Burnet Institute is one of Australia’s leading medical research and public health institutes.
We believe all people should have access to medical research and health programs, no matter who they are or where they live.
Since our beginnings at the Fairfield Hospital in 1986, we’ve developed our expertise in life sciences, public health and international development to drive better health outcomes for communities near and far.
Today, we’re working for a future where diseases are eliminated, where mothers and children are thriving, where the world is better prepared for health challenges, and where people are supported to reduce harms to their health.
Learn more about our strategy for greater impact in a rapidly changing world.
View our health themes, core programs and flagship initiatives.
A more equitable world through better health.
To create and translate knowledge into better health, so no-one is left behind.
Respect, equity, equality, inclusiveness, diversity.
Our approach is always collaborative, sustainable and locally led.
We’re the only medical research institute in Australia that’s also an accredited non-government organisation (NGO). This status represents the Australian Government’s confidence in our organisational effectiveness, governance and development programs.
Burnet is a global organisation, with offices in Australia, Papua New Guinea, Myanmar, Vanuatu – and operations all over the world.
Everything we do is grounded in health equity. Our focus is on improving the health and wellbeing of people who are at greater risk of poor health outcomes.
Burnet was founded during the HIV epidemic of the 1980s. Efforts to tackle HIV were hampered by the social stigma surrounding the groups most likely to be affected, especially gay men.
Today, just as then, we consult and work directly with people affected by the health issues we research. Explore some examples of our work with these key populations below.
Burnet is a not-for-profit organisation. We receive funding from a variety of competitive and non-competitive sources, including:
View our financial report in Annual and financial reports for more information.
Burnet is a member of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID). ACFID is the peak body for Australian non-government organisations (NGOs) involved in international development and humanitarian action, working for a just, sustainable and equitable world. Burnet is committed to adhering to the ACFID Code of Conduct, demonstrating high standards of transparency and accountability. Find out more about the ACFID Code of Conduct. For any feedback or complaints, please contact feedback@burnet.edu.au. You can also view our complaints policy.
Burnet is committed to the highest standards of governance in our research and workplace activities. Read our policies, action plans and our strategy.
Find someone to contact at Burnet Institute.
Explore Burnet Institute's most prestigious awards, including the Fenner Award and the Gust-McKenzie Medal.
Burnet has been changing lives since 1986, but its origins can be traced back much further than that. Discover our history.
How our organisation is structured, and the people behind it.