30 years of leadership experience in education and health. She has held executive roles at Curtin University, where she oversaw financial management, governance, and the strategic development of the School of Nursing. Pamela has extensive experience in managing complex international programs and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. She has served on multiple boards, including the Nurses Board of Western Australia and Tennis West, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Rob Davies
Accountant – Mine Site Construction Services
Robert Davies joined the board in 2010, motivated by personal experiences with Alzheimer’s disease. He has served in various leadership roles, including Treasurer, and has been a strong supporter of the Foundation’s research initiatives. With a background in senior financial positions in the construction and mining services industries, Robert brings valuable financial and governance expertise to the board. He is also an active volunteer in the foundation’s research programs and has held honorary positions in several non-profit organisations.
Rebecca Hanrahan
Special Counsel – Clayton Utz
Rebecca Hanrahan joined the board in 2023, bringing her expertise in corporate governance, risk management, and legal advisory. As a Special Counsel at Clayton Utz, she has extensive experience in restructuring, crisis management, and advising boards on corporate governance and regulatory issues. Rebecca has a strong legal background, holding a Bachelor of Laws and a Master of Laws. She is also actively involved in pro bono work and is a member of the Turnaround Management Association and the Australian Institute of Company Directors
Professor Colin Masters, AO
Laureate Professor of Dementia Research – The Florey Institute and the University of Melbourne
Professor Colin Masters joined the board in 2023 and has over 40 years of experience in Alzheimer’s disease research. He is a Professor of Dementia Research at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health and has made significant contributions to understanding the pathology of neurodegenerative diseases. His research, particularly his collaboration with Konrad Beyreuther, identified the Aβ amyloid protein responsible for Alzheimer’s disease. Professor Masters’ work has been foundational in developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, and he has been recognised with numerous international awards for his achievements in the field.
Yvonne Parnell
Co-Director – Aqumen
Yvonne Parnell joined the board in 2023 and is an accomplished Non-Executive Director with extensive governance experience across the public health, medical research, and not-for-profit sectors. Yvonne’s background includes CEO roles and executive leadership in community services, retail, and consulting. She is known for her strategic planning, change management, and stakeholder engagement skills. Yvonne is a passionate advocate for consumer representation and community-led initiatives in health research and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Enzo Sirna, AM
Deputy Chief Executive Officer – National Trust of Western Australia
Enzo Sirna joined the board in 2000, bringing extensive educational and cultural leadership experience. He is currently the Deputy CEO of the National Trust of Australia (WA). He has been deeply involved in the Italian-Australian community as President of the Italo-Australian Welfare & Cultural Centre Inc. Enzo has held various leadership roles on state and national committees, including Chair of the Australian Alzheimer’s Research Foundation. He was awarded the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic (Cavaliere) and made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his contributions to the community
About us
Meet the Research Leadership Team
There are currently around 90 people who work regularly in our state-of-the-art facilities dedicated to Alzheimer’s research. These include researchers, students and research interns from many collaborating universities, as well as international students.
The research team is involved in both clinical and laboratory-based research projects. This includes everything from interviewing study participants and collection of blood samples, to conducting laboratory work and ensuring the safe long-term storage of vital data and samples.
The Research Leadership Team covers a broad range of projects to better understand Alzheimer’s disease, and develop preventative strategies and innovative ways to diagnose the disease so treatments can be implemented as early as possible.
Professor Ralph Martins, AO
Associate Professor Roger Clarnette
Associate Professor Stephanie Rainey-Smith
Professor Hamid Sohrabi
Kevin Taddei
Dr Prashant Bharadwaj
Dr Binosha Fernando
Dr Eugene Hone
Dr Samantha Gardener
Dr Steve Pedrini
About Us
Alzheimer’s Research Australia is one of the nation’s leading medical research institutes specialising in Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
