Monash Health is proud to announce Associate Professor Tam Nguyen’s appointment as our new Director of Research and Innovation.
A nationally recognised leader in clinical research and translational medicine, A/Prof Nguyen brings a bold vision to ensure that our health service remains at the forefront of scientific discovery and patient care.
‘As a public health service serving over a quarter of Melbourne’s population across the lifespan, we have the responsibility to constantly innovate to improve patient outcomes,’ A/Prof Nguyen said.
‘It’s important for this thinking to come from the top and permeate throughout our organisation. This is how we will engage with the community, including our patients and partners.’
With a strong focus on strengthening research partnerships, A/Prof Nguyen is particularly committed to optimising our long-standing collaborations with Monash University and Hudson Medical Research Institute, within the Monash Health Translation Precinct.
Together, these partnerships represent a powerful ecosystem of discovery, development, and delivery—bridging the gap between academic research and real-world health outcomes.
‘From the lab bench to the patient bedside, we’re embedding scientific discovery directly into clinical care,’ said A/Prof Nguyen.
‘At the same time, we’re using the unique insights of frontline clinical staff to inform and shape the next generation of research questions. It’s a truly two-way relationship between science and care.’
With over 25 years of experience across tertiary teaching hospitals, medical research institutes, and universities in Australia, A/Prof Nguyen brings a deep and uniquely broad expertise in healthcare, health and medical research, clinical trials, and innovation management.
Under his leadership, our Research and Innovation portfolio will sharpen its focus on translational research, workforce development, and creating a seamless pathway for clinicians to engage with research, from early concept through to clinical implementation.
‘Scientific excellence is just the beginning,’ A/Prof Nguyen added. ‘To have real impact, we must accelerate how we translate new knowledge into everyday practice. That means empowering clinicians, researchers, and patients to co-create the future of healthcare.’
The goal is to elevate current research, attract new partners, and ensure Monash Health is on the research radar at the national and international levels.
He added that collaborating with federal agencies, the Victorian government, industry stakeholders and international partners will be key to promoting Monash Health as a prime location for clinical trials.
Dr Nguyen is particularly excited about upcoming projects, including a digital platform initiative in collaboration with Chief Digital and Information Officer Adjunct Professor Robin Mann.
‘We want to optimise data collection and analysis to enhance our research capabilities,’ Dr Nguyen said.
Plans for a Monash Health Research and Innovation Week, which aims to showcase the groundbreaking work being done, are also in the works.
The timing of his appointment comes as Monash Health embarks on a major strategic refresh, with research and innovation positioned as key enablers of better patient outcomes, smarter systems, and a more resilient healthcare future.
Please join us in welcoming A/Prof Nguyen to his new role as Director of Research and Innovation. His leadership marks an exciting new chapter in our commitment to research that saves lives and changes them.