June 2002

New research hub on killer diseases

Some of the world's most deadly diseases will come under a new level of scrutiny with the establishment of the Alfred Medical Research and Education Precinct.

Opening the $93 million precinct, Premier Steve Bracks said it would also serve to keep young scientists in Victoria.

‘The precinct brings together the Baker Medical Research Institute, Monash University, the Macfarlane Burnet Institute of Medical Research and Public Health and the Alfred Hospital, to form an international centre of excellence in Prahran.’

The new facilities at the Burnet Institute included state-of-the-art high security physical containment laboratories where work on virulent, dangerous viruses will start this month.

‘This facility is one of only 10 similar labs in Australia enabling the experimentation and growth of dangerous organisms, including viruses such as HIV and hepatitis C.

‘This precinct will be the largest and most advanced biomedical research facility in the country.’

The precinct is made up of two main multi-storey buildings linked together by core library and education facilities.

Mr Bracks said the Baker Medical Research Institute collaborates with the World Health Organisation on researching cardiovascular disease—one of our leading causes of death.

‘It has recently established a pre-clinical cardiovascular testing unit to capture opportunities for commercially-funded cardiovascular studies.

‘Research and education programs to be carried out here will also focus on viral infections, epidemiology and preventive medicine.’

Health Minister John Thwaites said the Victorian Government had contributed more than $20 million to establish the precinct.

He said the initiative would allow a number of young research scientists to remain in Australia, rather than go overseas for additional training and postdoctoral career development.

‘The precinct is also an important drawcard for internationally-acclaimed scientists.

‘A prominent example is Dr Marcus Schlaich, a researcher from Germany, who chose to come to Australia to work at the Alfred and Baker Medical Unit after turning down several other options.

‘Dr Schlaich won the Young Investigators Award at the World Cardiology Conference.

‘The Government is committed to making major investments in medical research in Victoria with a multi-faceted approach that includes strong support for capital developments such as the Alfred precinct.

‘Through financial contributions from the Government, the four precincts which form the backbone of Victoria’s medical research effort are now progressing with building programs to ensure the state's research environment remains at the top by international standards.’