Van Der Wielen Reappointed Chair Of FHRI Fund Advisory Council

Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson has confirmed the reappointment of John Van Der Wielen as Chair of the State Government’s Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund Advisory Council.

Van Der Wielen returns to the role after serving as the inaugural Chair from 2020 to 2024, where he oversaw the creation of the fund’s governance framework and investment programs. He takes over from Rebecca Tomkinson, who led the council through 2024 and 2025, playing a key role in shaping the FHRI Fund Strategy 2025–30.

Minister Dawson said Van Der Wielen’s leadership had been “instrumental in shaping the fund into a dynamic platform for health and medical research and innovation in Western Australia,” and welcomed his return to the role. He also thanked Tomkinson for her contribution, noting her role in setting a clear long-term direction for WA’s health and medical research strategy.

Leadership continuity and strategy

The FHRI Fund was launched in 2020 as a long-term, $1.8 billion sovereign investment to grow Western Australia’s health and medical research capability. Since its inception, more than $250 million has been distributed across 750 projects and initiatives, supporting new infrastructure and the next generation of researchers and innovators.

Van Der Wielen’s earlier tenure focused on establishing a robust governance framework and early strategic direction for the fund. Tomkinson’s term continued this trajectory, cementing a forward-looking strategy that runs through to 2030. The government says the reappointment ensures continuity in both leadership and delivery.

The fund’s impact and Van Der Wielen’s credentials

With more than three decades of experience in financial services and health sector leadership, Van Der Wielen brings expertise in business transformation, policy development, and strategic investment. He currently chairs Perth-based biotech Orthocell and serves as a senior advisor to Appian Capital Advisory LLP and Bridgewest, strengthening his links to commercialisation and innovation.

Minister Dawson said the FHRI Fund remained central to building WA’s reputation as a global leader in health research and innovation. Van Der Wielen’s return, he added, will keep the fund on a strong trajectory as it continues to back projects with long-term economic and community benefit.