Medical champion named SA’s next top scientist
One of Australia’s most celebrated researchers, who led the development of a life-saving vaccine after the death of a family friend, is the state’s new chief scientist.
Helen Marshall AM will be South Australia’s next chief scientist, State Development Minister Chris Picton announced today.
Marshall is an acclaimed researcher, with accolades including an Order of Australia, South Australian of the Year and South Australian Woman of the Year awarded in 2022, followed by SA’s 2023 Scientist of the Year.
Her internationally renowned medical research includes the former University of Adelaide’s “B Part of It” study – the largest meningococcal B vaccine herd immunity study in the world.
It delivered the first real-world evidence that meningococcal B vaccines protect adolescents, who face an increased risk of developing meningococcal disease, or meningitis.
Marshall, the Medical Director at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital vaccinology and immunology research trials unit and an Adelaide University professor, will continue in these roles while serving the top science job.
“I believe it is a real strength to remain embedded in the research community as I represent South Australia as your Chief Scientist,” she said.
“It is an honour to take on this significant role in South Australia at a time when science, research and critical thinking are increasingly important.
You might like
“Science and innovation are the enablers of an optimistic future for our state and the economy. I look forward to influencing better outcomes backed by science for all South Australians.”
Marshall’s research into meningococcal vaccines was prompted by the tragic death of 18-year-old Jack Klemich, the son of high-profile real estate owner Oren and Gill Klemich and family friends of Marshall’s who died in 2009.
Marshall was investigating the effectiveness of vaccines in adolescents when her daughter called to say that Jack was in intensive care with the disease.
Jack was in Year 12 at St Peter’s College, a footballer and cricketer, when he died of meningococcal disease.
With permission from Jack’s family, Marshall used his football and photograph for the 2022 Australian of the Year exhibition at Canberra’s Australian National Museum to represent the impact his death made on her research.
“Jack is always in the back of my mind,” Marshall said at the time.
“We can’t let another child die from a vaccine-preventable disease. That’s why I do what I do.”
Stay informed, daily
Her research meant the South Australian government could introduce the world’s only meningococcal B vaccine program for infants and adolescents in 2018.
State Development Minister Chris Picton said he believed Marshall would “help to even further lift the bar of scientific excellence we have and inspire new generations of future scientists”.
“Professor Marshall’s leadership and contribution to science, medicine and public health is significant, and I am confident that she will provide valuable advice to the government across a wide range of priority areas,” Picton said.
The chief scientist role provides independent advice to the state government on science, technology, research and innovation and represents the state at national forums.
Marshall will serve a three-year term as chief scientist, starting March 1, 2027, and will succeed Craig Simmons.
Simmons, a leading groundwater scientist, has held the role since 2024 and is pro vice-chancellor of the University of Newcastle’s Engineering, Science and Environment.
“South Australia has a proud scientific tradition and enormous potential across research, technology and innovation. I am proud of the progress made during my tenure to strengthen collaboration and elevate the role of science in addressing complex challenges and opportunities,” Simmons said.
“As I prepare to step down from the role, I congratulate Professor Helen Marshall on her appointment. Professor Marshall is an exceptional scientist, researcher and leader whose work has improved health outcomes for people in South Australia and around the world.”
Marshall is currently a vaccinology professor at Adelaide University, Women’s and Children’s Health Network Clinical Research Director and Medical Director of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital vaccinology and immunology research trials unit.
Adelaide University Vice Chancellor Nicola Phillips said Marshall’s contributions would “be hugely significant in shaping and sustaining South Australia’s momentum in science and innovation”.
“Professor Marshall has made a passionate and highly distinguished contribution to health science over many years, and I am absolutely delighted to see her dedicated work recognised and rewarded in her appointment as South Australia’s Chief Scientist,” Phillips said.
Want to see more stories from InDaily SA in your Google search results?
- Click here to set InDaily SA as a preferred source.
- Tick the box next to "InDaily SA". That's it.
