Partnership To Lead Alzheimer’s Research Capability
Alzheimer’s Research Australia is proud to announce that our Director of Research, Professor Ralph Martins, AO has been appointed as the inaugural Chair of Alzheimer’s Research at The University of Western Australia.
This appointment has been made possible through a $6 million partnership between The University of Western Australia, Alzheimer’s Research Australia, and the Lions Alzheimer’s Foundation.
This endowed Chair represents a significant milestone in advancing Alzheimer’s research in Australia. It reflects a shared commitment to improving the lives of individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia and the leading cause of death in Australia, through transformational progress in prevention, treatment, and care.
Professor Martins is internationally recognised for his pioneering contributions to Alzheimer’s disease research over more than four decades. As Director of Research at Alzheimer’s Research Australia, he has played a pivotal role in driving innovative research programs and strengthening Australia’s position in the global fight against dementia.
Together with his team, Professor Martins has led groundbreaking work in the development of non-invasive and cost-effective early diagnostic approaches for pre-clinical Alzheimer’s disease. His research identifying Alzheimer’s-related blood-based biomarkers represents a breakthrough, with the potential to enable accessible, low-cost blood tests for early detection.
Professor Vicky Vass, CEO of Alzheimer’s Research Australia, said the appointment represents a defining moment for dementia research in Western Australia and beyond.
“Professor Martins has dedicated his career to advancing our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease, and his appointment as the inaugural Chair is both incredibly well deserved and deeply significant for the future of research in this field.
“This partnership reflects what can be achieved when leading institutions come together with a shared vision to accelerate discovery, improve early detection, and ultimately change outcomes for people living with Alzheimer’s disease.
“At Alzheimer’s Research Australia, we are proud to support Professor Martins in this role and to continue driving research that brings us closer to a future without dementia.”
Through this appointment, Alzheimer’s Research Australia reaffirms its commitment to supporting world-class research, fostering collaboration, and accelerating discoveries that will ultimately change the trajectory of Alzheimer’s disease.
