Speakers

Nigel Harris is the Chief Executive Officer of Brisbane based Mater Foundation, one of Australia’s largest health care Foundations. He has been with the Mater for 22 years and has worked in fundraising for 34 years, specialising in the health and disability sectors.

Holding an MBA as well as qualifications in Public Relations and Marketing, Nigel is also a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE). In 2012 he was recognised as the Arthur Venn Fundraising Professional of the Year. He is a Fellow and past Chair of Fundraising Institute Australia, a former CFRE International Board member, and is on the Advisory Board of the Centre of Sustainable Philanthropy at the University of Plymouth. 

Nigel is currently a director of Act for Kids. He is also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders and a Past President of the Rotary Club of Albany Creek. He has been active in community and sporting organisations for over 40 years.

Professor Ross Young was appointed Executive Dean, Faculty of Health QUT in January 2013 following seven years as Executive Director, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), QUT.

Professor Young is a Clinical Psychologist and his research interests lie in the integration of psychological and biological risk factors in mental illness. His research includes work in substance misuse, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, mood disorders and more broadly in behavioural medicine. This includes work in pharmacogenomics and personalised medicine. Professor Young has over 250 published book chapters and papers in genetic, medical, psychiatric and psychological journals.  His work in post-traumatic stress disorder includes studies of risk factors, treatment outcomes and comorbidity with PTSD, such as substance abuse. This work has extended to other behaviours with compulsive elements, such as mobile phone use. Professor Young serves on several Queensland Boards related to mental health and medical research.