Burnet commenced operations in 1986 with a staff of two PhD students and two scientists under the directorship of Professor Ian Gust. Without the support of many people including Mr Richard Pratt, the Institute would not have been successfully founded, and would certainly not be the regional leader in infectious diseases research and public health it is today.
The past 21 years have seen remarkable advances in infectious diseases research, especially in the areas of work undertaken by the Institute such as HIV and hepatitis.
Our programs have now grown to include other infectious diseases such as avian infl uenza, measles, malaria and tuberculosis, and with the recent merger with the Austin Research Institute we have increased our immunology capacity and are involved in the development of cancer vaccines. The growth of the Burnet's public health programs has also been extraordinary, with not only local public health programs but significant growth in the region with dedicated Burnet offices in eight countries and more than 80 Burnet staff working in some of the world's most resource-constrained countries.
We have been fortunate to have numerous supporters who have been with the Burnet since its inception and many more who have joined us along the way. I want to take this opportunity to thank you for sharing our vision and for your financial support which has enabled the Burnet to grow and develop many of its research and public health programs.
Over the coming year we look forward to inviting you to help us in celebrating our 21st Anniversary.