AIID Foundation Partners

The University of Melbourne is a Foundation Partner of the Australian Institute for Infectious Disease (AIID). The University of Melbourne is the preeminent research university in Australia, consistently ranked internationally at the forefront of scientific and medical fields. The University ranks No. 1 in Australia for medicine and life sciences, frequently ranks among the top institutions globally, and is recognised around the world for its work in infectious diseases and public health. Located at the centre of the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct, the University has more than 54,000 students and more than 100 research centres. The University of Melbourne has strong connections and partnerships with researchers, universities and other innovative organisations locally and globally.

The University’s world-leading expertise and global reputation in relation to infectious diseases and public health will play a critical role in supporting the establishment of the AIID. This includes expertise in modelling and simulation, laboratory services and research. The University’s Vice Chancellor is Professor Duncan Maskell, a research specialist in infectious diseases. The strategic research direction of the University is overseen by Professor James McCluskey AO, Deputy Vice Chancellor, who is internationally recognised for his research in basic and clinical immunology.

The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (the Doherty) is a Foundation Partner of the Australian Institute for Infectious Disease (AIID). Finding solutions to prevent, treat and cure infectious diseases and understanding the complexities of microbes and the immune system requires innovative approaches and concentrated effort. This is why the University of Melbourne – a world leader in education, teaching and research excellence – and The Royal Melbourne Hospital – an internationally renowned institution providing outstanding care, research and learning – partnered to create the Doherty Institute; a centre of excellence where leading scientists and clinicians collaborate to improve human health globally. Located in the heart of Melbourne’s Biomedical Precinct, the Doherty Institute is named in honour of Patron, Melbourne Laureate Professor Peter Doherty, winner of the 1996 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering how the immune system recognises virus-infected cells. Under the expert guidance of Director, Melbourne Laureate Professor Sharon Lewin, a leader in research and clinical management of HIV and infectious diseases, the Doherty Institute has more than 850 staff who work on infection and immunity through research, education and public health. This includes discovery and translational research; diagnosis, surveillance and investigation of infectious disease outbreaks; mathematical modelling and clinical trials.

Burnet Institute is a Foundation Partner of the Australian Institute for Infectious Disease (AIID). Burnet is an independent, not-for-profit, medical research and accredited international non-government organisation passionate about social justice, equality and evidence-based research. The Burnet bring a breadth of expertise in discovery and translational research, public and global health programs, and delivering health solutions in Australia, regionally and globally. Expertise in developing novel vaccine technologies and rapid point-of-care diagnostics supports global infectious diseases elimination efforts. Burnet’s highly diverse skill base works across cutting-edge interdisciplinary programs relating to infectious diseases elimination; health security and pandemic preparedness; and maternal, child and adolescent health. A strong track record of implementation research and community partnership in international health is centred on extensive networks across the Indo-Pacific region and in Africa, and research offices in Papua New Guinea and Myanmar. The Burnet’s impact the health status of key populations in the region through excellence, innovation, and collaboration. Led by Professor Brendan Crabb AC, an international leader in malaria and infectious diseases research, Burnet has more than 400 staff and students across the life sciences, public health and international health disciplines focused on creating and translating knowledge into better health solutions. Burnet is named in honour of one of Australia’s greatest virologists and immunologists, Sir Frank Macfarlane Burnet OM, AK, KBE, winner of the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1960 ‘For Discovery of Immunological Tolerance.’

The Victorian Government is the major supporting Partner of the AIID.

Victoria is home to a world-class health and medical research community. The Victorian Government is committed to supporting our brightest minds as they continue making life-changing scientific breakthroughs and improving health outcomes for people here and around the world. The investment in AIID is part of the Victorian Government’s $1.3 billion investment in medical research since 2014. That investment has helped Victoria to emerge as a world leader in cutting-edge health and medical research – driving growth in the sector, creating jobs and supporting incredible breakthroughs in treatment and care. Find out more about the Victorian Government’s initiatives.