The Royal Women's Hospital is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Natalie Hannan as Director of Research.
An internationally recognised translational scientist, research leader and advocate for women's health, Professor Hannan joins the Women's with significant experience advancing research into serious pregnancy complications and future health risks. She brings extensive leadership, governance and capacity-building expertise, alongside a distinguished record of scientific achievement and collaboration.
In this role, she will lead the next chapter of the Women's research strategy, building on the hospital's longstanding reputation as Australia's leading specialist women's health service.
The Women's Chief Executive, Professor Sue Matthews, said the appointment represents a significant strategic investment in the future of research at the Women's.
"Professor Hannan brings exceptional scientific leadership, a proven ability to build impactful partnerships, and a deep commitment to improving outcomes for women and babies," Professor Matthews said.
"Our vision is to further strengthen the integration of research, clinical care and education, expand strategic partnerships, support our world-class clinician-researchers, and advance discoveries that deliver tangible improvements in health outcomes for women and babies."
As Director of Research at the Women's, Professor Hannan will lead the delivery of the hospital's research strategy, strengthen collaborations with academic, healthcare and industry partners, grow research capability across the organisation, and help translate discoveries into improved care and outcomes. She will also play a key role in identifying new opportunities for innovation and research investment to ensure the Women's remains at the forefront of women's health research.
"The Women's has a wonderful reputation for its evidence-based care and research excellence. I am thrilled to be appointed Director of Research and excited by the opportunity to work alongside such talented researchers, clinicians and partners," Professor Hannan said.
"Together, we have an opportunity to build on that strong foundation, foster new collaborations and translate research into better outcomes for women and babies."
Professor Hannan will commence in the role on 5 October 2026.
About Professor Hannan
Professor Hannan joins the Women's from the University of Melbourne, the Mercy Hospital for Women and Northern Health, where she has established herself as a leading researcher in pregnancy and placental health. Her internationally recognised work has advanced understanding of pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia, and helped progress novel therapies from laboratory discovery into international clinical trials.
Throughout her career, Professor Hannan has secured substantial competitive research funding, publishing more than 170 peer-reviewed publications, and building strong collaborations across academia, healthcare, industry and consumer communities.
In addition to her research achievements, Professor Hannan is a highly respected executive leader and board director. She currently serves as Associate Dean (Diversity and Inclusion) in the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences at the University of Melbourne. Her governance experience spans numerous national and international organisations, including Victorian Endowment for Science, Knowledge and Innovation, the Society of Obstetric Medicine Australia and New Zealand, the Graeme Clark Institute for Biomedical Engineering, and several global reproductive and placental research bodies.