The Brumby Government has provided $25.7 million to Victoria’s 13 major independent medical research institutes to support their day to day operations in 2008-09.
Innovation Minister Gavin Jennings announced the funding at the Monash Institute of Medical Research (MIMR) today.
“Victoria is now established as a global leader in areas like stem cells, diabetes, cervical cancer, flu and reproductive medicine and clinical trials,” Mr Jennings said.
“The Brumby Government is taking action to establish Victoria as an international medical research hub through an unprecedented program of infrastructure investment.
“The Brumby Government is taking action to establish Victoria as an international medical research hub through an unprecedented program of infrastructure investment."
“This includes $70 million in the August Innovation Statement Innovation: Victoria’s Future for the world’s biggest life sciences computer and more programs to turn our biotechnology research into new treatments and drugs.
“The Brumby Government also recognises leading-edge medical research requires funding for ongoing administration, equipment maintenance and building services and utilities costs.
“So the Government established the Operational Infrastructure Support (OIS) grants program to provide annual funding to support the day to day operations of our medical research institutes.
“The $25.7 million provided through the OIS for this financial year has been awarded to research institutes on the basis of growth, determined by eligible research grant income; and innovation, determined by R&D capacity, commercial and clinical translation, and research income.
“Supporting the work of organisations like MIMR through the OIS program allows them to focus more funding and effort on medical research to boost our quality of life and generate more value-added jobs for Victoria.”
Operational Infrastructure Support program grants for 2008/09
Baker Heart Research Institute $ 2,240,504
Bernard O'Brien Institute of Microsurgery $ 248,040
Bionic Ear Institute $ 432,996
Burnet Institute $ 4,158,564
Centre for Eye Research Australia $ 514,272
Florey Neuroscience Institutes $ 2,494,760
Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research $ 1,326,084
Mental Health Research Institute $ 675,916
Monash Institute of Medical Research $ 1,715,788
Murdoch Children’s Research Institute $ 2,512,156
Prince Henry's Institute $ 985,256
St Vincent's Institute $ 1,401,160
Walter and Eliza Hall Institute $ 6,994,504
Total $25,700,000