The Andrews Labor Government is working to further safeguard Australia in the fight against coronavirus and future pandemics, by signing the Australian Institute for Infectious Disease (AIID) Foundation Partners Agreement.
Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford today visited the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity to meet with AIID foundation partners the Doherty Institute, Burnet Institute and University of Melbourne to put pen to paper on the agreement and discuss the exciting trajectory of the world-leading facility.
Researchers also delivered a briefing on the latest analysis to map the recently identified Omicron variant as part of the Labor Government's response to COVID-19.
The planned facility brings together three of Victoria's leading research institutes within Parkville's prestigious Biomedical Precinct, and together will accelerate the development of new treatments to best respond to future pandemics.
The Government will deliver up to $400 million in funding to establish the institute, with additional funding of $250 million from the Foundation Partners enabling the AIID to serve as the new home of the Burnet Institute. It will also aid the neighbouring Doherty to expand its research operations.
Once complete, it will house more than 1000 scientists, academics, students and public health experts and bring together experts from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, the Murdoch Children's Research Institute and global biotechnology company CSL, to ensure Victoria and Australia are prepared for future challenges.
The Government has committed more than $1.3 billion to medical research since 2014, including $31 million for COVID-19 research since the start of the pandemic.
Find more about Victorian Government Medical Research investment at: djpr.vic.gov.au/medical-research
Learn more about the AIID at: aiid.edu.au/
As stated by Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford
"This new institute will strengthen our vital research capabilities and ability to respond to future pandemics and we are immensely proud to stand alongside the founding partners."
As stated by Doherty Institute Director Professor Sharon Lewin
"COVID-19 has proven that preparedness, scientific innovation and collaboration between public health experts, researchers, governments and community are all crucial components of the response to a pandemic.
As stated by Burnet Institute Director Professor Brendan Crabb
"This agreement formalises a big step forward in how the Burnet, Doherty and University of Melbourne commit to living and working together with a shared purpose."
As stated by University of Melbourne Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor James McCluskey
"This is an excellent investment for the state and the nation and will further establish Victoria as a global leader in infectious diseases and public health harnessing the immense potential of Victoria's biomedical sector."
