QIMR Berghofer’s Director and CEO, Professor Fabienne Mackay, has been awarded the 2025 National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Ethics and Integrity award.
This prestigious biennial national award is presented to an individual or organisation demonstrating the highest standard of ethics and integrity in leadership or research practice.
Professor Fabienne Mackay is an internationally renowned immunologist whose discoveries have directly influenced treatments for debilitating diseases like lupus and leukaemia. Her commitment to research integrity is equally distinguished. In 2020, Professor Mackay led the Institute through a challenging investigation into allegations of research misconduct involving a former employee.
"Managing this crisis meant navigating complex and concurrent challenges—protecting whistle-blowers, conducting a thorough investigation, managing the scientist at the centre of the allegations, and maintaining clear and consistent communication with stakeholders. At the same time, we were undergoing a major transformation as an institute—all in the midst of a global pandemic," she says.
Under Professor Mackay’s leadership, the Institute emerged stronger. An external review completed in 2023 commended Professor Mackay’s response to the allegations. Today, research integrity is at the heart of QIMR Berghofer’s culture.
“Despite the immense strain on our staff, we did not let this define us negatively. Instead, we used it as an opportunity to rebuild and renew. We established a model research management framework, reinforced our commitment to research integrity, and fostered a culture where transparency and ethical research conduct are paramount.
I am incredibly proud of what we have collectively achieved and humbled by this recognition from the NHMRC.”
Professor Mackay was presented with the 2025 NHMRC Ethics and Integrity Award at a ceremony in Canberra on Wednesday.