The George Institute for Global Health’s Co-Founder and Principal Director Dr. Robyn Norton has been nominated as one of The Australian Financial Review’s 2019 top 100 Women of Influence, recognizing her leadership and trailblazing efforts in global health and gender equity. The Women of Influence Award celebrate women leaders who have pushed back against unfairness, and used their time and energy to help other women succeed and achieve their potential. Robyn has been nominated in the Global category, which recognizes individuals whose work is making a mark on the global stage.

Robyn co-founded The George Institute for Global Health in Sydney with Stephen MacMahon in 1999 in order to combat the growing epidemic of non-communicable diseases, including stroke, heart disease and injury. Since then, the Institute has expanded from a handful of people in Sydney to more than 700 people across four major centers in Australia, China, India and the UK.  The Institute has a focus on vulnerable populations in both rich and poor countries. Norton also has a long-standing commitment to improving women’s health, and currently leads The George Institute’s Global Women’s Health Program.

“Robyn’s leadership over the past 20 years in the fight against chronic diseases and injury has been game-changing. Her drive to improve the health of millions of people has positioned The George Institute as a leading global voice and expert on the biggest killers and causes of disability, as well as on gender equity. Her influence on so many lives – whether be it those who benefit from her research, advocacy or mentorship – is remarkable, and The AFR’s recognition is a testament to that,” said Vice Principal Director and Chief Scientist at The George Institute Anushka Patel.

More than $600 million has been raised for health and medical research by the Institute to date, and last year it was recognized as the top independent research organization in Australia by The Times Higher Education. Over the past two decades, it has notched up over 7,500 academic publications and now has research projects in more than 50 countries.

In addition to her leadership of The George Institute, Norton is Professor of Global Health and Oxford Martin Senior Fellow, University of Oxford; Professor of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, and Honorary Professor at Peking University.