Burnet Institute

28/05/2026

Big year for health equity tbh ✨

In 2025, we continued working toward a healthier, more equitable world.

This year, our teams worked across more than 70 countries, including Australia, Papua New Guinea, Myanmar and Vanuatu. We contributed to hundreds of research projects and global collaborations focused on improving health outcomes.

Our impact in 2025 included:
🧡 $103.3 million spent on improving health
🧡 212 research projects
🧡 292 international collaborations
🧡 Partnerships with universities, governments and hospitals worldwide

Thank you to our researchers, partners, supporters and communities who helped make this work possible.

Read our 2025 Annual Report to learn more about our impact stories and global reach. https://www.burnet.edu.au/about-us/annual-and-financial-reports/

*Percentages of active projects across Burnet sites may add up to more than 100%, as some projects are delivered across multiple offices and are therefore counted in each relevant location.

Unless otherwise noted, metrics presented here relate to the 2025 calendar year and draw on data from Scopus/SciVal, Spark (the Institute’s internal project database), and the Research Student Committee. Financial data aligns with the 2025 financial year. Current at the time of printing.

25/05/2026

Today, we at Burnet Institute acknowledge and reflect on Sorry Day, a day that recognises the profound and ongoing impacts experienced by members of the Stolen Generations, their Families and Communities.

It is a day of truth-telling, remembrance, and collective responsibility. We honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who were and continue to be removed from their Families, the members of the Stolen Generations who continue to carry these experiences, and the strength of Culture, Kinship and Country that endures despite these harms.

Sorry Day reminds us that reconciliation is not symbolic — it requires listening, learning, accountability, and action.

We pay our deepest respects to members of the Stolen Generations, Elders, Families and Communities across the Country.

20/05/2026

When I’m feeling inflamed 🫐

This easy overnight breakfast is packed with ingredients linked to overall health and wellbeing:

- Greek yoghurt
- Chia seeds
- Berries
- Almond milk
- Almond butter
- Honey.

Researchers are exploring how factors like diet may influence inflammation over time, and what that could mean for healthy ageing and long-term health.

At Burnet, we’re studying inflammageing. This is when inflammation doesn’t fully switch off and may affect how we age over time.

Learn more about the connection between inflammation, ageing and long-term health. https://inflammageing-health.burnet.edu.au/ -process

15/05/2026

The arrival in Australia of former passengers from the MV Hondius cruise ship after a hantavirus outbreak is a timely reminder of why pandemic preparedness matters.

Burnet Institute Chief Health Officer Associate Professor Suman Majumdar says the risk to the wider Australian community appears low, but events like this are important tests of our public health systems.

“The broader lesson is not that the public should be alarmed, but that preparedness is an ongoing responsibility,” Associate Professor Majumdar said.

Read more: https://www.burnet.edu.au/news/hantavirus-on-cruise-ship-case-highlights-pandemic-preparedness/

14/05/2026

Weakness. Fatigue. Muscle loss.
These aren't always “just part of getting older.”

Researchers at Burnet Institute are studying inflammageing. This is low-level inflammation in the body that may affect how we age, weaken muscles, and contribute to chronic disease.

And it could be impacting nearly half of Australian adults.

Whether you're thinking about your health now or later in life, understanding inflammation could help change how we age.

Want to find out more? https://inflammageing-health.burnet.edu.au/

11/05/2026

Great to see this story on Burnet Research Officer Aleesha Kalulu and Burnet Co‐Head pg Pacific Infectious Diseases, Dr Caroline van Gemert, whose work together reflects the strength of long-term partnerships in the Pacific 💪🌴

Aleesha Kalulu and Caroline Van Gemert come from entirely different worlds; one raised in a rural village in Vanuatu, the other a seasoned epidemiologist from Australia with decades of experience in the Pacific. But their paths converged at a critical moment in history: the COVID-19 pandemic. This is their story.

READ MORE: https://www.dailypost.vu/news/from-pango-to-public-health-aleesha-and-caroline-s-journey-to-strengthen-vanuatu-s-health/article_85039383-eb17-524d-9b31-d4112cc3ef19.html

04/05/2026

As we age, inflammation can build up in the body.

This process is called inflammageing and Burnet researchers are studying how it might:
- influence how we age
- increase the risk of conditions like heart disease.

Inflammation helps your body fight infection and heal.

But when it doesn’t switch off, it can start to affect how your immune system functions.

That’s why understanding it earlier matters.

Find out more about inflammageing, what it means for your health, and how you can help.

https://inflammageing-health.burnet.edu.au/

04/05/2026

The recent detection of poliovirus in Perth wastewater is a reminder that polio has not yet been eradicated globally.

“While cases have been reduced by more than 99%, as long as the virus exists anywhere, it remains a risk everywhere,” said infectious diseases physician, Dr Philipp du Cros, Burnet Co‐Head of Tuberculosis Elimination & Implementation Science.

There is ongoing transmission in countries like Papua New Guinea, Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as vaccine-derived strains that can circulate in under-immunised communities.

Vaccine-derived poliovirus is not a failure of vaccines – it’s a sign that not enough people are receiving them.

In Australia, we use a safe and effective vaccine that does not contain live virus and protects against all forms of polio. High immunisation coverage is what keeps the community protected.

Named after Nobel Laureate Sir Macfarlane Burnet, who helped demonstrate that multiple strains of poliovirus exist, Burnet Institute works with partners across the region to strengthen vaccination and disease surveillance.

Read more: https://www.burnet.edu.au/news/poliovirus-in-perth-wastewater-what-it-means-and-why-vaccination-matters/

30/04/2026

Want a chance to WIN a voucher? 🤩

Share your thoughts on s*x, booze and lifestyle choices by filling out our survey.

We want to hear from you!

https://redcap.burnet.edu.au/surveys/?s=YNCJRLWJ8NFWL8AE

29/04/2026

Did you know indoor air quality can be worse than outdoor air?

Burnet is driving critical work to improve indoor air quality and reduce exposure to airborne hazards.

Learn more about indoor air hazards, benefits and action that needs to be taken toward clean indoor air.

https://www.burnet.edu.au/our-work/health-themes/clean-indoor-air/

28/04/2026

Winter is coming. 🥶 Here's one easy thing you can do to protect yourself.

Influenza is already picking up earlier than expected this year and COVID-19 is still circulating. When both viruses spread at the same time, our hospitals feel it.

Health experts are encouraging people to book a single appointment for both their flu shot and COVID-19 booster. It's safe, it's practical, and it could make a real difference for you and your loved ones.

Professor Heidi Drummer puts it simply: one appointment is all it takes to be better protected against both.

Have you booked yours yet?

Find out more on our website. https://www.burnet.edu.au/news/having-flu-and-covid-vaccines-at-the-same-time-can-protect-us-all/