- Role will be instrumental in implementing Research Reimagined, our new Strategic Plan aimed at solving the biggest challenges facing the health and wellbeing of children and families
- Supporting discovery-led science, the Deputy Director (Research) will oversee the delivery and development of The Kids research priorities
Professor Andrew Whitehouse, the Angela Wright Bennett Professor of Autism Research and CliniKids Director, has been appointed Deputy Director (Research) at The Kids Research Institute Australia.
Against a global field of high-calibre applicants and through a rigorous selection process, The Kids Executive Director Professor Jonathan Carapetis said Professor Whitehouse stood out for his exemplary leadership record and passion for impact-driven research.
“Andrew is internationally recognised for his work with children with neurodevelopmental differences which embeds research and clinical trials in community practice, leading to profound improvements for many children and families,” Professor Carapetis said.
“He has published more than 350 peer-reviewed journal articles, attracted more than $90 million in competitive research grants and is an advisor to both State and Federal Governments on policies relating to children with autism spectrum conditions.
“In this role, Andrew will bring a highly strategic approach to our vision to find solutions to the biggest problems impacting kids and families and ensuring those solutions make positive change whether it be through treatments, programs or policies.”
Professor Whitehouse said after 15 years working at The Kids, he was thrilled to be able to expand the breadth of his impact.
“There is no other organisation I know that can create a greater impact on the health and wellbeing of children and families, than The Kids Research Institute Australia,” Professor Whitehouse said. “We have some of the brightest minds and talented staff in the world all working toward a common goal – happy healthy kids.
“I have been lucky enough to have been involved in many other organisations around the world. None have the impact and reach I have seen delivered here at The Kids and I’m looking forward to seeing what more we can do to build on that extraordinary work.”
Prior to joining the Kids in 2010, Professor Whitehouse was a junior research fellow at the University of Oxford. He chaired the committee that generated Australia’s first national guidelines for autism diagnosis and co-chaired the committee that developed Australia’s first national guideline for early therapies and supports for children with autism.
In 2023 he was a Western Australian of the Year award winner. Professor Whitehouse will commence his new role on 31 March 2025.