About Us
Joining forces for brain research
To create one of the world’s top 10 neuroscience institutes, the Brain Research Institute, the Howard Florey Institute and the National Stroke Research Institute amalgamated in July 2007 to form Florey Neuroscience Institutes (FNI).
The mission of the newly formed organisation is ‘Improving life through brain research’.
The Mental Health Research Institute and University of Melbourne neuroscientists will co-locate with FNI in new purpose-built 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
The new facilities at Parkville and Heidelberg will accommodate around 700 staff and students. The Parkville campus will have a strong basic and translational research base and the Heidelberg facility will have a clinical focus.
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 $76.8 million for the project, which is estimated to cost $225.3 million. The University of Melbourne has also agreed to contribute up to $65 million towards both buildings. The Ian Potter Foundation has pledged $14 million and the Myer Foundation and Family has given $7.5 million.
Brain disorder research focus
Ground-breaking work will continue at FNI, including research programs for stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, addiction, and motor neuron disease.
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 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.
- FNI’s second strength will be derived from sharing equipment and support services. Streamlined operational costs will ensure that researchers have the maximum access to expensive equipment and cutting-edge expertise.
- People constitute FNI’s third strength. The relocation will draw together leading neuroscientists and create an intense buzz of ideas on which research thrives. More than 700 staff and students from FNI and its partners will make it Australia’s foremost brain research centre and one of the largest internationally.
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