Partner with us
Bringing innovation to market.
For nearly 40 years, Burnet has worked to address the most pressing global health challenges and ensure no one is left behind.
We’re more flexible and agile than university- or government-based institutes.
We work across Asia Pacific and collaborate on projects in other continents.
Our technical capacity spans the full research lifecycle – from laboratory research through to implementation and clinical applications.
Current partnering opportunities
Stellabody®
- Transformative technology that improves the efficacy of cancer, inflammation and infectious disease treatments.
- Up to 100 times more effective at cell killing than standard antibody therapeutics.
Diagnostics
- Point-of-care test for liver function.
- Active syphilis diagnosis.
- Diagnostic assay for measurement of dimeric IgA.
- Diagnostic development service facility.
Vaccines
- Platform technology for development of stable coronavirus vaccines including MERS.
- Malaria vaccine.
Ageing and inflammation
- Biomarkers.
- Ageing B-cells.
Microbiome
- Gel for optimal vaginal microbiome.
- Model for vaginal–microbiome host interactions.
Public and international health
- Technical expertise to support and strengthen health systems.
- Responses to health challenges in the Asia Pacific region.
- Research and modelling collaborations with partners worldwide.
Our team
Jennifer Barnes
Director, Commercialisation and Research Translation; Director, Burnet Diagnostics Initiative
Seasoned commercialisation executive with over 20 years' success working with scientists to translate research into market-ready health solutions. Brings a diverse background across science, marketing, sales, strategy, and business development, with a focus on diagnostics and medical devices. Experienced in large multinationals, as a start-up founder and CEO, and in executive leadership within the medical research sector.
Professor Heidi Drummer
Scientific Director for Research Translation; Scientific Director, Burnet Diagnostics Initiative
Scientific director of the Burnet Diagnostics Initiative and co-head of the Viral Entry and Vaccines research group. Internationally recognised as a leader in translational science and viral hepatitis with 30 years' experience in the development of diagnostics, vaccines and therapeutics, and commercialisation of diagnostic assays.
Carli Roulston
Senior Manager, Business Development
Over 25 years’ experience in medicine and medical device development. Extensive experience in attracting funding, investment and partnerships to research. Former head of commercialisation at The Florey Institute. PhD in pharmacology from Monash University.
Geoff Drenkhahn
Chief, Funding Growth
Over 30 years’ experience in the Research and Development (R&D) sector, including 8 years as the inaugural chief operating officer at Burnet Institute. Instrumental role in the growth of Burnet including identifying alternative funding avenues such as the commercialising of Burnet technologies and the establishment and eventual sale of 360biolabs. Holds MBA in technology management, and completed leadership programs at MIT and Harvard Business School.
Burnet is the only medical research Institute that is fully accredited by the Australian Government as a non-government organisation. This enables us to work with communities and take discoveries in real-world settings to improve health equity.
We have offices in Papua New Guinea and Myanmar, and contribute to research and public health programs in other countries across Asia, the Pacific, Africa, Europe, and North America.
Our track record
360biolabs
Founded in 2015, Burnet’s business 360biolabs became Australia’s most diverse bioanalytical and specialty laboratory offering science-driven expertise and laboratory services for Phase I-III clinical studies.
The high quality of trials and experience of the team was quickly recognised, culminating in the sale to biotech organisation BioAgilityx for AUD $282 million.
Burnet Diagnostics Initiative
Our ISO 9001-certified group produces commercially viable, accurate and low-cost products for unmet health needs:
- developed the WHO-endorsed VISITECT® CD4, the first equipment-free point of care test to monitor HIV disease progression
- licensed multiple diagnostic assays in international markets (hepatitis E, CD4 HIV and syphilis)
- offers a fee-for-service diagnostic research, development work and customisation service.
Burnext accelerator program
Our Burnext model fast-tracks translational research by removing funding barriers, which often inhibit researchers developing ideas into real-world outcomes. It takes projects from proof-of-concept to an intense process of milestone-driven project planning and delivery stages, to ensure outcomes within 24 months.
Through Burnext, we are also able to co-invest with potential partners.
Burnet Institute has invested an initial AUD $6.5 million in Burnext.
ISO 9001 certified
Burnet Diagnostics Initiative achieved ISO 9001 Certification in 2023 based on the highest international quality standards including a strong client focus, the process approach and a commitment to continual improvement.
All Burnet research translation activities now have access to the ISO 9001 quality management system. This means we are industry-ready and our collaborators are confident that we conduct our research in an ethical, robust and reproducible way.
Download brochure
This brochure contains information about:
- Burnet's capabilities
- our track record and impact.
