July 18, 2018
Genome BC was pleased to present Robyn Ward at its most recent Genomics Forum. Robyn was one of four international speakers who brought their unique perspective to some of the most pressing challenges facing the integration of genomics into clinical health care settings. In addition to her presentation at the forum, we interviewed Robyn and asked her how policy and strategy development in Australia was influencing access to genomics.
Robyn Ward is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research at the University of Queensland and Acting Executive Dean of Medicine at the University of Queensland. She has a professional background as medical oncologist, academic leader and cancer researcher, with has over 20 years’ experience in lab-based, clinical and health services research.
As an active member of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) since February 2001, she has used her expertise in oncology and cancer biology to assist in the evaluation of drug subsidies, and the development of effective policies regarding the best use of medicines in Australia. She has also served as chair the Commonwealth Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) since 2008, advising the Federal government on the public funding of medical services, technologies and procedures. Robyn has leveraged her expertise in the fields of human cancer genetics and public health policy through terms as Chair of the Human Genetics Advisory Committee of NHMRC from 2012 – 2015, and as Deputy Chair of the Washington-based Global Genomics Medicine Collaborative (G2MC).
