Honouring Jean Miller’s enduring contribution to Burnet

On behalf of Burnet, Director and CEO Professor Brendan Crabb AC expressed his sadness at the death of Jean Miller, a much-loved and extraordinarily generous member of the Burnet community. 

For more than 3 decades, Jean, together with her husband Andrew, has stood alongside Burnet’s researchers and communities with a quiet but enduring belief in the power of medical and public health research to change lives. 

Andrew and Jean have supported Burnet since 1989. Over that time, their generosity through the Miller Foundation has helped researchers pursue new ideas, build important programs and turn research into practical solutions for people who need them most. 

Their support has touched many areas of Burnet’s work. They’ve helped establish numerous important programs including: 

• Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies, Burnet’s long-running program in Papua New Guinea working to improve the health and survival of women and their babies
• the development and commercialisation of VISITECT® CD4, a rapid diagnostic test designed to improve care for people living with HIV
• our hepatitis C vaccine research program, supporting work towards a future where fewer people experience the devastating consequences of hepatitis C. 

Jean and Andrew also understood something fundamental about research: progress depends on people. 

Through their long-standing support of Burnet researchers, including the Miller Foundation Biomedical Research Award and Miller Foundation Public Health Award, emerging scientists and public health researchers have been given opportunities to share their work, build collaborations, develop new skills and take the next steps in their careers. 

These investments have created a legacy that extends far beyond any single project. 

They can be seen in the researchers whose careers have been strengthened, in the discoveries that have been advanced, and in the communities that have benefited from better evidence, better care and better health. 

Jean’s contribution to Burnet was also part of a much broader commitment to Australian health and medical research. Together, Jean and Andrew (pictured above) were recognised with Research Australia’s Great Australian Philanthropy Award, reflecting decades of generosity and commitment to improving health. 

That belief has helped shape important parts of Burnet’s work over many years. 

Professor Crabb said Jean’s generosity had left an enduring mark on the Institute. 

“Jean understood that research can change lives, but that it takes vision, patience and sustained support to turn an idea into impact. Her generosity, together with Andrew’s, has helped Burnet build programs, back our researchers and improve health for communities in Australia and internationally. 

"On behalf of everyone at Burnet Institute, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Andrew, the Miller family, and all those who knew and loved Jean. 

"We will remember her with great warmth and gratitude."