19 March 2026
Media release
Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute Board Chairman, Mr Peter Scott, has announced he will step down this year, being the Institute’s centennial year, with the Institute paying tribute to his strategic and dedicated leadership.
This comes as the Institute celebrates its proud legacy in medical research and embarks on a bold plan to address global challenges in heart attack, heart failure, diabetes and obesity.
Dr Jackie Fairley, who joined the Baker board in 2024, will become the Institute’s first female Chair in June. Dr Fairley has extensive experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors and strong board experience. She also has a deep personal connection to the Institute’s pioneering history.
Baker Institute Director, Professor John Greenwood, says “We're deeply grateful to Peter for his exceptional leadership, business acumen and unwavering commitment during a transformative era for the Institute”.
He paid tribute to Peter's remarkable contributions, recognised with a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2020 for significant service to medical research organisations.
“Since joining our Board in 2004 and becoming Chairman in 2012, Peter has been instrumental in shaping the Institute’s future. This includes supporting the 2008 merger between the Baker Medical Research Institute and the International Diabetes Institute — a union that created Australia's first multidisciplinary medical research organisation dedicated to cardiovascular disease and diabetes,” Professor Greenwood says.
“Under Peter's leadership, we sold our former subsidiary, Nucleus Network, in 2018. What began as an initiative to showcase Victoria's research trial capabilities had grown into a jewel of Australia's biotech sector. The sale allowed Nucleus Network to expand internationally while enabling the Baker Institute to invest significantly in our long-term development.
“Peter has also been a tireless advocate for Australia's medical research sector. He served as a director of the Association of Australian Medical Research Institutes (AAMRI) from 2013 to 2019, and as Chairman of the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Action Group in 2014 and 2015.
“During his time leading the MRFF Action Group, Peter campaigned relentlessly for the Federal Government's $20 billion fund for medical research. His contributions were critical in securing a perpetual endowment that aims to ensure Australia maintains a thriving research and development sector for future generations.”
Peter says: "I would like to thank my fellow board members past and present, the three Institute Directors with whom I have worked (Professors Garry Jennings, Tom Marwick and John Greenwood), Chief Financial Officer Anita Furnell, the Baker Institute research and research support staff, our external board committee members and our generous donors for their support during my tenure. It has been my honour to be involved with this world-leading organisation and the medical research community.
"I warmly welcome Dr Jackie Fairley as our incoming Chair and offer her my best wishes as she leads the board into the Institute’s second century. Jackie is ideally qualified for this role given her extensive experience across the investment and health sectors together with her strong background in the development and commercialisation of therapeutics.
“Jackie has more than 30 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries working in senior commercial and management roles with ASX listed companies including CSL, Starpharma and Faulding. She was Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Starpharma for more than 15 years and has more than 20 years board experience. Jackie is currently a non-executive director of Calvary Health Care, Mirrabooka Investments Ltd. and an advisor to global Private Equity firm EQT. She has previously held advisory roles to venture capital and to government organisations, spanning pharmaceuticals, economic development and innovation.
"Jackie’s connection to the Baker Institute is longstanding. Her mother, Professor Priscilla Kincaid-Smith, was a trailblazer for Australian female scientists and a world-renowned expert on kidney disease. Early in her distinguished career she was a researcher at the Baker Institute.
“It is fitting that Jackie, having a strong connection to our legacy and deep experience in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors will now help to guide this important organisation.”
For further information or to organise interviews please contact:
Tracey Ellis
T: 03 8532 1514
M: 0433 781 972
E: tracey.ellis@baker.edu.au
