Herston Infectious Diseases Institute: An Extraordinary Legacy to Protect Future Generations

The most significant outcome of the Coronavirus Action Fund has been establishment of the Herston Infectious Diseases Institute in early 2021.

The Institute is a collaboration of clinician-researchers focussing on translational research, innovative clinical practice, and outstanding clinical education to optimise the outcomes for patients with infectious diseases.

“The Institute builds on 155 years of world-class infectious diseases research at the Herston Health Precinct and Brisbane more broadly,”

Simone Garske, RBWH Foundation CEO

“The link between the disfiguring virus Elephantiasis and mosquitoes was discovered here in 1876, and the discovery of Q Fever in the 1930s, which was an infection spread to humans by animals, is also closely linked to RBWH.”

Institute expertise includes prevention of infection, rapid diagnosis, clinical trials - both optimising currently available antibiotics and introducing new agents, ensuring accurate antibiotic dosing and developing a comprehensive understanding of the transmission and impact of infectious diseases in Queensland.

Impact has already been significant:

“The RBWH Foundation acknowledges the considerable contribution and generosity of our supporters, Keith and Glenda Drake, in ensuring the Institute became a reality.”

• Three Drake Infectious Diseases Medical Research Fellows and a Pharmacy Research Fellow

• Early Career Researcher Enabling Grants

• Establishment of key themes in Vascular Access and Device Related Infections