Leadership and governance team

Prof Nina Tirnitz-Parker AM

Director Curtin MRI

A/Prof Ryu Takechi

Associate Director
Research and Commercialisation

Prof John Olynyk AM

Associate Director
Clinical Engagement

Dr Flavia Di Pietro

Associate Director
Internal Engagement

Dr Virginie Lam

EMCR Committee Chair

Dr Rob Steuart

Technical Operations Manager

Our leadership approach

Leadership at Curtin MRI is collaborative rather than hierarchical. It connects expertise across disciplines, gives researchers the stability to pursue ambitious work, and develops the researchers who will lead the field next.

Multidisciplinary collaboration across biomedical, clinical and population health research.
Stable, long-term support for high-impact discovery.
Mentoring and development of early-career researchers.

Governance

Curtin MRI operates within the governance framework of Curtin University Council, which provides strategic oversight and accountability. The Institute’s governance keeps research aligned with Curtin’s vision and conducted to the highest ethical standards.

Strategic alignment with Curtin’s vision for people and the planet.
Ethical, responsible and transparent research practice.
Shared accountability across researchers, clinicians and partners.

Our values

Everything the Institute does is anchored in Curtin’s values:

Integrity – ethical research and transparent governance.
Respect – inclusive partnerships and diverse perspectives, including First Nations voices.
Courage – pursuing novel, high-risk ideas.
Excellence – research quality and global ambition.
Impact – turning discovery into real-world health improvements.

Through strong leadership and sound governance, Curtin MRI remains a place where ideas are nurtured, collaboration is valued, and research delivers meaningful change.

“Our research is driven by the need to develop new microscopy tools to study the impact of metals in human and health disease. As our research is highly interdisciplinary, we have benefited from the melting pot of scientific minds and diverse backgrounds within Curtin MRI”

Assoc Prof Mark Hackett

School of Molecular and Life Sciences

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“My name is Tim, and I have been part of the Cancer Consumer Advisory Group at Curtin MRI since 2020. As a prostate cancer survivor, I value the lived experience voice in research. Through discussions and direct involvement in cancer research projects, I have contributed positively and look forward to continuing my involvement.”

Tim

Prostate Cancer Survivor

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“Our strength lies in our excellent professional staff, down-to-earth academics, and research students who are genuinely engaged. I am fortunate to contribute to a breadth of high-impact research at Curtin MRI and collaborate on imaging projects throughout the university”

Michael Nesbit

Technical Specialist

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“My experience at Curtin MRI has allowed me to work across diverse research areas, from drug development, bushfire smoke, to food and agricultural research. Its advanced platforms and multidisciplinary capabilities support high-quality research that helps address real-world problems.”

Patrick Lim

Research Assitant

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“As a Research Fellow at Curtin MRI, I am privileged to work where biodiscovery and clinical trials happen under one roof. Through incredible facilities, we strive to accelerate the journey from lab to patient for those living with neurodegenerative and neurological conditions. Curtin MRI is home to our MRFF-funded multi-site randomised clinical trial for Alzheimers, among other active trials in pain syndromes.”

Dr Virginie Lam

Research Fellow

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“Now in my fourth PhD year at Curtin MRI, I have experienced a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative research community. The institute’s expert mentorship and strong culture of learning have contributed to my growth, confidence, and development as a medical researcher.”

Amy O’Keeffe

PhD Student

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“I am currently a first-year PhD student at Curtin MRI. I feel very fortunate to work alongside experts in their fields within such an inspiring and collaborative environment. It’s motivating to be part of a community that is passionate about making innovative discoveries with real-world impact.”

Saskia Saville

PhD Student

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“At Curtin MRI, I lead the flow cytometry platform-work spanning research support, teaching, consulting, instrument development and collaboration I represent Curtin in a national and international cytometry leadership. The combination, more than any one part, makes the role rather rewarding”

Dr Pat Metharom

Technical Specialist

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