We're creating a more equitable world through better health.
Led by internationally-renowned malaria researcher, Professor Brendan Crabb AC, we have more than 400 research scientists and public health experts involved in groundbreaking discoveries and public health programs at Burnet.
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21/11/2025
Once unsure of her place in the world, Pa Pa is now a young leader helping others shine 🙌
Through Burnet’s Healthy Minds, Healthy Futures program in Myanmar, Pa Pa found the confidence and support she’d been missing.
Now she’s giving that hope back to other young people with disabilities.
We're helping improve women's and children's health with more inclusive research and equitable healthcare access.
🔗 Link in comments to learn more about our work in women’s and children’s health.
19/11/2025
🇻🇺 mo 🇦🇺 i stap respon long situeisen blong HIV long ol komiuniti blong yumi.
The Burnet Institute was in Vanuatu this week to conduct a rapid assessment of the HIV and tuberculosis (TB) context in Vanuatu.
The assessment will provide actionable recommendations to the Ministry of Health to support them to respond to HIV and TB 🩺
Tankiu tumas Burnet Institute blong kam long
Vanuatu blong givhan long yumi 🌟
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Health Promotions Vanuatu
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."
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
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. 💪💉
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.
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.
"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.
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Led by internationally-renowned malaria researcher, Professor Brendan Crabb AC, we have more than 400 research scientists and public health experts involved in groundbreaking discoveries and public health programs to address some of the most challenging and preventable global health issues.
MEDICAL RESEARCH. PRACTICAL ACTION.
Burnet is an Australian, unaligned, not-for-profit, independent organisation that links medical research with practical action to help solve devastating health problems. This sets us apart from other organisations.
Excellence – Innovation – Impact
Institute-wide interdisciplinary health programs are at the heart of our daily decision making. Each thematic program represents the full breadth of our technical skill based to foster a collaborative approach to tackle some of the most challenging global health issues in:
Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health
Disease Elimination
Behaviours and Health Risks
Health Security
Harnessing our international and local field presence, our laboratories, and our mixed development and research cultures, drives a greater focus on the most relevant health issues, and achieves a greater impact as as result.
Whilst our headquarters is based in Melbourne, Australia, we have offices and representatives in Papua New Guinea and Myanmar. We are also actively involved in various research and project activities in a range of Asian, Pacific and African countries. Find out more at burnet.edu.au.
