The Telethon Institute for Child Health Research announced at its annual meeting last night that Professor Fiona Stanley would retire as director at the end of 2011.
Board chairman Mr John Langoulant said Professor Stanley would continue her close association with the Institute as Patron.
"Fiona was the founding Director of the Institute and deserves so much credit for building this organisation to where it is today as an internationally recognised leader in so many aspects of child health research," Mr Langoulant said.
"Her research and advocacy on behalf of Australia's children and families has made a profound and ongoing impact to the lives of so many.
"I am confident that the strong culture and commitment to scientific excellence that stemmed from Fiona's leadership will see the Institute continue to thrive.
Professor Stanley will continue as Chief Investigator on a number of research grants and projects at the Institute that have funding into 2014.
She will also continue her association with the University of Western Australia as a Vice Chancellor's Distinguished Professorial Fellow.
An international recruitment process is already underway to find a new Director to lead the Institute.
Professor Stanley said she felt confident that the time was right to retire as Director.
"It has been a wonderful adventure and privilege to lead this Institute from inception to where it is today," Professor Stanley said.
"I know the research ethos is solid and the Institute is financially sound and I look forward to focussing more on my own research and of course, my family.
"My passion for using research to inform the best treatments, interventions and policies remains, and I look forward to sharing that in a range of national and international forums
"My sincere thanks go to John and the Board, my colleagues, staff and students, and all those who have supported the Institute over the years. I think we can all be very proud of what we have collectively achieved."
