The mission of the Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics is to develop new platform technologies, which will enable the rapid design and development of therapeutics at speed for pathogens of pandemic potential.
The Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics (Centre) was established in September 2022 within the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, a joint venture between the University of Melbourne and Royal Melbourne Hospital.
With an ambitious 20-year mission to advance the science behind therapeutic development for pathogens of pandemic potential, the Centre will bring together leading scientists from around the globe to develop novel platform technologies using a ‘plug and play’ approach. This means that treatment solutions can be rapidly adapted to new pathogens within much shorter timeframes than currently possible after a new virus is identified, transforming future pandemic management and saving lives.
The Centre was made possible by a $250 million donation from Mr Geoffrey Cumming – the largest philanthropic donation to medical research in Australia’s history. The Victorian Government also signed on as a Major Supporting Partner, committing $75 million in funding.