Professor Lyn Beazley AO Retires as RPH Research Foundation Board Chair

Throughout her tenure, Professor Beazley has been an exceptional advocate for research and has played a pivotal role in guiding the RPH Research Foundation. Her unwavering commitment and strategic vision have seen the introduction of new grant streams, such as the Innovation and Impact grant program, which has significantly contributed to ground-breaking research initiatives.

Under Professor Beazley's leadership, the RPH Research Foundation has witnessed remarkable growth and impact, fostering collaborations between researchers, clinicians, and other stakeholders to drive advancements in medical knowledge and clinical practice. Her dedication has left an indelible mark on the organisation and the wider medical research community.

“Although Professor Beazley has chosen to retire from the leadership of the Foundation, she continues to be a passionate advocate for medical and health research, and a valued champion and friend. On behalf of the Board, I wish to thank Professor Beazley for her leadership, mentorship, and friendship. It is fitting that this, our 40th anniversary year, will afford us several opportunities to celebrate Professor Beazley’s contribution to the Foundation. The first of these is our upcoming event 'Celebrating 40 Years of Medical Research: An Evening with Professor Lyn Beazley AO' in partnership with the City of Perth Library,” shared Mr John Palermo.

To ensure a smooth transition, the RPH Research Foundation is delighted to announce that Mr John Palermo will assume the role of Board Chair following Professor Beazley's retirement. With a distinguished career spanning over 25 years as a Chartered Accountant, Mr Palermo brings extensive expertise in corporate transaction execution, strategic business management, and business structuring.

A passionate advocate for research, Mr Palermo has been an integral part of the RPH Research Foundation's leadership team, having previously served as Deputy Chair and Treasurer. His unwavering commitment to the organisation's mission, combined with his diverse experience, make him an ideal candidate to lead the Foundation into its next chapter.

Beyond his role at the RPH Research Foundation, Mr Palermo serves as the Chair of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, demonstrating his continued commitment to excellence and leadership in his field. He is also a Director of the West Australian Ballet and has previously held esteemed positions as an Executive Councillor of the National Trust and as a Board member of Lifeline.

During Mr Palermo’s time as Deputy Board Chair, he helped the Foundation navigate through the uncertainty of the COVID-19 Pandemic while growing the Foundation’s corpus, focused on increasing our capacity to support research.

“I feel very privileged to take on this role during such an exciting time of growth and possibilities for the Foundation. As we continue to navigate an ever-changing landscape, I look forward to working closely with fellow Board members to continue to build and strengthen the Foundation’s strategic direction,” said Mr Palermo.

“Our greatest strength has always been the scientists, clinicians, researchers, hospital staff and support teams that work tirelessly to research and improve health outcomes for patients. I am dedicating myself to continuing to drive our agenda to see innovative research translating into better outcomes for the WA community.”

The RPH Research Foundation expresses its sincere gratitude to Professor Lyn Beazley AO for her exceptional contribution as Board Chair. Her influence has left an indelible mark on the Foundation and the researchers we support. We look forward to honouring Professor Beazley’s invaluable contribution to the Foundation and to Western Australian research throughout the year and at our 40th Anniversary Research Symposium and Awards Day held in October.

RPH Research Foundation looks forward to continued growth and impact under the guidance of Mr John Palermo.