Change at the top at NDRI

September 2016

After nearly 12 years as Director of the National Drug Research Institute at Curtin University, Professor Steve Allsop has stepped down from the role, but will remain at NDRI as a senior academic to pursue his interests in research, policy and practice.

Professor Allsop said he had thoroughly enjoyed his years leading NDRI, but that the time had come for a change, and the opportunity to switch the focus of his work from management to research while remaining at the Institute was ideal.

“I’ve loved my role as Director of NDRI, principally because of all the wonderful people I’ve worked with here and in the wider AOD field, and I’m looking forward to continuing those relationships in my new capacity as a researcher,” said Professor Allsop.

Professor Simon Lenton has been appointed by Curtin University to the role of Director of NDRI for a two-year period commencing on 1 September. Professor Lenton has worked at the Institute since 1993 and has strong management credentials having served as one of two Deputy Directors and on the NDRI Management Team since July 2004.

Professor Lenton said he felt privileged to have been invited to take over from Professor Allsop, whose stewardship of NDRI over the last 12 years had been outstanding and central to maintaining the Institute’s position on both the academic and strategic policy landscape.

“I’m honoured to have this opportunity to contribute in this role, supporting the high quality team we have here, and ensuring that NDRI’s policy and practice research continues to inform Australia’s response to alcohol and other drugs,” said Professor Lenton.