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News (2020)

November, 2020 (16)

24 November, 2020

Burnet and VicAAMRI welcome medical research investment

Victorian Government investment in sector will boost state economy, improve health and create thousands of jobs.

24 November, 2020

Hepatitis C testing and treatment declines in Australia

New report shows stigma remains high despite access to highly effective treatments

24 November, 2020

A third effective COVID-19 vaccine now a reality

University of Oxford’s COVID-19 vaccine can also reach 90 percent efficacy, offering a major boost in the global quest to fight the virus.

23 November, 2020

Burnet support for WHO Labour Care Guide

The World Health Organization’s Labour Care Guide has been strongly endorsed by a Burnet-led evaluation published in the journal Birth.

23 November, 2020

Study reveals immune cells' COVID memory

Burnet Institute is a collaborator on new research into immune cells which recognise the SARS-CoV-2 virus after initial antibodies have disappeared.

23 November, 2020

Blaming and shaming breaks a cardinal rule of public health

South Australian COVID-19 lockdown was the right strategy, but public shaming an individual undermines trust in health authorities. Published in The SMH and The Age.

22 November, 2020

The story of Ma Sabai

Ma Sabai, a 14 year old girl, living with her family in an isolated village in Myanmar, struggled to cope with menstruation. Burnet changed her life.

18 November, 2020

ASHA award for Dr Elissa Kennedy

Dr Elissa Kennedy is the winner of the Australian Sexual Health Alliance Mid-Career Interdisciplinary Achiever Award for 2020.

16 November, 2020

Virus decoy and ‘immune harnessing’ trialled for COVID-19

Burnet adds antibody expertise to hunt for drugs against coronavirus. Part of IMPACT 2020.

13 November, 2020

Australia to get new hub for infectious diseases and global health

University of Melbourne, Burnet and Doherty Institutes welcome Victorian Government investment in infectious diseases and global health hub.

11 November, 2020

Celebrating NAIDOC Week

Always Was, Always Will Be. Recognising the 65,000+ year history of First Nations peoples in Australia.

10 November, 2020

New model supports major cuts in quarantine period for travellers

Quarantine periods for interstate and international travellers could be reduced without an increased risk of COVID-19 transmission under a new, Burnet-developed mathematical modelling tool.

10 November, 2020

UN appointment for Natasha Stott Despoja

Congratulations to former Burnet board member Natasha Stott Despoja who has been elected to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women.

08 November, 2020

Nature Research Award for Associate Professor Joshua Vogel

Burnet Institute’s Associate Professor Joshua Vogel awarded the prestigious 2020 Nature Research Award for Driving Global Impact for his research focused on the prevention of preterm births.

06 November, 2020

EC Australia webinar 1 of November Series available to view

Workforce development and service delivery: Showcasing the work of EC Australia Partners during 2020 is now available to view if you missed the live session.

05 November, 2020

Burnet a RESULTS Leader

Burnet Institute has been acknowledged by RESULTS Australia with a 2020 Leadership Award.

October, 2020 (19)

31 October, 2020

Government funding for regional COVID vaccine rollout welcomed

Burnet Institute warmly welcomes the Australian Government’s announcement of $500m to assist the rollout of a COVID-19 vaccine in the Pacific and South East Asia.

30 October, 2020

IMPACT special edition now online!

Scroll through Burnet’s latest stories in an all-new digital interface in this special COVID-19 edition of IMPACT.

30 October, 2020

COVID-19 gap widens between Australia and the rest of the world

In this commentary for Nine Media, Professor Mike Toole traces the widening gap between our region and the rest of the world in the fight against COVID-19.

28 October, 2020

Support for QR code check-in tool in Victoria

A centralised QR technology should be a key tool in Victoria’s COVID-19 response as it opens up, according to Burnet’s Professor Mike Toole.

27 October, 2020

Masks, social distancing important as ever

With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in Melbourne, Professor Mike Toole is confident the community will continue to respect the need for social distancing and the wearing of masks.

24 October, 2020

Clinical trial shows steroid a preterm lifesaver

A Burnet-supported trial shows the effectiveness of dexamethasone in helping to save the lives of preterm newborn babies in low-resource countries.

22 October, 2020

Melbourne success is inspiring Ireland: COVID-19

“We’ve got to tell people that if Australia could do it and Victoria could repress the virus right down, we should be able to as well,” Irish Professor Luke O'Neill.

20 October, 2020

Early adolescence central to gender inequality in Asia-Pacific

Major Burnet-led study reveals road map for action on health, safety, education and employment.

20 October, 2020

Go for gold. Why Victoria should aim for zero COVID-19 mystery cases.

Read Professor Mike Toole AM and Professor Brendan Crabb AC’s insights published in The Age and SMH.

19 October, 2020

Boosting COVID-19 awareness in PNG

Burnet scales up face-to-face and virtual COVID-19 and TB education in Daru, Papua New Guinea.

16 October, 2020

Burnet researcher wins Hepatitis Victoria Award

Dr Alisa Pedrana wins the 2020 Hepatitis Victoria LiverWELL Individual Contribution Award for hep C elimination efforts.

16 October, 2020

AAMRI 2020 Member Report

The impact of Australia’s medical research sector is benchmarked and demonstrated in the AAMRI 2020 Member Report.

13 October, 2020

Science at heart of Victoria's road to recovery

Burnet Institute, as a member of VicAAMRI, supports calls for investment in medical research to be prioritised in the forthcoming Victorian budget.

12 October, 2020

Watch our latest COVID-19 update!

Professor Mike Toole discusses the latest global COVID-19 situation, including SARS-CoV-2 mutations and superspreading events.

08 October, 2020

New collaboration with NDRI

Burnet has formalised a new collaboration with The National Drug Research Institute (NDRI) at Curtin University, including a new appointment for Professor Paul Dietze.

08 October, 2020

NHMRC support for Burnet hepatitis research

Burnet research into hepatitis C will benefit from Development and Partnership Project funding announced by the NHMRC.

07 October, 2020

MRFF, COVID-19 Budget commitments welcomed

Burnet Institute welcomes the Government’s continuing commitment to the MRFF and support for COVID-19 research announced in the Federal Budget.

07 October, 2020

COVID-19 superspreading events highlight need for backwards contact tracing

Burnet research shows virus spreads in clusters; tracing needed to identify origins of the clusters.

06 October, 2020

Nobel Prize for hepatitis C discovery

Burnet Institute congratulates Harvey J. Alter, Michael Houghton and Charles M. Rice, awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovery of the hepatitis C virus.

September, 2020 (13)

30 September, 2020

Clinical trial boom for Victorian biotech firms

Low COVID-19 infection rates and extensive local R&D expertise sees global biotech firms relocate trials to Victoria.

28 September, 2020

Burnet modelling informs Victoria's COVID roadmap

Burnet modelling advising against reopening too soon has helped to inform the latest reshaping of COVID-19 restrictions by the Victorian Government.

25 September, 2020

WHO endorses Burnet HIV diagnostic

Burnet-developed CD4 point-of-care test for HIV achieves stringent WHO prequalification.

24 September, 2020

Refugees at serious risk from COVID-19

A new Burnet report highlights the threat posed by COVID-19 to refugees and internally displaced and stateless people globally, and in Australia.

23 September, 2020

Burnet research leadership recognised

Burnet Institute and Professor Caroline Homer acknowledged by The Australian as research leaders in hepatitis, and pregnancy and childbirth.

22 September, 2020

COVID-19: Melbourne should ease out of restrictions cautiously

Latest information on global coronavirus pandemic, including global analyses and technical briefs from Burnet researchers.

17 September, 2020

Burnet welcomes Professors Susan Sawyer and George Patton as Honorary Research Fellows

The appointments will enhance Burnet’s work in global adolescent health and opportunities to collaborate.

15 September, 2020

Infographics highlight naloxone access disparity

CREIDU research highlights variation between states in access to life-saving opioid overdose drug naloxone.

08 September, 2020

Burnet welcomes Dr Julie Hennegan to the Global Adolescent Health Working Group

Dr Hennegan brings a wealth of experience in menstrual health and hygiene to Burnet.

07 September, 2020

Focus on contact tracing in Victorian recovery

Victoria’s lockdown exit plan could be enhanced with a demonstrable improvement in contact tracing, according to Professor Brendan Crabb.

07 September, 2020

We can do more to avoid second lockdown in Sydney

Epidemiologist, Professor Mike Toole from our Know-C19 program shared his insights in a special Opinion article in Fairfax media.

04 September, 2020

Councils call for community-based response

Burnet research is helping to inform proposals to shift the focus of contact tracing to local hubs as part of a community-based response to COVID-19.

01 September, 2020

Editorial outlines criteria for recovery

Professors Brendan Crabb and Mike Toole argue Victoria should focus on meeting key criteria in the transition from stage four COVID-19 restrictions.

August, 2020 (15)

31 August, 2020

Opioids continue to be the leading cause of overdose deaths in Australia. What else can we do?

On Overdose Awareness Day we examine how to save more lives.

29 August, 2020

Focus on milestones, not time frames for COVID exit

Professor Brendan Crabb is advocating for Victoria’s COVID-19 exit strategy to be measured in terms of milestones, not time frames.

26 August, 2020

Students power on through restrictions

Close contact with supervisors and online social events with colleagues keep Burnet students connected and productive through COVID-19.

26 August, 2020

Australia to commit AUD$80m for access to COVID-19 vaccine for all

This commitment will ensure that cost is not a barrier to accessing COVID-19 vaccines for poorer countries, including for some of Australia’s regional neighbours.

21 August, 2020

Gust-McKenzie Medal to Associate Professor Leanne Robinson

Congratulations to Associate Professor Leanne Robinson, awarded Burnet Institute’s prestigious Gust-McKenzie Medal for 2020.

21 August, 2020

Insect repellent can advance the malaria elimination agenda

Burnet Institute researchers have demonstrated the effectiveness of insect repellent in protecting against mosquito bites, and malaria, in a landmark study in Myanmar.

21 August, 2020

2019 a record year for Burnet: Annual Report released

Burnet celebrates record number of peer-reviewed publications and spend on improving health for vulnerable communities.

21 August, 2020

People want to co-operate': Burnet proposes local contact tracing scheme

Coronavirus infections would be monitored and traced by teams working in local hubs under a proposed new model to deliver a rapid response to outbreaks.

14 August, 2020

The crucial questions we need answered about COVID-19

Just published in the Australian Financial Review featuring Professor Brendan Crabb AC and other leading scientists.

12 August, 2020

Protecting mental health in prisons during COVID-19

Policymakers urged to consider mental health of people in prison in COVID-19 response.

11 August, 2020

Female HIV preventative project receives international support

Burnet-led project for controlling genital inflammation awarded grant from The Campbell Foundation.

07 August, 2020

Reproduction number key to reducing Victoria's COVID caseload

Professor Margaret Hellard tells The Age that Victoria’s R number will fall if the community complies with Stage 4 restrictions

05 August, 2020

New funding for COVID-19 immunity research

Burnet and Doherty Institutes share Victorian Government funding to develop COVID-19 point-of-care assays.

04 August, 2020

Welcoming Professor Sandra Eades to the Burnet Board

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Sandra Eades, Dean of Curtin University Medical School, to the Burnet board.

03 August, 2020

Victorian restrictions avert thousands of new infections

New Burnet study shows the timely introduction of Stage 3 COVID-19 restrictions in Victoria averted tens of thousands of new infections.

July, 2020 (13)

30 July, 2020

Combating COVID impact on malaria programs

Professor James Beeson and colleagues are concerned about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to treatment and prevention of malaria.

30 July, 2020

Funding for homeless welcomed

Burnet Institute welcomes renewed funding by the Victorian Government to support Victorians in unstable housing through the COVID-19 pandemic.

29 July, 2020

Wider repercussions for COVID focus

Professor Brendan Crabb tells The Guardian the broader health impacts of the fight against COVID-19 in our region could be as serious as the virus itself.

28 July, 2020

Community rules on World Hepatitis Day

The importance of community engagement, empowerment and leadership was the recurring theme of Burnet’s World Hepatitis Day webinar.

28 July, 2020

Driving global impact in maternal and child health

Associate Professor Joshua Vogel has been shortlisted for a prestigious Nature Research Award for Driving Global Impact.

24 July, 2020

Community undersold in Australia’s response to COVID-19

Professor Brendan Crabb believes the community and community-informed research have been undersold in Australia’s response to COVID-19.

21 July, 2020

Masks reduce COVID-19 transmission

The effectiveness of masks in reducing the transmission of COVID-19 is the focus of an editorial in The Age by Burnet’s Professor Mike Toole.

21 July, 2020

Thrasher Award to support malaria vaccine research

Burnet Institute Postdoctoral Research Officer Dr Liriye Kurtovic has won a prestigious Thrasher Research Fund Early Career Award.

17 July, 2020

Focus on elimination, community empowerment

Australia should be aiming for elimination, and focus on community empowerment to address COVID-19, according to Professor Brendan Crabb AC.

17 July, 2020

Burnet Institute Travel Awards

Burnet Institute Deputy Program Director, Behaviours and Health Risks, Dr Megan Lim, is the inaugural recipient of a new Burnet travel award.

10 July, 2020

Drug pricing a barrier to HIV elimination

Modelling shows increasing availability of generic HIV treatments could achieve UNAIDS targets for eight per cent of current cost.

09 July, 2020

Deputy Chief Medical Officer supports wearing of face masks/coverings in Melbourne when physical distancing not possible

Burnet researchers support this recommendation as one part of the COVID-19 public health response.

01 July, 2020

Funding boost to fight drug-resistant tuberculosis in Indo-Pacific

Burnet TB projects receive support from MRFF and DFAT to boost capacity building and research in our region.

June, 2020 (12)

23 June, 2020

New International Development Discipline Head

Burnet appoints Chad Hughes to oversee research projects improving health in Asia-Pacific and Africa.

22 June, 2020

Burnet welcomes historic Ministerial appointment

Burnet Institute joins Victoria’s medical research sector in welcoming the appointment of the state’s first dedicated Minister for Medical Research, the Hon. Jaala Pulford MP.

22 June, 2020

Focus on follow-up care to real-time prescription monitoring

Burnet researchers say real-time prescription monitoring needs to be backed up by mental health and drug treatment services.

19 June, 2020

COVID-19 information sessions

Burnet hosts online presentations for supporters explaining the Institute’s role in the COVID-19 response.

18 June, 2020

Vaccine modelling shaping global policies for hepatitis B elimination

New Burnet study into the delivery and management of hepatitis B vaccine to help prevent mother-to-child transmission attracts interest from WHO.

16 June, 2020

Australia could become a global leader in medical research post-COVID-19

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt says Australia has a ‘golden opportunity’ to attract new medical research, technology and clinical trials.

08 June, 2020

QB honours for Robert Milne, Suzanne Crowe

Professor Suzanne Crowe and former Burnet Chair Robert Milne are among the eminent Australians acknowledged in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

05 June, 2020

Burnet Institute stands against racism and for an inclusive society

We call for a national commitment to achieving a healthy, generous and inclusive society and genuine reconciliation with Indigenous Australians.

05 June, 2020

Safe injecting facility recommendations endorsed

Burnet Institute supports proposals to extend the North Richmond medically supervised injecting room and create a second facility in the City of Melbourne.

04 June, 2020

Burnet welcomes Australia's vaccine pledge

Burnet Institute welcomes Australia’s pledge of AUD$300 million to Gavi, the vaccine alliance, to improve access to vaccines in the Indo-Pacific region.

02 June, 2020

MRFF funding for Burnet COVID research

Burnet research into the development of antivirals for COVID-19 will benefit from important new funding from the Medical Research Future Fund.

01 June, 2020

Restrictions eased, but COVID-19 has not gone away

With the easing of some COVID-19 restrictions, Professor Margaret Hellard has warned against complacency.

May, 2020 (16)

29 May, 2020

Burnet a knowledge hub for COVID-19

Burnet scientists helping fill key COVID-19 knowledge gaps in Australian and global responses.

29 May, 2020

Reconciliation Week 2020: 20 Years On, ‘In this together’

Troy Combo spoke to Burnet staff and students about the importance of a commitment to indigenous reconciliation.

28 May, 2020

COVID-19 modelling was 'right'

Professor Brendan Crabb believes adoption of the right modelling has been a key factor in Australia’s relatively low rates of COVID-19.

28 May, 2020

Sexual and reproductive health a COVID-19 priority

Australia is being urged by a consortium of NGOs and academic institutes to prioritise the needs of women and girls in its response to COVID-19.

27 May, 2020

National Reconciliation Week: In This Together

In National Reconciliation Week 2020, we acknowledge that reconciliation must be an ongoing and everyday journey for all of us.

24 May, 2020

Focus on research into COVID-19 impact on drug use

Surveillance and research are needed to assess the impacts of COVID‐19 interventions on drug use and related harms in Australia.

22 May, 2020

Victoria leading the way on COVID-19 research

VicAAMRI praises Victorian Government for responsiveness and cooperation with medical research sector amidst pandemic.

20 May, 2020

Burnet researchers share in NHMRC grants

Burnet Institute research will benefit from NHMRC grants valued collectively at more than AUD$6 million.

18 May, 2020

Insights into COVID-19 impact on drug market

Measures prompted by COVID-19 have had limited impact on the Melbourne illicit drug market, according to Burnet research.

12 May, 2020

In praise of nursing, and nurses

On the International Day of the Nurse, Kate Allardice is ‘forever thankful’ for her 40-year career in nursing and midwifery.

10 May, 2020

On Mother's Day 2020, prioritising the health of mothers and babies

In a world transformed by COVID-19, Burnet researchers are focused on new projects to support mothers and babies during the pandemic.

08 May, 2020

Macquarie Group Foundation pledges AUD$1 million to Optimise Study

Burnet Institute welcomes the support to help fast track the critical research into optimising isolation, quarantine and distancing for COVID-19.

07 May, 2020

Philanthropists given incentive to dig deep during the COVID-19 pandemic

Burnet Institute welcomes the Federal Government’s announcement of new incentives for philanthropic funds to support charities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

05 May, 2020

Celebrating the International Day of the Midwife

On May the 5th each year we acknowledge the importance of midwives in saving lives and ensuring good outcomes for mothers and babies.

04 May, 2020

Evidence-based focus the key for Australia's COVID-19 exit strategy

A Burnet Institute strategy for a phased progression from Australia’s COVID-19 lockdown has been published in the Medical Journal of Australia.

04 May, 2020

COVID-19 response must include vulnerable communities

Professor Mike Toole warns a failure to address the needs of vulnerable communities risks undermining efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19.

April, 2020 (11)

30 April, 2020

New clues to malaria vaccine potency

Burnet researchers have identified new ways to potentially enhance the effectiveness of malaria vaccine, RTS,S.

29 April, 2020

Burnet to advise on ACT safe injecting facility

Burnet Institute has been commissioned to investigate the need for a medically supervised safe injecting facility in Canberra.

29 April, 2020

New study explores COVID impact on drug use

Burnet is a collaborator in a new study exploring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the experiences of Australians who use illicit drugs.

27 April, 2020

Statement of support for Papua New Guinea

Burnet Institute reaffirms its support for, commitment to, and solidarity with the people of Papua New Guinea during the global COVID-19 pandemic.

25 April, 2020

Eliminating malaria in the time of COVID-19

On World Malaria Day 2020, it’s never been more important to stay focused on our collective efforts to control and eliminate malaria.

25 April, 2020

COVID-19 tests under the microscope

Professor Brendan Crabb on the need for accurate and reliable tests to help manage the transition away from community lockdowns for COVID-19.

21 April, 2020

How are young people coping with COVID?

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on social connection, loneliness, and the mental health of young Australians is the focus of a new Burnet study.

20 April, 2020

COVID-19: Victorians 'changed the future' by self isolating

Victorian Chief Health Officer, Dr Brett Sutton said the measures helped avoid a nightmare scenario of 650 deaths a day.

16 April, 2020

Trump's decision to cut WHO funding was a mistake

Burnet’s Director and CEO, Professor Brendan Crabb AC writes in the Sydney Morning Herald about the impact of the decision during the COVID-19 crisis.

14 April, 2020

New virus in bats linked to AIDS-like disease decimating koalas

A new study led by Burnet Institute and CSIRO scientists reveals bats as a reservoir for a family of deadly viruses that cause an AIDS-like disease in koalas.

07 April, 2020

Burnet appointments to COVID-19 Taskforce

Burnet researchers appointed to a new taskforce to develop evidence-based guidance for clinicians on COVID-19.

March, 2020 (16)

31 March, 2020

The case for greater stringency on COVID-19

The case for a more stringent approach to contain the spread of COVID-19 in Australia was a focus for Professor Brendan Crabb on ABC’s 7.30.

30 March, 2020

Testing rate fall leaves thousands of Australians at risk of hepatitis C

An estimated 170,000 people need to urgently be tested and treated to meet WHO’s hep C elimination targets, according to a new Burnet study.

30 March, 2020

Focus on barriers to naloxone access

A new Burnet-supported study highlights the need for programs to bolster community access to naloxone in Australia.

26 March, 2020

COVID-19: Every day matters now

Burnet Institute Director and CEO Professor Brendan Crabb AC calls for an immediate nationwide lockdown of non-essential services to combat the spread of COVID-19.

24 March, 2020

Lessons learned in global health security and solidarity: Tuberculosis and COVID-19

To commemorate World TB Day we reflect on important lessons from the response to TB and how they can be applied to COVID-19.

24 March, 2020

Community-based empowerment is critical to end epidemics

On World TB Day, we celebrate the dedication of Health Promoters Ethel Pamumum and Kyrol Kaison at the TB front line in Daru, PNG.

24 March, 2020

Burnet's COVID-19 self-isolation study

Understanding people’s experiences and needs during self-quarantine for COVID-19 is the goal of a new Burnet Institute study to inform current and future pandemic response.

24 March, 2020

‘It’s time to end TB’

‘It’s time to end TB’ is the theme for World TB Day 2020, celebrated on March 24 each year to highlight the global epidemic of tuberculosis and work to eliminate it.

23 March, 2020

Statement of support for Chief Medical Officer and Victorian Chief Health Officer

The Alfred Research Alliance including Burnet Institute is united in support of Australia’s CMO and Victoria’s CHO and their promotion of an evidence-based response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

19 March, 2020

Child immunisation boost for West Sepik communities

More than 40,000 children in PNG’s West Sepik province will be immunised under a Burnet-supported program aimed at scaling up immunisation coverage.

12 March, 2020

Sex, Drugs and Rock 'n' Roll Survey live

Aged 15-29? Take our Young People’s Health survey now for the chance to win!

11 March, 2020

HIV diagnosis and treatment for migrants lagging in Australia

A new Burnet study has identified significant gaps in the rates of HIV diagnosis and treatment among migrants and overseas-born gay and bisexual men.

11 March, 2020

COVID-19 public health campaign to stop misinformation

Medical professionals welcome Federal Government ad campaign as way to clear up inconsistencies.

05 March, 2020

Dora Lush's legacy for women in science

The story of an incredible woman who lived and died for science, and the family that keep her legacy alive.

04 March, 2020

Focus on immunisation and vaccine hesitancy at IWD2020

Women of Burnet highlight Immunisation: Barriers, Evidence and Possibilities at a special International Women’s Day event.

03 March, 2020

$6 million boost to COVID-19 public health response

Burnet and Doherty Institutes welcome Victorian Government funding boost to expedite development of new therapeutics, diagnostics, clinical research and the public health response to the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.