Internationally recognised leader in rare neuromuscular disease research Professor Gina Ravenscroft has been appointed the inaugural Dr Patricia Kailis Chair in Rare Diseases at The University of Western Australia as part of the WA Rare Care Comprehensive Centre.
The endowed chair – jointly funded by the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation and UWA – aims to improve the lives of families and children impacted by rare diseases.
“I am incredibly grateful to the Kailis family and all supporters of the Kailis fellowship at the Perkins, the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation and UWA for their vision in establishing this position and for their trust in me as the inaugural Dr Patricia Kailis Chair in Rare Diseases,” Professor Ravenscroft said.
“It is a huge honour to follow in the footsteps of such a remarkable and pioneering woman, and to continue her work to provide answers to families affected by rare diseases.
“Medical research is very much a team effort and perhaps nowhere is this truer than in rare diseases. I am very appreciative of the dedication of my entire team, past and present, and look forward to leading them and the impacts that we will make for families.”
The chair is named after the late Dr Patricia Verne Kailis AM OBE, who was a pioneer of world-first, groundbreaking research on genetic diseases and mapping debilitating diseases such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – providing vital answers and information for WA families planning to have children.
The establishment of the Dr Patricia Kailis Chair in Rare Diseases will honour Dr Kailis’s legacy through an enduring investment in rare disease research, genetics, discovery and translational impact.
UWA Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Anna Nowak said the University welcomed the appointment.
“Professor Ravenscroft has made some globally significant discoveries, and her groundbreaking research continues to pave the way for new treatments,” Professor Nowak said.
“Her appointment underlines the University’s commitment to addressing serious health challenges and aligns with our vision to drive innovation, excellence and community impact in medical research.”
Professor Peter Leedman AO, CEO of the Perkins, said the appointment strengthened the institute's commitment to rare disease research, deepening collaboration across the sector and enhancing global standing in this field.
"Most importantly, it will help drive real impact for individuals and families living with rare diseases and will enable Gina and her team to continue the relentless hunt for rare disease genes, in memory of Dr Kailis,” Professor Leedman said.
Dr Gareth Baynam, Medical Director of the Rare Care Comprehensive Centre, said the appointment recognised Professor Ravencroft's passion and commitment to the expansion of rare disease expertise being made in WA.
Elizabeth Perron AM, Chair of Stan Perron Charitable Foundation, said the appointment recognised both Professor Ravencroft’s leadership and commitment to improving outcomes for children experiencing rare and undiagnosed disease.