February 2025: Childhood Dementia Initiative is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr Alison Butt PhD GAICD to its Board of Directors. Dr Butt brings over 20 years of distinguished experience in medical research and strategic leadership to this role.

Currently serving as the Director of Research Strategy Office at the University of New South Wales, Dr Butt leads initiatives that foster research collaboration across the university and its global network of research-intensive institutions.

Her extensive career spans both academic research and leadership roles within research funding organisations, including Director of Research Investment at the National Breast Cancer Foundation and Group Leader in the Cancer Research Program at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research. She has also held a conjoint appointment in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of NSW.

Dr Butt's experience in medical research advocacy includes her previous service on the Board of Directors of the Australian Society for Medical Research and Research Australia. Notably, as the former Chair of Sanfilippo Children's Foundation, she has direct experience in driving research progress for families impacted by childhood dementia.

“Dr Butt's appointment brings a unique combination of research leadership and personal understanding of the childhood dementia landscape to our Board," says Megan Maack, Founder, CEO and fellow Board Member of Childhood Dementia Initiative. “Her proven track record in fostering research collaboration and her firsthand experience in advocating for families affected by childhood dementia will be invaluable as we work to accelerate change for children and families impacted by these devastating conditions."