Vale Erica Smyth AC
(1952-2025)

Image: MinEx CRC

It is with deep sadness that Diabetes Research WA acknowledges the passing of Dr Erica Smyth AC.

Erica’s courageous experience with type 1 diabetes and her leadership in research governance made a lasting contribution to our work.

Erica joined the DRWA Board in the late 1990s and served as Chair for ten years before her retirement in 2017. Her commitment to research into all forms of diabetes was consistent, generous and informed. Diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1972, she brought both lived experience and strategic insight to our mission.

Her distinguished career as a geologist and resource industry executive spanned more than 45 years. During this time she served on numerous boards across the resources, government and charitable sectors. In 2018 she was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in recognition of her service to the minerals and petroleum industries, scientific research and the community.

Peter Kerr, Chairman of DRWA, reflects:

“Erica never separated her personal experience of living with diabetes from her drive to accelerate research and improve outcomes for everyone affected. She inspired us to ask better questions, to challenge assumptions and to always keep the person behind the diagnosis in view.”

Erica’s legacy lives on through the researchers we fund, the partnerships we build and the hope we carry for a future with better outcomes for people living with diabetes. We are deeply grateful for her leadership, generosity and trust in our work.

Rest in peace.