Commercialisation
Research translation for impact.
For nearly 40 years, Burnet has worked to address the most pressing global health challenges and ensure no-one is left behind.
View our innovation pipeline, and learn more about our expertise below.
How we're different
We’re more flexible and agile than university- or government-based institutes.
We work across Asia Pacific and collaborate on projects in other continents.
Our technical capacity spans the full research lifecycle – from laboratory research through to implementation and clinical applications.
Proven track record
360biolabs
Founded in 2015, Burnet’s business 360biolabs became Australia’s most diverse bioanalytical and specialty laboratory offering science-driven expertise and laboratory services for Phase I-III clinical studies.
The high quality of trials and experience of the team was quickly recognised, culminating in the sale to biotech organisation BioAgilityx for AUD$282 million.
Burnet Diagnostics Initiative
Our ISO 9001-certified group Burnet Diagnostics Initiative produces commercially viable, accurate and low-cost products for unmet health needs:
- developed the WHO-endorsed VISITECT® CD4, the first equipment-free point of care test to monitor HIV disease progression
- licensed multiple diagnostic assays in international markets (hepatitis E, CD4 HIV and syphilis)
- offers a fee-for-service diagnostic research, development work and customisation service.
Burnext accelerator program
Our Burnext model fast-tracks translational research by removing funding barriers, which often inhibit researchers developing ideas into real-world outcomes. It takes projects from proof-of-concept to an intense process of milestone-driven project planning and delivery stages, to ensure outcomes within 24 months.
Through Burnext, we are also able to co-invest with potential partners.
Burnet Institute has invested an initial AUD $6.5 million in Burnext.
Discovery Innovation Fund
Our Discovery Innovation Fund supports early-stage projects with significant translational potential.
Researchers work with our Commercialisation and Research Translation team, applying entrepreneurial practices to develop their ideas faster into tangible solutions, and to reduce risks.
Now in its second year, the program has funded 8 projects. Two of these projects have advanced to implementation and testing through communities who will benefit from the solutions.
ISO 9001 certified
Burnet Diagnostics Initiative achieved ISO 9001 Certification in 2023 based on the highest international quality standards including a strong client focus, the process approach and a commitment to continual improvement.
All Burnet research translation activities now have access to the ISO 9001 quality management system. This means we are industry-ready and our collaborators are confident that we conduct our research in an ethical, robust and reproducible way.
Success stories
Burnet partners with Atomo to develop Australia’s first syphilis self-test
Burnet partners with Atomo on a new syphilis point-of-care test, backed by the Australian Government.
Exciting technology opens the door to new treatments for cancer and infectious diseases
Burnet Institute has entered into a Research Licence and Option Agreement with biopharma company argenx for a ground-breaking technology able to transform the way we approach cancer, inflammation and infectious disease treatment.
WHO endorses Burnet HIV diagnostic
A Burnet-designed rapid point-of-care test for HIV has been accepted for the World Health Organization’s (WHO) list of prequalified in vitro diagnostics.
Our team
Jen Barnes
Director, Commercialisation and Research Translation; Director, Burnet Diagnostics Initiative
Seasoned commercialisation executive with over 20 years' success working with scientists to translate research into market-ready health solutions. Brings a diverse background across science, marketing, sales, strategy, and business development, with a focus on diagnostics and medical devices. Experienced in large multinationals, as a start-up founder and CEO, and in executive leadership within the medical research sector.
Professor Heidi Drummer
Scientific Director for Research Translation; Scientific Director, Burnet Diagnostics Initiative
Scientific director of the Burnet Diagnostics Initiative and co-head of the Viral Entry and Vaccines research group. Internationally recognised as a leader in translational science and viral hepatitis with 30 years' experience in the development of diagnostics, vaccines and therapeutics, and commercialisation of diagnostic assays.
Carli Roulston
Senior Manager, Business Development
Over 25 years’ experience in medicine and medical device development. Extensive experience in attracting funding, investment and partnerships to research. Former head of commercialisation at The Florey Institute. PhD in pharmacology from Monash University.
Geoff Drenkhahn
Chief, Funding Growth
Over 30 years’ experience in the research and development (R&D) sector, including 8 years as the inaugural chief operating officer at Burnet Institute. Instrumental role in the growth of Burnet including identifying alternative funding avenues such as the commercialising of Burnet technologies and the establishment and eventual sale of 360biolabs. Holds MBA in technology management, and completed leadership programs at MIT and Harvard Business School.
Business development managers
Dr Claretta D'Souza
Business Development Manager, Commercialisation and Research Translation (CRT)
Dr Felicia Schlotthauer
Business Development Manager, Commercialisation and Research Translation (CRT)
Robert Mann
Business Development Manager
Burnet Institute
Sammy Choudhery
Commercial Analyst
Burnet Institute
Innovation pipeline
The diagram below shows the status of our innovations against the following technology readiness levels (TRLs):
- 1: Idea
- 2: Concept
- 3: Proof of concept
- 4: Lab prototype
- 5: Field validated
- 6: Clinical trials
- 7-9: Deployment.
Our work
Vaccines
The Burnet Vaccine Initiative (BVI) develops novel vaccine candidates and strategies for high lasting protection against some of the world’s most devastating pathogens.
Diagnostics
The Burnet Diagnostics Initiative (BDI) is the culmination of Burnet’s broad-based expertise in addressing the most pressing global health challenges through life sciences and implementation research.
Microbiome
Burnet’s microbiome researchers have significant expertise and unique technical assays and capabilities. We are ready to work with you on your microbiome research and development activities including diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
Stellabody® technology
Burnet’s Stellabody® technology exploits a natural antibody behaviour to facilitate the formation of hexamers. This enhances the action of antibodies and related biologics.
Ageing and inflammation
Burnet is working on ways to slow the detrimental biological process of 'inflammageing', the build-up of low-grade inflammation in the body, increasing the risk of age-related conditions.
Burnext
Burnext is a program that will accelerate Burnet’s ability to translate medical research into practical health benefits.
Accredited NGO
Burnet is the only medical research Institute that is fully accredited by the Australian Government as a non-government organisation. This enables us to work with communities and take discoveries in real-world settings to improve health equity.
We have offices in Papua New Guinea and Myanmar, and contribute to research and public health programs in other countries across Asia, the Pacific, Africa, Europe, and North America.
Download brochure
-
Capabilities brochure
This brochure contains information about Burnet's capabilities, our track record and impact.
Capabilities brochure [PDF 1.3 MB]