01 Mar 2019
Doherty Institute signs MoU with Inserm
Collaboration between the Doherty Institute and the French Agency for Research on AIDS and Viral Hepatitis (ANRS) was formalised yesterday with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the University of Melbourne and the French health research institute, Inserm.
The signing of the memorandum signified the continuation of a strong working relationship between the Doherty Institute and ANRS, through the International Coalition to Eliminate Hepatitis B Virus (ICE-HBV).
ICE-HBV aims to fast-track the discovery of a safe, effective, affordable and scalable cure to benefit all people living with chronic HBV, including children and people living with hepatitis C, hepatitis D and HIV co-infection.
Also aiming to promote global collaboration in HBV cure research between 22 institutions, ICE-HBV was formed by the Royal Melbourne Hospital’s Senior Medical Scientist, Professor Peter Revill from the Doherty Institute and Professor Fabien Zoulim, Medical Director of the Hepatology Department at the Hospices Civils de Lyon and Scientific Director of the Department of Immunology and Virology of Inserm.
Founded in 1964, Inserm is a public scientific and technological institute dedicated to biomedical research and human health.
It forms an umbrella organisation for some of the most prestigious research institutions in the world that are committed to scientific challenges and progress in these fields, including the French National Agency for Research on AIDS (ANSR).
The signing formed part of a visit by a delegation from the French government led by the French Minister for Higher Education, Research and Innovation, Professor Frédérique Vidal, to the University of Melbourne, who witnessed the document alongside University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor, Professor Duncan Maskell and Doherty Institute Director, Professor Sharon Lewin.
“It’s fantastic to be formalising this collaborative relationship,” Professor Lewin said.
“The MoU will enable the excellent work being undertaken by ICE-HBV in seeking a cure for hepatitis B to continue, and open the door for a wealth of further opportunities.“
Inserm CEO and Chairman, Mr Gilles Bloch, and Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Professor Jane Gunn, signed the agreement.
“We are excited about this collaboration, and the wonderful work of the Doherty Institute,” Professor Gunn said.
“It is a really important part of the university and a collaboration between our Faculty and the Royal Melbourne Hospital.”