The Australian Institute for Infectious Disease (AIID) is one step closer to realisation with key planning approvals achieved and a main works tender to construct the facility underway.
AIID leaders, including University of Melbourne Deputy Vice-Chancellor Global Culture & Engagement Professor Michael Wesley, Doherty Institute Director Professor Sharon Lewin AO and Burnet Institute Board Chair Mary Padbury, joined Victoria's Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson today to inspect demolition progress on the building site and view the latest designs for the new AIID facility.
Demolition will be completed by the end of the year, paving the way for construction to commence on the state-of-the-art research facility in Melbourne's Biomedical Precinct, bringing together Foundation Partners the University of Melbourne, Doherty Institute and Burnet Institute.
The AIID will foster deeper collaboration between the three Foundation Partners, driving faster, more effective pandemic and infectious disease detection, prevention and response to protect Australia and the region.
L-R: University of Melbourne Assistant Vice-Chancellor and AIID Co-Chair Professor Jim McCluskey AO, Victorian Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson, Doherty Institute Director Professor Sharon Lewin AO. Picture by Peter Casamento
The 15-storey facility will house up to 1000 scientists, researchers and staff and will feature one of the largest high containment PC3 (physical containment level 3) laboratory facilities in the southern hemisphere; a human infection challenge unit operated by Doherty Clinical Trials; robotic biobanking to efficiently and safely store biomedical samples; specialist and flexible PC2 laboratories allowing the development of new vaccine technologies such as mRNA; and dedicated space for industry partners to translate research discoveries into medical products and services for the community.
The AIID facility will also include the Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics which will develop new technologies to treat future pathogens of pandemic potential.
The Victorian Government is the Major Supporting Partner of the AIID, contributing up to $400 million to the facility's development.
The AIID facility is scheduled for completion in 2029 with commissioning and operations to follow.
Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson said the facility boosts cutting-edge research and Victoria's capacity to respond to future health challenges.
"This new facility will cement Victoria's standing as a world leader in medical discoveries and scientific breakthroughs. As significant progress continues, we're a step closer to faster pandemic responses for Australia and the region, thanks to our nation-leading investment," Minister Pearson said.
Architect's impression of the future AIID facility. Picture by Wardle
University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor Professor Emma Johnston AO said the AIID was a key priority for the University, adding to its many collaborations across the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct.
"New infectious diseases continue to emerge, driven by factors like habitat destruction, increased human movement across the globe, and the evolution of drug-resistant microbes," Professor Johnston said.
"We are pleased to achieve this important milestone in the delivery of the AIID which will enable the University of Melbourne, Doherty Institute and Burnet Institute to collectively deepen our research excellence, collaboration and impact in the fight against infectious disease and pandemics."
Professor Lewin welcomed the opportunities AIID will bring to Melbourne and the biomedical sector.
"The AIID will be a significant addition to Melbourne's world-leading Biomedical Precinct, further strengthening the concentration of infectious disease expertise and creating a hub for industry to engage with leading researchers and translate discoveries into practical applications," Professor Lewin said.
Burnet Institute Director and CEO Professor Brendan Crabb AC said the AIID would enhance Australia's infectious disease sovereign capabilities.
"The AIID will bring together a critical mass of expertise to enhance Australia's capability in infectious disease and public health research to drive greater speed, innovation and equity in our response to emerging infectious diseases global health challenges and pandemics," Professor Crabb said.
