QIMR Berghofer scientists have swapped their lab coats for black tie for a gala event to celebrate the historic moment 80 years ago that a medical research institute for Queensland became a reality.
Nearly 500 guests attended the celebration at Brisbane’s Royal International Convention Centre on Saturday 1 November, which raised $1 million in crucial funds which will go directly to supporting QIMR Berghofer research to enable the medical breakthroughs of the future.
The event was held exactly 80 years to the day in 1945 that the Bill to establish a Queensland Institute of Medical Research was granted Royal Assent and became an Act of Parliament.
Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC
PSM, the Governor of Queensland and patron of QIMR Berghofer, and the Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services the Honourable Tim Nicholls MP both addressed the gathering and paid tribute to QIMR Berghofer’s contributions to improving the health and wellbeing of Queenslanders and people around the world.
Toowoomba businessman Clive Berghofer AO was also in attendance to mark the historic milestone. The Institute is named in his honour in recognition of his extraordinary philanthropic donations since 2001 which have played a pivotal role in shaping the QIMR Berghofer of today.
QIMR Berghofer Council Chair, Professor Arun Sharma AM said that 80 years is a wonderful achievement that all Queenslanders can be proud of.
“80 years of discovery would not be possible without the remarkable support QIMR Berghofer has received over the decades.
“We are grateful for the donors, collaborators and partners from government, health care and university networks across Queensland, Australia and around the world, who ensure we can
continue to deliver our groundbreaking research,” Professor Sharma said.
QIMR Berghofer was born out of a need to investigate the strange tropical and infectious fevers and diseases causing suffering among the population of northern Australia in the first half of the 20th century.
QIMR Berghofer started with a staff of seven in a former WWII army hut in Victoria Park/Barrambin, but now has more than 1,000 scientists, staff and students working out of state-of-the-art facilities on a diverse range of health problems including cancers, heart disease, autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, and brain and mental health conditions.
QIMR Berghofer Director and CEO Professor Fabienne Mackay said from those humble beginnings, the Institute is now recognised globally.
“The pioneering spirit and dedication of QIMR Berghofer’s researchers and support staff have delivered so many advances over the past 80 years. From discovering Ross River virus, to showing daily sunscreen use can prevent skin cancers including deadly melanoma, finding genes that cause disease and mental health conditions, and advancing knowledge of cancers and other diseases that have led to new treatments.
“This 80th anniversary is an important opportunity to reflect on this legacy, but also celebrate the work that continues in QIMR Berghofer’s laboratories each day,” Professor Mackay said.
Landmarks around the River City, including the Story Bridge and Breakfast Creek Bridge at Newstead were lit in QIMR Berghofer’s signature heritage colour “Queensland maroon” for the night to share the official anniversary with all Queenslanders.