07 Nov 2023
Mr Geoffrey Cumming, of Melbourne, receives Great Australian Philanthropy Award for outstanding philanthropic support of Australian medical research
In recognition of his outstanding generosity and visionary commitment to advancing science and future-proofing global pandemic preparedness, Geoffrey Cumming, an international philanthropist and businessman, was presented with the 2023 Great Australian Philanthropy Award from Research Australia this week.
Mr Cumming made history in August 2022 by donating $250 million for the establishment of The Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics at the Doherty Institute. At the time of writing, this is the largest philanthropic donation to medical research, and one of the largest gifts, in Australia’s history.
University of Melbourne Laureate Professor Sharon Lewin, Director of the Doherty Institute and of The Cumming Global Centre, congratulated Mr Cumming on his well-deserved achievement and commended his leadership.
“I am thrilled to see Geoff’s leadership and philanthropic vision acknowledged by this Award, a testament to his immense generosity and unwavering dedication to improving the welfare of our society on a global scale,” said Professor Lewin.
“His generosity not only impacts societal health and wellbeing, but it also provides valuable learning opportunities for students and researchers.”
Mr Cumming is passionate about long-term and impactful medical discovery science commitments and hopes this donation and award inspires others to consider their legacy and how they can make a meaningful difference. His advocacy has already led to substantial support for The Cumming Global Centre from the Victorian State Government and the Ian Potter Foundation.
Mr Cumming said he was delighted to receive the Great Australian Philanthropy Award for his part in establishing The Cumming Global Centre.
“It is an honour to receive this Award from Research Australia for the vision of this global medical research centre. I believe the Centre has the potential to make a significant, long-term impact on the wellbeing of humanity over the next few decades. It is highly likely that there will be future global pandemics. We need to think longer term, we need to improve future international resiliency and we need to support sustained discovery science,” said Mr Cumming.
“I hope that this gift might serve as an example and inspiration for others who are thinking about supporting societal efforts in medicine, the arts, sports, governance and other worthy causes which are meaningful to them. Giving to highly worthwhile causes can be deeply gratifying, and such giving can make a major difference to society.”
Learn more about the Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics