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Professor Angus has had a distinguished career as an academic and biomedical researcher, particularly in the fields of pharmacology and cardiovascular disease, working at many of Victoria's leading research institutes.

Professor Angus is the first Chair of the Cumming Centre – a mission-driven, globally connected research centre which will focus on developing platform technologies that can rapidly adapt to a new pathogen and deliver therapeutics at speed.

Located within the Doherty Institute in Melbourne, Australia, and named after the inaugural major donor – Mr Geoff Cumming, the Cumming Centre will advance the science needed to deliver antiviral therapeutics, transforming the management of future pandemics and saving lives. The Victorian Government is investing $75 million in the Cumming Centre, continuing their support of world-leading biomedical research.

University of Melbourne Professor Sharon Lewin, Director of the Doherty Institute and inaugural Director of the Cumming Centre, warmly welcomed Professor Angus’ appointment.

"We are delighted that Jim will be joining us as inaugural Chair at this exciting time in the life of the Cumming Centre," Professor Lewin said.

“Jim brings outstanding experience in medical research and leadership to the Governance Board, including previously being Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences at the University of Melbourne and is a distinguished pharmacologist.

“His highly successful career and knowledge of the University of Melbourne and Doherty Institute will prove invaluable as the Centre embarks on our mission to be a world leading research centre in the development of platform technologies for therapeutics for pathogens of pandemic potential.”

Professor Angus is an Honorary Professorial Fellow and Emeritus Professor of the Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences at the University of Melbourne, and was the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences from 2003 to 2013. He has also chaired and been a member of governance and scientific advisory boards to many Australian health and medical research institutions.

Professor Angus was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday list in 2010 for distinguished service to biomedical research, particularly in the fields of pharmacology and cardiovascular disease, and he was awarded the Centenary Medal in 2003 for services to pharmacology and the community. He was sworn in as the fifteenth Lieutenant-Governor of Victoria in November 2021.

Professor Angus said he was honoured to become the first Chair of the Cumming Centre.

“COVID-19 has shown us that therapeutics are critically important in the response to a major global pandemic. I look forward to contributing to the success of this world-leading research Centre which will play a crucial role in protecting us against pathogens of pandemic potential,” Professor Angus said.

Mr Geoff Cumming, who donated $250 million to set up the Centre, congratulated Professor Angus on his appointment.

“Professor Angus’ extensive record of accomplishments and expertise makes him a perfect fit for this key leadership role at the Centre. His valuable input will help guide and build our global research Centre at the forefront of therapeutic research,” Mr Cumming said.