CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE – QIMR BERGHOFER
The COVID-19 global pandemic is an unprecedented health emergency.
QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute was established 75 years ago to research terrible infectious and tropical diseases plaguing Queensland. Armed with this history and knowledge, our Institute has joined the quest to better understand and treat coronavirus.
WHAT RESEARCH IS HAPPENING INTO COVID-19 AT QIMR BERGHOFER?
Our scientists are leveraging the Institute’s expertise in infectious diseases, chronic diseases and cancer research to focus on developing much-needed treatments and rapid diagnostic tools for COVID-19.
Click here to view our priority COVID-19 research projects and collaborations.
WHAT IS QIMR BERGHOFER DOING THAT IS DIFFERENT TO OTHER RESEARCHERS AND SCIENTISTS?
The breadth and depth of research at QIMR Berghofer, the quality of our facilities and the history of the Institute makes us ideal to lead this response. Today we have one of the most advanced and secure biosecurity laboratories in Queensland, specifically designed to safely research deadly infectious diseases like COVID-19. The research projects being undertaken are wide-reaching in their approach. We need to understand who is most susceptible to this disease, why some people are affected very seriously while others are not, find drugs that prevent people from getting the disease and develop a vaccine and effective treatments for those who contract coronavirus.
Learn more about our PC3 Laboratory click here.
WHY IS QIMR BERGHOFER FUNDRAISING FOR THIS RESEARCH?
The initial $1 million funding was received from the Institute’s benefactor Clive Berghofer. This and a further $200,000 from the Brazil Family Foundation allowed us to set up a wide-ranging research program into COVID-19. QIMR Berghofer is expanding and fast-tracking a number of priority COVID-19 research projects thanks to the support we have received from Australian individuals, the federal government through the Medical Research Future Fund and a $5 million funding injection from the Queensland Government, which has allowed 5 existing, priority research projects to accelerate to the next stage, and will allow another 4 new projects to start. Funds received from our donors will only help us expand and accelerate our work in the fight against COVID-19. You can help us to continue by donating to our COVID-19 research program.
HOW CAN I DONATE TO QIMR BERGHOFER’S COVID-19 RESEARCH?
Donations can be made via phone or via our online donation form. Our toll-free number is 1800 993 000. You may reach our message bank and in these busy times, please leave your name and number and one of our fundraising staff will call you back as soon as they can. Please visit our donation page for other methods to donate. We are so very grateful for donations in what we know is an extremely challenging time for so many Australians.
WHAT SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE?
Information about COVID-19 is rapidly being updated. Your local health department can provide information most relevant to your situation. Please note that we are unable to provide medical advice to individuals.
Sources of accurate information include: