Burnet Institute Director and CEO Professor Brendan Crabb with Robert Blain's friends, Pippa Sampson and Rosemary and Andrew Goddard at the unveiling.

Mr Blain passed away in 2009 at the age of 83, since 1989 he had been a supporter of the Burnet Institute and this continued after his death with a generous bequest.

A plaque recognising Mr Blain’s support of Burnet was unveiled during the lunch to the delight of his close circle of friends.

The plaque reads: “Bob was an inquiring, informed man whose belief in the importance of medical research was a strong force during his long life.”

Head of Development Mark Stewart said Mr Blain’s friends remember him as a friendly, happy, giving and generous man.

“The Burnet Institute is honoured to be remembered and so generously supported by Bob Blain, in life and now in perpetuity,” Mr Stewart said.