Flinders Foundation chair to retire
The co-founder of the Flinders Foundation will retire as its chair after nearly three decades in the role.
Flinders Foundation co-founder Alan Young AM will retire as its chair on September 30 after some 28 years in the role.
The Foundation said that under Young’s leadership, it has raised and invested tens of millions of dollars into improving health outcomes through health and medical research and patient care initiatives.
“Over the past 28 years, I’ve seen the extraordinary impact we can have when our community, researchers, and clinicians work together for better health,” said Young.
“With Flinders Foundation well-placed for future growth, it’s the ideal time to pass the baton and watch the next chapter unfold.”
Young said one of his proudest achievements at the Flinders Foundation was spearheading the creation of the Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer (FCIC), which brings together health and medical researchers to provide an integrated approach to tackling cancer.
“This $30 million project, made possible by the community’s generosity, stands as a testament to what can be accomplished when passion and purpose come together,” he said.
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“It has paved the way for ground-breaking discoveries and better care for people living with cancer across South Australia and beyond.
“It has introduced to Australia and pioneered the cancer survivorship program, emphasising the primacy of the patient as a person and not only limited to the disease.”
Young will pass on the reins to Flinders University associate professor Michael Michael, who will be interim chair from October 1 while an extensive recruitment process takes place.
Michael is a hospital medical scientist who leads the Gene Expression Laboratory at FCIC.
Since moving to Flinders University in 1998, he has pioneered global profiling of microRNAs to identify associations with disease, such as solid tumours.
His research interests also include investigating the involvement of epigenetics and non-coding RNAs in various aspects of human development, metabolism and disease, as well as delivering diagnostic tests that will identify drug targets for novel therapeutics.
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“Michael and I have shared a great relationship for more than a decade. Michael is a highly respected leader in the medical and research community and has served as Chair of our Research Committee for many years,” said Young.
“He shares our vision, values, and deep commitment to the people we serve. We are working closely together to ensure a seamless handover.
“Flinders Foundation is well-positioned for future growth, with a dedicated Board, an exceptional team, and the continued support of people like you. The impact we have made, and will continue to make, belongs to all of us.”
Born in Broken Hill and raised in Adelaide, Young began his career as a fund manager at National Mutual.
He entered stockbroking in his twenties, becoming a member of the Australian Stock Exchange and co-founding Baker Young with David Baker around 40 years ago, where he is currently joint managing director.
He has been heavily involved in South Australian businesses in the investment, viticulture, horticulture, health, education, arts and media industries.
He is currently the chair of Solstice Media, the publisher of InDaily and various other mastheads across Australia.
Young’s career includes being co-founder and chair of Belvidere Winery, Flinders Biomedical Enterprises, co-founder of Little Love Co Florist, director and co-founder of InReview, chair of the Adelaide Central School of Art and director at NoQ.
He was also co-author of the South Australian government’s health and medical research report, the Shine Young Report, through which he became co-founder and vice chair of the South Australian Health & Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI).
Young was also appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2009, recognising his contributions to the community in health, medical research, education and the visual arts, as well as a Companion of Flinders University for his commitment to medical research and the arts.
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