Dr Martyn Myer AO
Dr Martyn Myer AO is the Chair of the Doherty Institute Council, a major infectious disease research institute that is a joint venture between The University of Melbourne and the Royal Melbourne Hospital focused on finding solutions to prevent, treat and cure infectious diseases and understanding the complexities of microbes and the immune system. The Doherty Institute played a key role in Australia’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Dr Myer is also the Chairman and founder of Cogstate Ltd, an ASX listed, neuroscience software company serving the clinical trials research needs of the world’s major pharmaceutical companies particularly in the field of Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, Dr Myer is the Chair of the board of the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Australia’s only truly national and international orchestra, led by internationally artistically acclaimed Richard Tognetti since 1992 and one of Australia’s most successful performing arts companies.
He previously served as Deputy Chancellor of the Council of The University of Melbourne, President of The Myer Foundation, one of two principal Myer Family philanthropic funds, and President of the Howard Florey Institute of Experimental Physiology and Medicine
As a trained engineer with degrees from Swinburne University, Monash University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, he has a strong track record of bringing people together to execute and deliver complex projects. He brings breadth and depth of experience on the boards of commercial and not-for-profit organisations. Among his principal achievements was the creation of the Florey Neuroscience Institute, Australia’s and one of the world’s largest neuroscience institutes. He led the campaign to raise philanthropic funding for two new major research facilities at the University’s Parkville campus and the Austin Hospital. Whilst on The University of Melbourne Council, he also led the creation of one of the world’s best creative and visual arts campuses, the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music, in Melbourne’s Southbank Arts Precinct.
At Monash University, Dr Myer is a board member of Monash Investment Holdings (MIH), the University’s venture capital fund. Founded in 2002, MIH invests in spin-out and start-up companies formed to further develop and/or commercialise intellectual property, technology, and products created by Monash University researchers.
In addition, Dr Myer has had a long association with Climateworks Centre, being one of two Myer family members who led The Myer Foundation’s founding of Climateworks and its establishment in partnership with Monash University in 2009. Climateworks was created to bridge the gap between climate change research and action, translating research into practical solutions and accelerating the transition to net-zero emissions. The organisation works within the Monash Sustainable Development Institute.
Dr Myer was appointed an Officer in the Order of Australia (AO) in June 2008 for service to business and the community, particularly through contributions to medical research and the establishment of the Florey Neuroscience Institutes and through executive and philanthropic roles with a range of organisations.