The Heart Research Institute (HRI) is pleased to announce that Dr Tim Gainsford has been appointed Chief Operating Officer from Monday, 5 September 2022.
Dr Gainsford brings to HRI his extensive operational, technical and financial experience from a diverse range of research institutes, such as the National Acoustic Laboratories, the research division of Hearing Australia, Children’s Cancer Institute and the Garvan Institute of Medical Research.
“With world-leading researchers and a strong cardiovascular program, I am excited to be joining the HRI team. I am confident that with my knowledge and experience we can further develop and execute plans to continue the growth and success of the Institute,” said Dr Gainsford.
With a strong vision, Dr Gainsford has worked with government, high-profile Board relationships and industry connections to drive and support medical research. His success has seen him instrumental in commercialising various new medical products by establishing a product pipeline and project management team to cover contracts, sponsorship, intellectual property and legal matters.
In welcoming Dr Gainsford, HRI’s Interim Scientific Director Professor Andrew Coats said, “We welcome Tim with his wealth of diverse and relevant experience in the sector. His skills and experience will add enormously to the scientific team at HRI and will enable us to realise our full potential.”
Dr Gainsford completed his PhD in Medical Biology in 1998 at the Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. He completed his Masters in Management in 2012 at the Macquarie Graduate School of Management.
Dr Gainsford succeeds Dr Stephen Hollings, who retired as HRI’s Chief Executive Officer at the end of July. Over his 12 years with HRI, including a tenure as Chair, Dr Hollings was instrumental in building the Institute’s foundations by cultivating and nurturing a network of collaborators, government partners, universities, clinical partners and generous donors. He was a strong advocate for younger researchers and their development, and his stalwart commitment to science enabled HRI’s research to grow in both quality and ambition.