Image: Burnet Institute Deputy Director (Partnerships), Associate Professor David Anderson
Burnet Institute Deputy Director (Partnerships), Associate Professor David Anderson, has announced his resignation after more than 35 years with the Institute, leaving an outstanding legacy through his research in virology, viral hepatology, and point-of-care diagnostic tests.
Associate Professor Anderson was a pioneer in developing Burnet's desire to translate our research, to bring the products of research into the hands of those we seek to support, with notable successes including the VisitectTM CD4 tests that are now endorsed as part of the World Health Organization list of essential diagnostic tests.
Burnet Institute Director and CEO Professor Brendan Crabb AC said Associate Professor Anderson helped to create "something special" from the Institute's very beginnings back in 1986.
"Since that time, David has helped shape the Institute's vision, research focus and culture," Professor Crabb said.
"The innovative thinking David brought to Burnet went beyond science and into the realm of creative entrepreneurialism.
"He worked to develop point-of-care tests for those in most need, working with industry, investors, and public health collaborators to manufacture, validate and implement those tests, and was well ahead of his time in this regard.
"This way of thinking is now a defining feature of the Institute's work."
Associate Professor Anderson's other accomplishments include his role in the establishment of Burnet's clinical trials support company 360Biolabs (in partnership with Innoviron) and serving on the Board.
Both roles have transformed the Burnet's capacity to progress our mission.
At Executive and Board level, Associate Professor Anderson helped guide the Institute through some of its biggest issues in the past 30-plus years.
"I am personally grateful for his wise counsel and level-headedness at some of the Institute's toughest times," Professor Crabb said.
Associate Professor Anderson is leaving to pursue other interests, especially to focus on progressing a Nanjing-based diagnostic start-up opportunity, building on his collaborations and experiences from working in China for over a decade to help realise the potential health impact of point-of-care test innovations.
Associate Professor Anderson will be taking up an honorary position with Burnet after stepping down from his employment at the end of October.
