Community Recognition Notice - Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin

21 June 2022

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland)—I would like to congratulate registered psychologist and mental health researcher Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin on her recent appointment as director of the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI). Her innovative work on the comorbidity of mental health and drug use disorders received more than $30 million in successful research funding and led to new treatments and better outcomes for patients. So, Frances' leadership and extensive background will be an enormous asset to the institute and the region in general. As a long-time supporter of the HMRI, even before I entered politics, I'm very pleased to see the excitement that her appointment has generated both within HMRI and the broader research community. I look forward to working with Frances and her team on a number of projects but, in particular, the establishment of the HMRI Rural and Regional Research Hub to improve the health and wellbeing of people in Maitland and surrounding areas. I look forward to seeing Professor Kay-Lambkin this weekend at the HMRI Foundation Reunion Ball. I hope the ball is a great success and helps to revive the fundraising for this important institute.