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Jerry And Marlene

Dr Jerry Koliha and Ms Marlene Krelle: inspired to give

Dr Jerry Koliha and Ms Marlene Krelle have thrown their support behind Burnet research to develop a universal COVID vaccine by pledging to match all donations up to $10,000. 

Dr Jerry Koliha and Ms Marlene Krelle have thrown their support behind Burnet research to develop a universal COVID vaccine by pledging to match all donations up to $10,000. 

With a background in science, Jerry and Marlene have been staunch supporters of Burnet Institute for many years. 

In 2021 they supported Burnet research to improve the strength and efficacy of COVID vaccines via a universal COVID vaccine candidate. 

In the intervening months, with proof-of-concept successfully achieved, this research has led to the development of the Burnet Vaccine Initiative, and a commitment to creating new vaccines not only for the COVID-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2), but for hepatitis C, HIV and malaria.

We asked them how it felt to come in at the concept stage of this research, and see it develop so successfully.

Marlene and Jerry are not alone. Many others like them supported the proof-of-concept stage of Burnet’s universal COVID vaccine research, something that Dr Andy Poumbourios is incredibly grateful for.

And now, Jerry and Marlene have agreed to support the next stage of the universal COVID vaccine candidate research by matching gifts to the total of $10,000 to fund validation studies.

We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of Jerry and Marlene.

We asked them what inspires them to donate to Burnet Institute, and what inspires their philanthropy in general.

"We’re inspired by the combination of excellent science and a deeply humanitarian approach at Burnet Institute. I was a refugee from a Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia, and Australia embraced me, gave me home, democracy and enormous opportunities. I am at my happiest when I can give back," said Jerry.

Meanwhile, in the Burnet laboratories

Back in 2021, Professor Heidi Drummer and Dr Andy Poumbourios and their team discovered a way to improve the effectiveness of COVID vaccines.

They introduced mutations into the COVID-19 spike protein that made it extremely stable. This stability resulted in antibody responses that were broadly effective against SARS-CoV-2 variants - in other words, a vaccine candidate with the potential to be a universal COVID vaccine.

With thanks to donors we were able to complete proof-of-concept studies. Now it’s time for the next step, and this is where we need your help.

Dr Andy Poumbourios.

Dr Andy Poumbourios.

With successful validation completed, we can then approach potential partners to move on to human trials, regulatory approval and production. That means more effective COVID-19 vaccines ready for arms here in Australia and around the world.

Share your story

One of our favourite things is hearing from you, our donors. Understanding a little bit about who you are, how you first came to be involved with Burnet, and what drives your incredibly generous support.

Please get in touch if you’re interested in sharing your story, we’d love to hear from you. You can call 03 9282 2221 or email us at giving@burnet.edu.au.