Experienced veterinarian and facility manager Dr Louise Rabbitt will lead the crucial research facility as current head Dr Jenny Kingham announces retirement.
The Garvan Institute of Medical Research has announced the appointment of Dr Louise Rabbitt as the new Director of Animal Facilities at Australian BioResources (ABR), following the retirement of current director Dr Jenny Kingham. ABR is a state-of-the-art facility which supplies and houses research mice, critical to research progress across many disease areas. It is owned and operated by Garvan on behalf of the medical research community in Australia.
Dr Rabbitt, an experienced veterinarian and facility manager, joins ABR from the University of Newcastle, where she led the establishment of a modern animal research facility supporting scientific and medical advancement at both the university and The Hunter Medical Research Institute. She now brings her expertise to ABR, where she will oversee the provision of essential resources for medical researchers across Australia.
“Australian BioResources is a jewel in the crown of Australia’s national collaborative research infrastructure,” says Professor Benjamin Kile, Executive Director of the Garvan Institute. “Dr Rabbitt brings exceptional expertise and leadership to this role at a critical time in ABR’s history. Her track record in delivering outstanding research support makes her the ideal person to lead this vital facility.”
Dr Rabbitt graduated from The University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science in 2008 and initially worked in companion animal practice. She has served on Animal Research Ethics Committees for a decade and worked as an animal welfare officer and veterinarian at Western Sydney University prior to taking up her role at the University of Newcastle.
“I’m honoured to join ABR at such an exciting time for biomedical science. My passion is creating environments where research can thrive with the highest standards of care and scientific rigour – and I look forward to building on an exceptional foundation,” says Dr Rabbitt.
Professor Robert Brink, Director of the Immune Biotherapies Program at Garvan, highlights the importance of ABR in advancing medical research. “As sophisticated gene editing reaches new heights, ABR will continue to play a critical role in powering cutting-edge studies. Dr Rabbitt’s leadership will help ensure that Australian researchers have access to state-of-the-art facilities and expertise as they work to understand and treat a range of human diseases.”
The appointment comes as Dr Kingham announces her retirement after years of distinguished service leading ABR. Under her guidance, ABR has made profound contributions to Australian medical research, providing critical infrastructure and expertise to researchers nationwide.
“We are deeply grateful to Jenny for her visionary leadership throughout ABR’s existence,” says Professor Kile. “Her commitment to excellence and innovation has positioned ABR as a world-class facility that has accelerated countless research breakthroughs.”
