Finding solutions to prevent, treat and cure infectious diseases and understanding the complexities of microbes and the immune system requires innovative approaches and concentrated effort. This is why the University of Melbourne – a world leader in education, teaching and research excellence – and The Royal Melbourne Hospital – an internationally renowned institution providing outstanding care, research and learning – partnered to create the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity (Doherty Institute); a centre of excellence where leading scientists and clinicians collaborate to improve human health globally.
Located in the heart of Melbourne’s Biomedical Precinct, the Doherty Institute is named in honour of Patron, Laureate Professor Peter Doherty, winner of the 1996 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering how the immune system recognises virus-infected cells. Under the expert guidance of Director, University of Melbourne Professor Sharon Lewin, a leader in research and clinical management of HIV and infectious diseases, the Doherty Institute has more than 700 staff who work on infection and immunity through a broad spectrum of activities. This includes discovery research; diagnosis, surveillance and investigation of infectious disease outbreaks; and the development of ways to prevent, treat and eliminate infectious diseases.
The Doherty Vision
To improve health globally through discovery research and the prevention, treatment and cure of infectious diseases.
The Doherty Mission
The Doherty Institute will be an inspiring, innovative, and enabling cross-disciplinary environment. We are dedicated to identifying and addressing fundamental challenges in all aspects of infection and immunity. Through our leadership, advocacy and education we will shape research, policy, and practice to improve health for communities both nationally and internationally.
The Doherty Values
Discover: we break new ground and innovate
Deliver: we work to improve health practice and outcomes
Inspire: we motivate, develop and attract the highest calibre staff and graduate researchers to achieve excellence. We share evidence and knowledge to build healthy communities
Collaborate: we engage locally and globally with our partners, stakeholders, colleagues, and community, recognising the value of multi-disciplinarity and harnessing diverse sources of expertise