Florey Neuroscience Institutes
Joining forces for brain research
To help create one of the world’s top 10 neuroscience institutes, the Howard Florey Institute has amalgamated with the Brain Research Institute and the National Stroke Research Institute to form Florey Neuroscience Institutes (FNI) and to construct two new purpose-built state-of-the-art facilities. As part of this project, the Mental Health Research Institute and University of Melbourne neuroscientists will co-locate with the FNI in the new facilities at the University's Parkville campus and at the Austin Hospital in Heidelberg.
The four research institutes and the University will combine their world-class research skills to develop more effective treatments for the millions of Australians affected by brain disorders every year.
New buildings constructed
- A concept design for the FNI building at Parkville.
The new facilities at Parkville and Heidelberg will accommodate around 700 staff and students.
The FNI will attract the best neuroscientists from Australia and around the world to its Melbourne facilities. Preparation of the building sites has already commenced and it is hoped construction of the FNI facilities will be completed by 2011.
The Victorian Government has committed $53 million and the Federal Government has provided $37 million for the project, which is estimated to cost $204 million. The University of Melbourne has also agreed to contribute up to $57 million towards both buildings. The Ian Potter Foundation has provided $10 million and the Myer Family has donated $5 million. Further financial support is currently being sought from philanthropic organisations and individuals.
Brain disorder research focus
The Florey’s work will continue at the FNI, including research programs for stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, addiction, and motor neuron disease.
The FNI will also investigate schizophrenia and mood disorders, as well as having the added benefit of taking basic research discoveries to the next stage of clinical trials.
Working together to improve outcomes
The creation of the FNI represents a powerful step forward for three reasons – programs, productivity and people.
- Neuroscience is a broad field and there are enormous benefits to be derived from sharing technologies, expertise and insights. Technology is evolving rapidly and it is important for researchers to keep pace with, and share new knowledge, about the latest developments rather than working in isolation.
- The FNI’s second strength will derive from sharing equipment and support services. This will save administrative, infrastructure and operating costs and will ensure that researchers have the maximum access to expensive equipment and cutting-edge expertise.
- People constitute the FNI’s third strength. The relocation will draw together leading brain scientists and create an intense buzz of ideas on which research thrives. More than 700 staff and students from the FNI and its partners will make it Australia’s largest brain research centre and one of the biggest internationally. This in turn will help attract stellar visiting scientists.
Ultimately, we hope that all Australians will benefit through improved health services.
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