Burnet Institute

06/11/2025

Access ✅ dignity ✅ choice ✅

Our experts are improving s*xual and reproductive health outcomes with innovative research, training and collaboration.

Some of our work includes:
🦠 Advancing research into the ge***al microbiome and women's health
✔️ Developing Australia's first syphilis self-test, now licensed to Atomo Diagnostics
📊 Leading national STI and blood-borne virus surveillance through our ACCESS system
🩸 Strengthening HIV care in Papua New Guinea through training and integration
🤝 Partnering with communities to reduce stigma and promote s*xual health education
💘 Helping young people navigate s*x and relationships with The Gist.

See link in comments to learn more about our work in s*xual and reproductive health. Video alt text also in the comments.

31/10/2025

🎓 Thinking of doing an honours year?

Ana Orozco was a student at Burnet before becoming a research assistant with us.

Here she talks about her honours project in young people's mental health, and her experience at Burnet.

"My supervisor and my team members were really great and welcoming...I know it sounds cheesy, but I felt at home."

We're all for cheese over here 🧡🧀 Take a look at projects on offer: https://www.burnet.edu.au/our-work/projects/?onlyStudentProjects=true

30/10/2025

ONLINE EVENT: "Why adolescent mental health matters"

Join experts for an insightful presentation and discussion on the mental, s*xual and reproductive challenges faced by young people today – in Myanmar and beyond.

📅 Friday 14 November
⏰ 2pm–3pm AEDT online via Zoom

Presented by our experts:
🟠 Dr Elissa Kennedy, Co-Director, Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health and Co-Head Global Adolescent Health
🟠 Dr Phone Myint Win, Burnet Myanmar Country Representative

RSVP by Monday 10 November: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Myanmaradolescenthealth

24/10/2025

Today on World Polio Day, we reflect on the incredible progress the world has made in eliminating one of history’s most devastating childhood diseases — and the urgent work that remains.

With only around half of all children fully vaccinated in Papua New Guinea, low immunisation coverage has left communities vulnerable.

Dr Fredrick Charles, Burnet country director in PNG, spoke to ABC Radio about the challenges on the ground:

“In communities with low vaccination coverage, the weakened virus used in vaccines can circulate and mutate, regaining the ability to cause paralysis. It’s rare, but dangerous. That’s why high vaccination coverage is critical right now,” he said.

Burnet is working alongside the PNG Government and partners to:
- support the national immunisation campaign
- train health workers and strengthen cold chain systems
- identify and reach unvaccinated children through the zero-dose project.
- mobilise communities to raise awareness about vaccination.

Together, we can ensure every child, everywhere, is protected from polio. 💪💉

For more, listen here: https://www.abc.net.au/pacific/programs/pacificbeat/png-battles-disease-on-world-polio-day-/105929288

22/10/2025

Demolition works are now underway to prepare for the establishment of the Australian Institute for Infectious Disease (AIID), a new purpose-built facility in Melbourne’s Biomedical Precinct.

The AIID will bring together world-leading medical research and public health organisations in Victoria, providing access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and technologies that will strengthen Australia’s capacity to respond to future health challenges.

Once complete, the 15-storey facility will accommodate up to 1,000 scientists, researchers and staff from foundation partners The University of Melbourne, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity and Burnet Institute, in partnership with the Victorian Government.

07/10/2025

Young people in Myanmar urgently need your help.

Please help raise $80,000 to provide community spaces for young people to heal and thrive.

Adolescence is a time of transition that shapes health and gender equity across a person’s life – and onto the next generation.

It should be a time of growth, discovery and hope. But sadly, for some, it can be a time of hardship and struggle, affecting their lives today, tomorrow and into the future.

That’s why we’re launching a new program designed specifically for young people, to provide safe community spaces where they can find support, connection, and hope.

Learn more about how you can help here: https://myanmar-youth-appeal.burnet.edu.au/

07/10/2025

Since 1975, life expectancy in Papua New Guinea has risen from 55 to 66 years – a remarkable achievement that reflects progress and resilience.

“It means things are working…it means child survival is improving, for example,” said Burnet director and CEO Professor Brendan Crabb AC.

“[But] we don’t want it to take another 50 years to achieve another 10 years in life expectancy.”

Brendan spoke at Burnet’s first PNG Symposium, bringing together experts in science, research, and public health to discuss how we can accelerate progress toward better health for Papua New Guineans and beyond.

Acting health secretary of the National Department of Health PNG Mr Ken Kandap Wai spoke about his vision to eliminate TB in PNG – not just control it.

Ken explained how building healthy communities and healthy mindsets is central to achieving better health in PNG.

“We want to increase the lifespan of Papua New Guineans from 66 to 75 by 2050,” said Ken.

“We have the people who are going to make a difference.”

Together with partners Papua New Guinea National Department of Health and PNG Institute of Medical Research, Burnet are tackling some of the biggest health challenges—from tuberculosis and HIV to maternal and child health—through science, innovation, and local leadership.

“We’re a partnership-oriented organisation and a catalyst for change,” said Brendan.

Our commitment is clear: to be a force for good, to strengthen partnerships, and to help every person have a fair chance at a healthy life – in PNG, across the Pacific, and beyond.

📷Image 1: Ken speaking at the event.
📷Image 2: Brendan and Ken shaking hands.
📷Image 3: Brendan speaking at the event.

26/09/2025

Jimmy Dorabjee was a trailblazer in international harm reduction policy and practice.

“Jimmy mentored and inspired many, and he epitomised lived experience and peer education,” said Burnet principal research fellow Associate Professor Peter Higgs.

The Dorabjee Award honours Jimmy's life and legacy as a former Burnet senior staff member, researcher, and passionate advocate for harm reduction.

The award is open to individuals with lived or living experience who are working in the harm reduction field.

Apply or nominate someone: https://www.burnet.edu.au/about-us/awards-and-scholarships/the-dorabjee-award/ INPUD NAPUD Harm Reduction Victoria (Australia)

25/09/2025

"Don't get too hung up on the grant you may or may not get. Just be passionate, keep going with it, be creative...keep your passion."

Words of advice from former Burnet researcher and med-tech founder Dr Jack Richards, who spoke to students at our recent Student Symposium.

Burnet students showcased a breadth of work at the event, with topics including:
🫀 age-related cardiovascular disease
🦟 malaria vaccine development
🧬 antibody engineering
🤰 respectful maternity care
💊 opioid dependence treatment
🦠 eliminating hepatitis C.

Congratulations to prize winners (see comments), presenters, and to our student committee for organising a smooth and successful event.

24/09/2025

The Australian Institute for Infectious Disease (AIID) is one step closer to realisation.

AIID leaders joined Victoria’s Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson today to inspect demolition progress on the building site and view the latest designs for the new AIID facility.

The 15-storey facility will bring together 1,000 scientists, researchers and staff from AIID Foundation Partners — University of Melbourne, Doherty Institute and Burnet Institute — with access to cutting-edge facilities.

“The AIID will bring together a critical mass of expertise to enhance Australia’s capability in infectious disease and public health research to drive greater speed, innovation and equity in our response to emerging infectious diseases, global health challenges and pandemics,” Burnet Institute Director and CEO Prof Brendan Crabb AC said.

Read more:

The Australian Institute for Infectious Disease (AIID) is one step closer to realisation with key planning approvals achieved and a main works tender to construct the facility underway.

24/09/2025

Dr Emma Tippett, Burnet clinical research fellow and Long COVID specialist, spoke on ABC Radio National's Life Matters program about the need for greater awareness and treatment of Long COVID.

She described the complexity of long COVID, which includes a range of symptoms and requires specialised care, and the relief patients feel when they find clinicians who understand their symptoms.

Listen to it here:

Last week, New South Wales' first public long COVID clinic announced it will close its doors at the end of the month. The clinic - at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney - has treated more than 1000 patients since it opened three and a half years ago. In a statement, St Vincent's Hospital said patients....

10/09/2025

It’s been 10 years since the launch of the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies (HMHB) program in Papua New Guinea — a groundbreaking initiative tackling the country’s most urgent maternal and child health challenges.

From addressing malnutrition and malaria to boosting immunisation in remote areas, the program has combined research and strong partnerships to improve health outcomes for women and children in PNG.

Listen to Dr Delly Babona, Burnet PNG Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents' Health Lead, talk to ABC Australia's Pacific Beat program about HMHB's impact 👇