$204M effort to unite and conquer brain disorders

Australia's largest united effort to combat brain disorders - the Florey Neuroscience Institutes (FNI) and the Australian Centre for Neuroscience and Mental Health Research - will be officially launched by the Governor of Victoria, Prof David de Kretser AC at a Government House reception at 6:00pm on 22 February 2007.

The FNI has been created through the amalgamation of the Brain Research Institute, the Howard Florey Institute and the National Stroke Research Institute. The coming together of the FNI with the Mental Health Research Institute and neuroscientists from the University of Melbourne and Austin Health will establish the Australian Centre for Neuroscience and Mental Health Research.

Prof de Kretser said, "As Australia's largest centre for neuroscience and mental health research, we are especially proud that it will be located here in Melbourne."

Many of Melbourne's leading neuroscientists will be joined by major philanthropists, business figures, Government representatives and other supporters at the reception to mark the imminent creation of the $204M project.

During the event, a major fundraising appeal for the Centre will be launched for the development of new research facilities at the University of Melbourne's Parkville campus and the Heidelberg campus of Austin Health, and for new scientific teams.

Howard Florey Institute President and chair of the Project Committee, which is overseeing the creation of the FNI and the Centre, Mr Martyn Myer, said an ambitious fundraising target had been set to complete the new facilities, attract leading scientists, and operate the Centre.

"We have raised $154M to date but to realise our vision we require an additional $50M for facilities, equipment and to attract stellar researchers," Mr Myer said.

"Neuroscience is an excellent investment for the health and well-being of our community, as well as our nation's knowledge economy.

"The rewards from this investment will reap benefits for the 75% of Australians affected directly and indirectly by brain disorders every year.

"The creation of the FNI and Centre will reinforce Melbourne's position as Australia's medical research capital.

"By bringing our expertise together, we will develop the critical mass that facilitates significant scientific discoveries," he said.

The project has so far been generously supported by the Victorian and Federal Governments ($53M and $37M respectively), the Ian Potter Foundation ($10M), the Myer Family ($5M) and members of the Howard Florey Institute Board ($3M).

The University of Melbourne will also contribute $46M to expand facilities at both sites ($40M at Parkville and $6M at Austin) to house its neuroscientists and related researchers.