Nearly 500 of QIMR Berghofer’s scientists, staff, students, and alumni have gathered for a special picnic to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Queensland’s own medical research institute.
The event was held in Victoria Park/Barrambin in Brisbane, close to the site of QIMR Berghofer’s very first home in a makeshift former WWII Army building, known as “Hut 8”.
QIMR Berghofer was established by an Act of Parliament in 1945 to investigate the health issues affecting Queenslanders.
It has grown from a staff of just seven people in the 1940s to more than 1,000 scientists, staff and students working on world-leading medical research in state-of-the-art facilities just across the road from where that humble hut once stood.
The celebrations provided the perfect opportunity to capture the traditional all staff photo, recording another milestone moment to add to the collection of historic images of QIMR Berghofer’s researchers and support staff taken over the past 80 years.
The gathering also saw scientists and staff connect with colleagues from previous years, part of QIMR Berghofer’s incredible Alumni network, to reminisce and marvel at the changes and impact of the Institute over the decades.
From discovering Ross River virus and other pioneering work on infectious diseases, to skin cancer studies that have transformed public health policy, and uncovering the genetics of diseases and chronic conditions, QIMR Berghofer’s research has saved countless lives, improved health outcomes, and helped to establish Queensland as a global leader in medical science.