Annual Report 2024
Acknowledgement of Country
The Florey acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work, the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
The Florey is committed to the aims, principles and actions of marra ngarrgoo, marra goori: The Victorian Aboriginal Health, Medical and Wellbeing Research Accord.
Lived Experience Contributors and Volunteers
The Florey acknowledges those with a living or lived experience of neurological conditions and thanks them for sharing their stories and perspectives with us, as we work together to improve health outcomes and patient care.
We thank those who support Florey research and participate in our clinical trials.
A message from our Chair
I am pleased to present the 2024 Annual Report of The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health. The Annual Report is published in tandem with the 2024 Impact Report which highlights our major research advances.
The past year has been a transformative one for the Institute, marked by a key leadership transition, strategic renewal and significant advances in research that have high promise to improve the lives of people living with brain and mental health conditions.
In August 2024, Professor Peter van Wijngaarden took over from Professor Trevor Kilpatrick as Executive Director and CEO of the Florey.
Peter's experience and visionary leadership have already proven invaluable in guiding The Florey through this important period of transformation. Under his stewardship, we have refined our research priorities, fostering greater collaboration and a renewed focus on research with translational impact.
We paid tribute to Professor Kilpatrick for his distinguished leadership of The Florey for more than six years in the roles of Executive Director and Clinical Director. He has been instrumental in facilitating a smooth transition of leadership and remains a valued member of our research team and a great friend of the Institute.
We also saw the retirement of three Board Directors, Mr Ross Oakley OAM, Mr Stephen Spargo AM and Mr Adam Horsburgh, who have all made significant contributions to The Florey. We were also delighted to welcome The Honorable Gabrielle Upton to the Board.
2024 will be remembered as the year of Florey innovation. Over the past 5 years the Institute has focused on moving scientific discoveries from the laboratory into the clinic.
We made substantial progress with the Australian Epilepsy Project funded by a $30m Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Frontiers grant, now a national platform connecting nearly 1000 patients with 130 neurologists across all states and territories pioneering delivery of the digital health transformation.
Supported by a talented commercialisation team, a Florey spin-out company, Alkira Bio, secured substantial venture capital funding and two other companies, Phrenix Therapeutics and Centron Bio, were in the advanced stages of seeking investment. Clinical studies of sodium ascorbate for sepsis showed
tremendous promise and research identified a role for the treatment in reducing the risk of delirium and dementia following heart-lung bypass. Further studies are underway to advance these transformative Florey discoveries. We are very proud of the significant progress that has been made in 2024.
These achievements were made possible with the support of volunteers, generous donors and funding agencies, as well as a wide array of research collaborators.
On behalf of the Board, I thank you for joining us on our mission to improve the lives of those living with mental illness and brain diseases.
Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of neuroscience, unlocking new frontiers of knowledge and transforming lives for generations to come.
Mr Martin Adams Chair, The Florey
A message from our Director
In August 2024 I had the great honour of joining the Florey and I am sincerely thankful for the warmth of the welcome that I have received.
I had the fortune of following in the footsteps of Professor Trevor Kilpatrick and I have continued to benefit from his wise counsel and generous support. Over the past months I have been struck by the extraordinary depth and breadth of talent amongst our researchers and professional staff. For many the mission to improve the detection, treatment and prevention of mental illness and brain diseases is deeply personal – they have experienced the awful toll of these diseases on their friends and family members, and this has hardened their resolve to make a difference.
Working at the frontiers of knowledge of the brain is a challenging endeavour; unforeseen obstacles and false avenues are common. Through a combination of intelligence, hard work and resilience our researchers have continued to make major advances, many of which are outlined in the Impact Report that accompanies this document. A common thread that
binds these achievements together is the focus on research with impact.
The efforts of our researchers are matched by those of our support staff – talented individuals working in finance, communications, information technology, laboratory services, commercialisation, human resources, student services and more. None of these extraordinary research advances would be possible without their dedication.
Collaboration is another contributor to the progress that our researchers have made over the past year. We are particularly indebted to our research partners at the University of Melbourne, the Austin and Royal Melbourne Hospitals, and to the many volunteers who participated in our clinical research studies.
2024 has been a year of significant challenges in the medical research sector. Rising costs and a reduction in grant support for research salaries have placed pressure on institutes. With challenges come opportunities. Judicious financial management and continued grant success, coupled with a robust stream of commercialisation revenue and the generous support of our donors, has enabled our researchers to remain at the forefront of discovery.
An independent scientific review of the Institute conducted by a panel of eminent researchers, led by Professor Sam Berkovic, informed an organisational restructure and the prioritsation of 5 key research areas. These are: dementia; neurodegeneration & immunology; stroke & critical care; epilepsy & neurodevelopment; and mental health. Each of our researchers has a main focus on one of these priorities, and shares knowledge with those in other priority areas.
Advances in data science enabled by the rise of artificial intelligence have accelerated research progress. The Florey is keen to take a leadership role in the application of artificial intelligence in neuroscience and will establish a technology & AI subcommittee of the Board to inform the strategy.
As I look to the year ahead with great optimism, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Board of Directors for their leadership and guidance. I extend these thanks to the Executive Team, and I applaud the dedication of our researchers, professional staff and students. We are thankful for the support of the Victorian Government, grant funding agencies and for the generosity of our donors. Together, we will continue to discover ways to improve brain health.
Professor Peter van Wijngaarden Executive Director & CEO, The Florey
The Florey mission
The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health is an independent medical research institute devoted to tackling brain and mental health conditions.
Our mission is to improve the lives of people affected by brain and mental health conditions through research. We envisage a world where early detection and timely intervention mean these conditions are preventable or treatable, so that we can all live full and healthy lives.
The Florey: 2024 at a glance
958
publications
Published research
Grants
57
new grants totalling $25m
55.5 million
7
grants of more than $1m
average annual citations past 2 years
4
68,590 >2000
NHMRC, 1 ARC and 2 MRFF grants
people reached with news from The Florey across all forms of media
Support for The Florey
Commercialisation
Community engagement Our people
1800
philanthropic gifts and bequests totalling $3.6m
4
start-up companies, raising more than $25m in capital
1,640
donors. 20% gave for the first time
people attended our public lectures
57
research teams
38
commercial contracts
40
projects supported by philanthropy, trusts and foundations
6
patent families
460
staff
225
students
A year in review 2024
Mar
Jan Feb
A study, led by Professor Christopher Rowe (above), brings us one step closer to a blood test ‘game-changer’ for diagnosing dementia.
We mourn the passing of Harold Mitchell AC, (above). Harold served as Board Chair from 2012 to 2020, was a tireless advocate of The Florey and a very generous donor.
Professor Anthony Hannan and Dr Carolina Gubert lead a study revealing the positive effect of a high-fibre diet for families with Huntington’s disease.
Associate Professor Justin Rubio is awarded significant funding from MS Australia for research aimed at slowing or preventing progression of multiple sclerosis.
The Hon Mark Butler MP (above), Minister for Health and Aged Care, attends The Florey's public lecture and speaks about the prevalence of dementia in Australia.
The Hon Gabrielle Upton is welcomed as a new Board Director.
Associate Professor Jess Nithianantharajah (above) is appointed Head of The Florey Department, University of Melbourne. Dr Pratishtha Chatterjee receives a MidCareer Researcher Fellowship from Dementia Australia and receives the coveted Dementia Advocates’ Award. We celebrate International Women’s Day with a panel of speakers.
Apr May Jun
The Hon Ingrid Stitt, Minister for Mental Health (above), visits to see the transformative impact of the Victorian Government’s Mental Health grant.
The Hon Ben Carroll MP, Victorian Minister for Medical Research, The Hon Enver Erdogan MP and Sheena Watt MP tour our motor neurone disease labs.
The Australian National Creutzfelt-Jakob Disease Registry receives a grant of $3m over 5 years from the Australian Government.
The Motor Neurone Disease Group (above), led by Professor Bradley Turner, joins FightMND’s Big Freeze 10.
We thank retiring Board Directors Ross Oakley OAM, Stephen Spargo AM and Adam Horsburgh for their tremendous contributions.
Associate Professor Dana Wong (above) speaks at a Parliamentary Breakfast hosted by The Young Stroke Service and attended by parliamentarians, including Emma Vulin MP.
Professor John Furness (above) is made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours List.
The Florey Graduate Research Symposium provides 4 insightful days of presentations and discussions.
Florey’s biotech spin-out, Alkira Bio, secures investment funding from USbased venture capital company Curie.Bio.
The Florey incorporates Centron Bio, led by Florey researcher Associate Professor Fazel Shabanpoor and Professor Bradley Turner, to translate its blood-brain barrier technology to the clinic.
July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Florey Fellowships are awarded to Dr Laura Vella, and Professor Akhter Hossain (above), and Professor Anne-Louise Ponsonby (not pictured), providing salary support to enable impactful research.
Dr Niamh Moriarty (above right) is awarded the Flack Fellowship to fund her preclinical research in Parkinson's disease. Florey sepsis researchers demonstrate that a formulation of sodium ascorbate may reverse organ failure caused by sepsis.
Professor Peter van Wijngaarden (below right, with Florey Board Chair Martin Adams) appointed as The Florey’s new Executive Director and CEO.
Florey researchers led by Professor Anne-Louise Ponsonby and Dr Wah Chin Boon find an association between prenatal exposure to plastics and autism in some boys.
Florey-led startup, FeBI Technologies, receives funding from the Department of Education’s Australia Economic Accelerator.
The Australian Stroke Clinical Registry (AuSCR) at The Florey is awarded a new 3-year $1.5m funding package under the National Clinical Quality Registry Program.
Record numbers at our Student Open Day (above) with more than 300 attendees.
The Florey Awards recognise staff, student and volunteer excellence.
Dr Chris Bye and team are awarded $5m from the Medical Research Future Fund to screen potential treatments for motor neurone disease.
The Florey’s Centre of Research Excellence for Delivery of Organ Support (CREDOS) receives Good Laboratory Practice certification from the National Association of Testing Authorities.
The Florey Postdoctoral Association Symposium (above) is held with engaging presentations highlighting innovative research.
Dr Ya Hui Hung (above) and team investigate whether an mRNA gene therapy can be used to restore neurological function in people with the NiemannPick Disease, with support from the Australian NPC Disease Foundation.
We hold a tribute event to thank Professor Trevor Kilpatrick (above) for his exceptional leadership, as recently retired Director of The Florey.
MND researchers Associate Professor Fazel Shabanpoor and Dr Samantha Barton receive more than $1.1m in combined funding from FightMND.
An external Scientific Review of the Institute sees eminent Australian and international research leaders appraise Florey research programs and strategic direction.
Professors Scott Ayton, Ashley Bush, Colin Masters and Christopher Rowe are recognised for their significant impact on the global scientific community in the Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers List for 2024.
The Florey’s annual Melbourne Brain Symposium brings more than 200 attendees together to showcase scientific, clinical and industry partnerships for brain research.
The Florey’s ‘More Time’ summer fundraising campaign launches.
The NHMRC awards Ideas grants to Professor Akhter Hossain to study a gut hormone; Dr Niamh Moriarty to study neural grafts to treat Parkinson’s disease; and Professor Robin McAllen to map the brainstem and sympathetic nerve pathways.
The first episode of The Brain Matters Podcast is aired to a large audience of subscribers.
Our Impact
At The Florey, we are committed to translating discovery neuroscience into real-world outcomes for improved health. As global leaders in their fields, our researchers strive to understand brain diseases and mental illness, developing tests, devices and treatments to improve lives.
This Impact Report shares some of our recent breakthroughs. Go to Florey.edu.au/about/reports-and-publications/
Sepsis
A new treatment developed by Florey researchers, in collaboration with intensive care specialists could soon become a lifesaving, low-cost treatment for sepsis. Sepsis occurs when the immune system has an extreme response to an infection, leading to life-threatening reductions in blood pressure and multiple organ failure.
Pioneering research led by Professor Yugeesh Lankadeva and Professor Clive May has shown that the treatment can reverse the devastating effects of sepsis. An early phase clinical study showed great promise and a larger follow-on clinical trial is underway in intensive care units around Australia.
The Australian Epilepsy Project
A groundbreaking Florey research project, led by Professor Graeme Jackson, is transforming the diagnostic and treatment journey for people with epilepsy. The team is implementing a new standard of care that simplifies the journey from diagnosis to treatment.
Will Campbell’s (right) epilepsy went undiagnosed for years, but thanks to the AEP, he underwent brain surgery and his seizures are under control.
Brain cancer
Professor Lucy Palmer leads research to understand how healthy brain cells and cancer cells communicate.
“Cell by cell, we can create pictures of brain cancers by filling them with fluorescent markers and by measuring their electrical activity," Professor Palmer says.
Melbourne woman Janet Micallef has had 8 surgeries to remove brain tumours.
“I hope that with research like this, the way brain tumours are treated in the future will change for the better,” she said.
Genetic epilepsy
While studying biomedical science, researcher Montanna Waters became a support worker, caring for children living with complex disabilities.
Her care work inspired her to study childhood epilepsy at The Florey.
“Who better to work on finding a treatment for our kids than someone who knows them?” says the girls’ mother Danielle Williams.
Essential tremor
In just a few hours Richard Mulcahy was transformed from a man whose hands shook so much that he could not write or button a shirt, to somebody who could happily drink a cup of tea without spilling a drop. Richard underwent an incision-free brain procedure called MRI-guided focused ultrasound thanks to a collaboration between The Florey and the Austin Hospital.
"It's rapid, dramatic, and transformative,” says Austin Hospital neurologist and Florey researcher Associate Professor Thevathasan.
Plastic and autism
Plastic chemicals are now so widespread that no matter how hard we try – it’s almost impossible to avoid them. Professor Anne-Louise Ponsonby and Dr Wah Chin Boon are investigating some of the ways in which these synthetic substances affect the brains of children before they are born. The researchers have discovered a link between maternal exposure to bispehnol A (BPA) and autism in some boys.
“We are exposed to plastic chemicals in countless ways. It’s critical that we investigate human health effects so that international lawmakers can act now to safeguard global health, particularly for vulnerable groups,” Professor Ponsonby says.
Stroke
After a stroke, the time it takes for a patient to receive a thrombectomy - a surgical procedure to remove a clot from the brain – is critical. For stroke survivor Mike Lugg, that time was only 44 minutes. “Soon after the surgery I was sitting up in bed talking to people, and it was like nothing had ever happened - I’ve lived a perfectly normal life since,” he says.
Stroke researcher Professor Dominique Cadilhac says that’s a remarkable outcome. She leads research that is helping hospitals around Australia improve stroke care, ensuring that the quality of care is not a postcode lottery.
Multiple sclerosis
For 25 years, Associate Professor Rubio has been focussed on uncovering the genetic basis of multiple sclerosis (MS). This dedication, and the efforts of a multidisciplinary team of researchers and clinicians, has led to the discovery of an important mechanism by which inflammation in people with MS might damage neurons.
The team found that inflammation appears to speed up the rate of change (mutations) in the genetic code (DNA) of neurons and that this may contribute to their death.
Dementia
Professor Scott Ayton is leading a major new dementia research program – the Enhanced Dementia Diagnosis study – which will give people suspected to have dementia rapid access to the latest diagnostic tools, including the new blood test, advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a digital cognitive function test.
“We are testing the performance of diagnostic tools in real-world settings to enable fast, accurate and equitable dementia diagnosis across Australia,” Professor Ayton says.
Awards and Achievements
Our scientists are committed to excellence within the Institute and beyond, with recognition from leading organisations around the world for their dedication to advancing humanity through brain research.
Recipient
Dr Roberta Anversa
Dr Lauren Bleakley
Dr Wah Chin Boon
Dr Wah Chin Boon for Meizon Innovations
Alayna Caruso
Centre of Research Excellence for Delivery of Organ Support
Dr Pratishtha Chatterjee
Prof Steven Collins
Samuel Combes
Dr Vincent Dore, Honorary Research Fellow
Tyra Fraser
Dr Carolina Gubert
Recognition
Best Early Career Research Paper Award
Awarded by
Biological Psychiatry Australia
BioCurate Best Lightning Talk Melbourne Emerging Leaders in Biomedical Research Symposium
Launching New Ventures Pitch Night Grand Master Champion
Most Innovative Company 2024
Best Oral Presentation
Good Laboratory Practice recognition
Dementia Advocates’ Award
Legend Award
2024 Karl David Yeoman’s Award
de Leon Prize in Neuroimaging
2024 AusHealth CureCell Award
Young Scientist Award
Harvard Business School
Club of United Business
2024 Melbourne Protein Group Student Symposium
National Association of Testing Authorities
Dementia Australia
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease Support Group Network
University of Melbourne
Alzheimer’s Association International Conference
AusHealth CureCell
Federation of Asian and Oceanian Biochemists and Molecular Biologists
Recipient
Recognition
Prof Trevor Kilpatrick For Excellence in Academic Career Achievement Award
Prof Yugeesh Lankadeva Finalist in the Asian-Australian Leadership Awards (Education, Science & Medicine)
Prof Yugeesh Lankadeva Jaye-Chin Dusting Award
Katherine Lewis
Xavier Maddern
Prof Catriona McLean AO and Prof Jane Gunn AO
Dr Chiara Pavan
Andrew Quattrochi
Prof Christopher Reid
Dr Robert Smith for MRtrix3
James Tran
Istvan Tork Student Oral Award
ECRN Excellence Plenary Award
Induction into the 2024 Victorian Honour Roll of Women
Best Early-to-Mid Career Researcher Presentation
Dibbens Family CureCell Award for Stroke Research
Scientific Merit Award
Finalist in the Eureka Prize (Research & Innovation)
Early-Stage
Awarded by
Australian and New Zealand Association of Neurologists
University of Melbourne Asialink and Johnson Partners
2024 Hypertension Australia Conference
Australasian Neuroscience Society 41st Annual Scientific Meeting
Biological Psychiatry Australia
Victoria Department of Families, Fairness and Housing
Australasian Society for Stem Cell Research Conference, Adelaide
AusHealth CureCell
Epilepsy Society Australia
Australian Museum
Florey staff and student awards
Celebrating the achievements of our staff, students and volunteers
“These awards recognise members of the Florey community for their outstanding contributions to the Institute and for their pursuit of research impact” – Executive Director and CEO Professor van Wijngaarden.
Florey Medals for Outstanding Contribution
The Outstanding Contribution awards to recognise the efforts of volunteers at The Florey.
Longstanding volunteers, Peter Maley and Bruno Marino, were awarded the inaugural Florey Medals for Outstanding Contribution.
Peter Maley joined the Florey Institute’s Animal Ethics Committee in 1993 in a voluntary capacity and remained in that role for 31 years, retiring only last year.
2024 Florey Award winners
Exceptional Talent Award
This award is for someone who goes above and beyond in their role and shows dedication to the Institution and to their colleagues.
Winner: Dr Samaneh Mirzaei
The late Bruno Marino volunteered from 2014 to 2024 generously donating time and expertise to projects in the pre-clinical Critical Care Unit.
Pathway to Impact Award
This award is for someone who drives meaningful change, a commitment to improving the lives of people in Australia and around the world through their research.
Winner: Professor Yugeesh Lankadeva
Dynamic Collaborator Award
This award is for someone who sets a high standard for building relationships and has a strong track record of successful collaboration.
Winner: Kath Powley
Winner: Professor Akhter Hossain
Lend a Hand Award
This award is for someone who provides outstanding support for others and plays a vital role in making things work.
Winner: Sarah Handcock
Winner: Dr Marius Rosier
Team of the Year Award
This award goes to a team that demonstrates great teamwork, team spirit and successfully delivers outcomes for The Florey.
Winner: Core Animal Services
Length of service awards
15-year milestone: Professor Colin Masters
10-year milestone: Professor Chris Bladin, Shannon Currin, Krista Dent, Professor John Furness, Dr Sarah Gordon, Kristen Grant, Benny Gregersen, Dr Nicole Jenkins, Dr Timothy Karle, Professor Yugeesh Lankadeva, Shanshan Li, Dr Sophia Luikinga, Celeste Mawal, Sean Murphy, Associate Professor Jess Nithianantharajah, Kate Paice, Dr Nirma Perera, Dr Eric Pierre, Nancy Pompeani, Dr Philip Ryan, Christine Thai, Shiji Varghese, Dr Laura Vella
Donor-sponsored
Awards
These travel awards were made possible thanks to the generosity of our donors. We thank them for their continued support.
John Milne Prize for Neuroscience
Winner: Dr Tina Kaffenberger
Philanthropic Postgraduate and Postdoctoral Travel Awards (Anonymous Donor)
PhD Winners: Anton Trask-Marino, Aida Viden, Hongkang Wu
Postdoc Winners: Dr Niamh Moriarty, Dr Connie Ow, Dr Chaitra Chandrashekar
Caitlin’s Fund Postgraduate and Postdoctoral Travel Awards
PhD Winner: Suyi Ooi
Postdoc Winner: Dr Jodie Chapman
Harold Mitchell Postgraduate and Postdoctoral Travel Awards
PhD Winner: James Spyrou
Postdoc Winner: Dr Emily Ramage
Wally and Jean Jackson Postgraduate and Postdoctoral Travel Awards
PhD Winner: Joshua Saito
Postdoc Winner: Dr Ruslan Pustovit
John Collier Postdoctoral Travel Scholarship
Winner: Dr Chiara Pavan
Florey-sponsored Awards
Alan Rembach Postdoctoral Travel Award
Winner: Dr Ashenafi Betrie
Graduate Research Symposium Overall Winner Winner: Hongkang Wu
Graduate Research Symposium Innovation Award
Winner: Vicky He
Graduate Research Symposium 2nd Year Talk
Winner: Montanna Waters
Runner up: Hian Mun Lee
Graduate Research Symposium 3rd Year Talk
Winner: Andrew Zhang
Runners up: Katie Lewis and Anthon Trask-Marino
Florey Postdoctoral Association Best Paper
Winner: Dr Alemayehu Jafar
Runners up: Dr Alaa Abdul-Ridha and Dr Roberta Goncalves Anversa
The Craig Drummond Award
Winner: Dr Maria Kuznesova
Scientific Postdoctoral Travel Award
Winner: Dr Madeleine Di Natale
Ayse Berke and Liana Colvill Postgraduate Travel Award
Winner: Sam Tanner
Neuropix
The Florey’s annual microscopy photography competition, where cutting-edge science and artistic brilliance collide. The images showcase the critical role microscopy techniques play in advancing our understanding of the brain’s structure and function.
Scientific Award Winner: Montanna Waters People’s Choice Award Winner: Dr Chiara Pavan
Philanthropic Postdoctoral Travel Award winners: L-R Anton Trask-Marino, Aida Viden, Hongkang Wu, with Professor Peter van Wijngaarden Executive Director & CEO, The Florey
The Florey Board of Directors
We thank our dedicated Board of Directors for their expert guidance and valuable contributions to The Florey.
Mr Martin Adams – Chair
Technology entrepreneur, investor and company director. Joined the Board in 2021, appointed Chair in 2022. Serves on Audit, Risk & Governance, Investment and Commercialisation Committees.
Mr Graeme Billings
Chartered accountant and former senior partner at PwC with over 30 years’ experience. Honorary Treasurer and Chair of the Audit, Risk & Governance Committee.
Mr Chris Blake
Transformation leader and current Group CEO of St Vincent’s Health Australia. Also serves on the Advisory Committee of the Australian Epilepsy Project.
Mr Ross Burney
Experienced investment professional with a global background in equities, debt, private equity and property. Chair of the Investment Committee.
Professor Jane Gunn
Medical practitioner and Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences at the University of Melbourne. Champion of innovation, governance and collaborative research.
Mr Peter Haig
A partner at Allens. Highly respected specialist in regulatory investigations, inquiries, and complex commercial disputes. Serves on the Audit, Risk & Governance and Investment Committees.
Professor Mark Hargreaves AM
Former Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Collaboration & Partnerships) at the University of Melbourne, focused on fostering interdisciplinary research and strategic partnerships.
Ms Kate Joel
Strategic consultant with 30+ years’ experience across industry and government. Serves on the Audit Risk & Governance Committee. Chairs the Fundraising Committee.
Professor Christine Kilpatrick AO
Former CEO of Melbourne Health, epilepsy neurologist, and respected health leader. Chair of the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. Retires from the Board in May 2025.
The Hon Gabrielle Upton
Lawyer, banker and former government minister. Was the first female NSW Attorney General and Deputy Chancellor of UNSW. On the Audit, Risk & Governance Committee. Chairs the Commercialisation Committee.
Professor Peter van Wijngaarden
Clinician-scientist and research leader, formerly Deputy Director at CERA. Joined The Florey on 1 August 2024. Driven to create health impact through research.
Directors retired in 2024
The Florey is grateful for the dedicated service of Board Directors who retired in 2024:
• Professor Trevor Kilpatrick
• Mr Adam Horsburgh
• Mr Ross Oakley OAM
• Mr Stephen Spargo AM
Incoming Directors
We look forward to welcoming new Board Directors in 2025.
• Professor Shelley Dolan – Chief Executive, Royal Melbourne Hospital
• Ms Jodie Geissler – Chief Executive Officer, Austin Hospital
Thanks to our supporters
A message from Ms Kate Joel, Chair of the Florey Fundraising Committee
At The Florey, our critical research is enabled by our passionate and generous donors, community groups, and philanthropic foundations committed to advancing brain health for future generations.
As Chair of the Fundraising Committee, I extend my heartfelt thanks to all who supported us in 2024. Whether you hosted an event, donated, or included The Florey in your Will, your contribution has made a profound impact.
Your support empowers us to unlock the brain's mysteries, create new diagnostic tools, and develop treatments that improve lives daily. Every donation helps us to realise our mission.
2024 marked significant milestones in fundraising:
• Our first Impact Report shared stories of lives changed by Florey research.
• The Brain Matters podcast reached new audiences with powerful, accessible conversations.
Florey Governors
Andrew Abercrombie
Martin Adams
James Angus AO
Etienne Baulieu
Samuel Berkovic AM
Graeme Billings
Christopher Blake
Neal Blewett AC
Graeme Bowker
Di Bresciani OAM
Alec Broers
Malcolm Broomhead AO
John Brumby AO
Tom Buchan
Ross Burney
Edward Byrne AC
Lyndsey Cattermole AM
Jean-Pierre Changeux
Trevor Clark OAM
Peter Clemenger AO
David Copolov AO
Philip Cornish AM
Charles Curwen AO CVO OBE
Andrew Cuthbertson AO
Tim Daly AM
Stephen Davis AO
Jerry de la Harpe
David de Rothschild
• Our More Time appeal, highlighted groundbreaking dementia research by scientists with deeply personal connections to the disease.
Community fundraising made a profound impact, with Super Dad Stu Place’s 50-day cycling challenge raising over $350,000 for research into chilldhood epilepsies; and The PURA Foundation Australia’s tireless support advancing our understanding of PURA syndrome.
I am especially grateful to Allan Myers AC KC and Maria Myers AC for enabling three Philanthropic Fellowships and supporting the 2024 Allan and Maria Myers Lecture.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Carl Dowd AM and Wendy Dowd AM, whose vision created the Florey Future Fund and the Carl and Wendy Dowd Professorial Fellowship, providing critical support to our leading scientists.
With your support we are building a foundation for world-leading innovation, sustainable research, and lasting impact. Thank you for your support in 2024. Your kindness means the world to us.
David de Souza AM
Peter Doherty AC
Carl Dowd AM
Wendy Dowd AM
Suzanne Downes
Craig Drummond
George Fink
Alan Finkel AC
John Finlay-Jones
Roger Flynn
Tamie Fraser AO
Peter Fuller AM
John Funder AC
Rob Gerrand
Kelvin Glare AO
Charles Goode AC
Susan Greenfield CBE
Jane Gunn AO
Sandra Hacker AO
Peter Haig
Mark Hargreaves AM
Pamela Hauser
Caroline Hogg AO
Adam Horsburgh
Andrea Hull AO
Margaret Jackson AC
Bevyn Jarrott
Kate Joel
Barry Jones AC
Mark Jones AM
Peter Jopling AM KC
Shitij Kapur
Graeme Kelly
Bruce Kemp AO
Christine Kilpatrick AO
Jennifer Labourne
Frank Larkins AM
Richard Larkins AC
John Lill OAM
Paul Little AO
Bernard Lochtenberg
Lina Marrocco OAM
Jim McCluskey AO
Elspeth McLachlan
George McMaster
Frederick Mendelsohn AO
Naomi Milgrom AC
Brendan Murphy AC
Louise Myer
Martyn Myer AO
Allan Myers AC KC
Maria Myers AC
Mark Nelson
Hugh Niall
Ross Oakley OAM
Simon Parker Bowles
Primrose Potter AC
John Poynter AO OBE
Ian Renard AM
Geoffrey Ripper
Eda Ritchie AM
John Rose AO
Thomas Schneider
David Scott
Richard Smallwood AO (dec)
Stephen Spargo AM
Andrew Stripp
Boris Struk
Geoffrey Tregear AM
Robert Trenberth AM
Gad Trevaks AM
Gabrielle Upton
Anne Ward
Andrew Wardlaw
Elizabeth Wardlaw
Brian Watson AO
Ingrid Winship AO
Marelyn Wintour-Coghlan AO
Meredith Woods
Michael Wooldridge
John Wylie AC
Harrison Young
Our donors in 2024
Founding benefactors
Kenneth Myer AC
Sir William Ian Potter
Future Fund donors
Principal Benefactors (above $3 million)
Carl Dowd AM and Wendy Dowd AM
Estate of Mary Lugton
Harold Mitchell AC (dec) Fellow
($250,000 – $499,999)
Lady Primrose Potter AC
Associate
($100,000 – $249,999)
Lindsey Cattermole AM
The Drummond Foundation
GSA Industries Pty Ltd
Omnico Operations
Estate of Marjorie Talan and Akos Talan
The A N and B O Williams Foundation
Florey Foundation donors
Deirdre Collier
Caitlin's Fund
Estate of Dorothy Jean Jackson
Naomi Milgrom AC
John Milne
Harold Mitchell Foundation
Allan Myers AC KC and Maria Myers AC
Our donors in 2024
Donors with gifts of $10,000 to $999,999
Peter Armstrong
John and Lorraine Bates
Berwick Opportunity Shop Incorporated
Julie Blunt
David Carroll
Lisa Carroll
Peter Carroll
Roslyn Glow OAM
Lesley Griffin
Hearts and Minds Investments
Limited
Kate and Warren Joel
Trevor Kilpatrick
Richard Lake
Maureen List
Anne Mattingly
James McIntyre
Bruce and Lana Moran
Mort & Co Ltd
Judy Overbeek
Richard and Juneth Wall
The Hunter's Fundraising Group
Kay Tudor
Donors with gifts of $1,000 to $9,999
David Aitken
Jim and Judy Allen
Pauline Atkins
Nicholas Barton
Mirion Bearman
Cathy Bell
Matthew Benson
Jonathan Benson
Garth Bird
Bisping Medizintechnik GmbH
Angelo Bladeni
The Cornelis and Trish Boekel
Family
Mary Bram and Arnold Bram (dec)
Hazel Brentnall and Edward Brentnall OAM (dec)
D E and G M Brown
Grace Cavanagh
Centre State Rodders
Elaine Chang
Diana Cherry
Richard and Elizabeth
Chisholm
Peter and Jan Clark
Patricia Clennett
Dorothy Collin
Geoffrey Cottrell
Graham Cush
Eril Deighton
John and Dianne Dixon
Gwen D'Sylva
Susan Duncan
Dorothy Emerson
David Feldman
Janine Ferguson and Graeme
Ellen
Valmae Freilich
Gemma Furtado
Galig Nominees Pty Ltd
Jenny Galloway
David and Rosemary Geer
Peter and Janet Gilbertson
Wayne and Suzanne Gill
Dina Goldschlager
Goldsmith Family
Ai-Gul and Andrew Guild
Sandra Hacker AO
John Harrison
Robert Henwood
Annelie Holden
William Holdsworth
Doug Hooley
Inner Wheel Club of Pakenham
Susan Iovenitti
Rosemary Jenkins
K-OSSS Pty Ltd
Jillian Keetley
Ian Kennedy AM
Wesley Kilham
Peggy Knight
William Kosky
Bonnie Lee
Peter Lemon
Alison Leslie
Brian Little
Heather Mason
Ian McCay
Ingeborg McCullough
John McKenzie AM
Bruce McKenzie
Muriel McLaren
Victoria McNeilly
Elizabeth Mildwater
David Moeller
Kui Meng Ng
Anthony Nicholas
Heather Nixon-Smith
Greg Noonan
Valerie Osbourne
Pakenham Opportunity Shop
Inc
Dianne Pascoe
Mary Paterson
Patricia Peck (dec)
Elizabeth Pender
Duong Phan
Ian Phillips
Ron Pitcher AM
Richard and Glenda Power
Marlene Raven
RBR Refrigeration Services
Colette Reeves
Deborah Reich
Ralph and Ruth Renard
Caroline Richardson
Ritchies Victoria Pty Ltd
Judy Roach, Richard Roach and Sally Gough
Sharon Roberts
Caroline Robertson
Maree Robinson
John and Margot Rogers
Nicola Rollerson
Rotary Club of Rowville
Lysterfield
Betty Smith
Somnivore Pty Ltd
Luke Stevens
Gary Stiliano
Sheryl Summons
Dorothy Tagg
Gregory and Wendy Taggart
Jenny Tatchell
Wendy R Taylor
Kathryn Thaniel
The Grocer
Debbie and Peter Thomas
Linda Thomas
Wendy Thomas
Margaret Toomey
Toowoomba Turf Club
Paul Treasure
David Tregear
Devin Trussell
Henri van Reesema
John and Robyn Vroland
Philip Weickhardt
Karen Wells
Michelle Westaway
Janet Whiting AM
Stuart Wilson
Sineke Winter
Belle Wong
Susanna Woodall
Meredith Woods
Harrison Young
Trusts and foundations
Allan & Gill Gray
Philanthropies
Alzheimer’s Association (US)
Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery
Foundation
ANZAN Education and Research Foundation
A-T Children’s Project
AusHealth Cure Cell Awards
Australian NPC Disease Foundation
Australian Rotary Health
Austrian Science Fund
Bethlehem Griffiths Research Foundation
Brain Australia
Brain Cancer Centre
Brain Foundation
Caitlin's Fund
CJD Support Group Network
Dementia Australia Research Foundation
DHB Foundation
Emma & Bob House
Philanthropic Trust
Epilepsy Foundation
FightMND
Flicker of Hope Foundation
Ltd
Frick Foundation
Gaudry Gift
Givingforce Foundation
Harbig Charities Pty Ltd atf
Harbig Family Foundation
Harold & Cora Brennen Benevolent Trust
Harold Mitchell Foundation
Hereditary Disease Foundation
Homer Hack
J & J Grants
Jeanette Tye Webster Endowment
Johnstone Family Foundation
Judy Matear and Family
Lionel & Yvonne Spencer Trust
Live Life Foundation
Macular Disease Foundation
Australia
Mason Foundation
Massey Charitable Foundation
Menika Lanard Jandd
Charitable Foundation
Michael J Fox Foundation
Minderoo Foundation
MND Research Australia
MS Australia
National Foundation for Medical Research and Innovation
Nell & Hermon Slade Trust
Nigel & Patricia Peck Foundation
MND Research Australia –Daniel McLoone Research Initiative
Percy Baxter Charitable Trust
Pincus Family Foundation
Ralph and Betty Sims Fund
Rebecca L Cooper Medical
Research Foundation – Al &
Val Rosenstrauss Fellowship
Rob Clarke & Family Giving Fund
Robert and Elizabeth Sinclair Foundation
RobMeree Foundation
Santalum Foundation
Stroke Foundation
Stuart & Jillian Bales
Telematics Trust
The CASS Foundation
The Halim Family Perpetual Endowment Legacy
The Heart Foundation
The Hutchins Family
The Isabel & John Gilbertson Charitable Trust
The Jack Brockhoff Foundation
The Marchris Family Charitable Gift
The Marian and E H Flack Trust
The Mark Foundation
The Rix Foundation
The Roebuck Foundation
The Stafford Fox Medical Research Foundation
The Stuart Leslie Foundation
The Valda Klaric Foundation
The Will & Dorothy Bailey Charitable Fund
Tom and Ruth O'Dea Fund
Trish MS Research Foundation
Waterloo Foundation
Weary Dunlop Foundation
Trust
administrators
We acknowledge the services provided by these companies in administering grants and donations
Australian Communities Foundation
Australian Online Giving Foundation
Australian Philanthropic Services Foundation
Equity Trustees Limited
Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation
Mutual Trust Foundation
Perpetual Trustees Australia
UK Online Giving Foundation
The Florey Society
Thank you to those supporters who have advised they have included a gift to The Florey in their Will
Peter Armstrong
John and Lorraine Bates
Sally Beavis
Dianne Berlin
Coral Beulke
Kate Brown
Tess Cafarella
Tina Cafarella
Lynne and Paul Cordon
Irene and Jeffrey Court
John Crutchfield
Barbara Darvall
Neville and Denise Daynes
Geraldine de Malet
Antoinette Doran
Joe Foley
Cathy Foster
Margo Garnon-Williams
Anna Gillard
Roslyn Glow OAM
Doreen and John GordonKirkby
Nancy Guzzo-Pernell
Frank and Swan Halim
Jean Hofmaier
Marie-Louise and Peter Hekel
Annelie Holden
Susan Hosken
Jenny Vallins and Anthony Jackman
Rod Kent
Helen Lightfoot
Caroline Lord
Elaine Mann
Peter McCarthy
Bruce McKenzie
Patricia McLoughlin
Kris Meade
John Milne
Lana and Bruce Moran
Christine and Garnet Morgan
Bob Muirhead
Judy Overbeek
Dianne Pascoe
Rita Pellen
Richard Pestell AO
Wayne Pethick and Donna
Walker
Sherry Pratt
David and Robin Richards
Geoffrey Ripper
Annette Rogers
Josephine Ridgeway
Alma Ross
Melanie Scaife
Kai Simpson
Marie Smyth
Ralph Stavely
Wendy R Taylor
Rod Thomas
Kay Thomas
David Tregear
Geoffrey Tregear AM
Kay Tudor
James Walduck
Richard and Juneth Wall
Robert White
Michael Wignell
Bev Womersley
Bequests and Estates
We acknowledge the donors from whom we received a gift through their Will in 2024 and express our appreciation to their family and friends
Christine Mary Adams
Margo Elizabeth Bartley
Elizabeth Mary Butt
Shirley Hallows
Katherine Kingsbury OAM
Marian Rosalind Letcher
Lois Elizabeth Oliver
Florey supporters raising funds in the community
Kellie Adams – NPC disease research
Annie's Birthday Fundraiser
Francesca Hargrave – Tour 2 Cure Schizophrenia
Rabbi Ian Morris - 70th Birthday Fundraiser
Scott Murphy and David Moeller – Walk to Fight Dementia
We would also like to acknowledge the donors to The Florey who wish to remain anonymous.
We have made every effort to ensure the details in this list are correct.
For any queries, please contact us on philanthropy@florey. edu.au.
Financial snapshot 2024
Review of operations
For the year ended 31 December 2024, total revenue from ordinary activities was $72.8m. The entity recorded a net operating deficit of $1.5m and a net deficit of $3.9m after depreciation, amortisation and change in fair value of investments.
A life’s gift to The Florey
A Melbourne couple’s many personal connections to conditions researched at The Florey have inspired them not only to provide support during their lifetimes, but to remember The Florey in their Wills.
Doreen and John Gordon-Kirkby know firsthand the difference scientific research could make to loved ones.
Sadly, John’s first wife, Ailsa died from motor neurone disease in 2018, and Doreen’s first husband suffered from depression before his death in his early 30s. They’ve also had family members diagnosed with schizophrenia, epilepsy and obsessive compulsive disorder – all conditions that are the focus of research at The Florey.
John born in Gibraltar, and Doreen, from Hong Kong, met in Melbourne and married in 1988, a second marriage for each. They eventually settled in Mornington.
It was a shock for the family when Doreen’s son David, after a happy childhood, was diagnosed with schizophrenia as a teenager.
At first, medication rendered him very sleepy and stiffened his muscles considerably.
“We both had to change our ways of thinking,” Doreen says. “Doing things and interacting with each other had to dovetail to maintain a new normal.”
For over a decade David was treated with injections as well as tablets.
“To his credit he never complained or missed an appointment.” Doreen says he is now living independently and she visits frequently.
Back in those pre-internet days Doreen read up on David’s condition, eventually discovering the work of the Mental Health Research Institute (now merged into The Florey).
“I was impressed by the dedication staff showed to a host of mental health diseases,” Doreen says.
Doreen says she’s been given many opportunities in life.
“It’s time for me to give back by supporting The Florey - during my lifetime as well as in my Will - so that researchers can spend less time applying for grants and more time on their science.”
Doreen and John enjoy good health and are avid volunteers. They concede that as they age, they need to keep an eye on their Wills and update them with changing family circumstances.
Both Doreen and John have included a gift for The Florey’s brain research in their Wills.
Doreen dearly hopes her bequest will help bring about effective treatments or cures for brain diseases such as schizophrenia and dementia.
John hopes The Florey will use his gift to find relief and cures for the many mental health afflictions experienced by those in our community.
The Florey Society acknowledges the generosity of Florey supporters who have committed to leaving a gift in their Will for brain research.
Doreen and John Gordon-Kirkby
