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Launched in August 2022, the Doherty Institute’s Cumming Global Centre will provide long-term, mission-based funding to researchers to develop new technologies for treatments against pathogens of pandemic potential.

The establishment of the Centre was made possible by the exceptional generosity of international businessman and philanthropist, Mr Geoffrey Cumming, who donated $250 million to the Doherty Institute. This visionary gift provides the cornerstone Centre funding over a 20-year period, and aspires to motivate others to join an ambitious pursuit to grow a global $1.5 billion research centre. The Victorian Government has joined as a main supporting partner, initially committing $75 million in recognition of the critical need to advance the science behind therapeutics.

Inaugural Director of the Cumming Global Centre and the Doherty Institute, Professor Sharon Lewin, said The Ian Potter Foundation’s significant seed grant was the first philanthropic donation received towards reaching the $1.25 billion funding target.

“On behalf of the Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics, I’d like to thank The Ian Potter Foundation for their generous contribution towards the Centre,” Professor Lewin said.

“Effective and timely delivery of therapeutics has the potential to transform how the next pandemic is managed, but innovation in this area has lagged in comparison to vaccines.

“We have an ambitious 20-year research program to fill this global gap and develop novel treatment solutions that can be rapidly adapted to a new pathogen within much shorter timeframes than currently possible.

“Therapeutics are critically important in preventing the progression of infections to severe disease, and ultimately in saving lives, but requires significant investment, which is why we are extremely grateful The Ian Potter Foundation has come on board in support of the Cumming Global Centre.”

Chairman of The Ian Potter Foundation, Mr Charles Goode AC, said the success of the Cumming Global Centre requires a global effort.

“Geoff Cumming’s gift seeks 5:1 leverage from other funders, and matched funding from visionary partners will be essential to the success of the new Centre,” Mr Goode said.

“The Ian Potter Foundation is proud to support and endorse the Centre in achieving its mission and demonstrates our commitment to investing in high-quality, transformational science.”

Chief Executive Officer of The Ian Potter Foundation, Paul Conroy, said the Foundation was proud to support the innovative research model.

 “The Cumming Global Centre will galvanise top global talent to focus entirely on developing the therapeutics we will need at speed for any future pandemic,” Mr Conroy said.

“With this approach, the Centre envisions a previously unimaginable future where novel therapeutics are generated within weeks of identifying a new virus and are swiftly delivered to patients in need, providing equitable access to treatments and saving millions of lives.”

The Centre will be established in the new $650 million Australian Institute for Infectious Disease, a partnership between the University of Melbourne, the Doherty Institute and Burnet Institute, co-funded by the Victorian Government as the major supporting partner.