Melbourne Welcomes New Cystic Fibrosis Research Hub
Victoria is now home to Australia’s first centre dedicated to supporting people with cystic fibrosis.
Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson today announced the Cystic Fibrosis Centre of Research Excellence has been established in Melbourne, backed by the Allan Labor Government which tipped in $650,000.
Led by CF Together, a not-for-profit supporting people living with cystic fibrosis, the Centre aims to make Australia a global leader in research, innovative treatments and patient care for the condition.
It will deliver education and training for healthcare professionals and researchers to better support the thousands of Australians living with cystic fibrosis.
The Centre will also support the development of a national research strategy to guide longer-term research into cystic fibrosis, including the development of innovative treatments such as gene therapy, personalised medicine and drug development, and enhanced patient care.
Australia has one of the highest incidences of cystic fibrosis in the world, impacting 3,800 Australians, including 795 Victorians.
Cystic fibrosis affects the lungs, digestive system and other organs, leading to decreased life expectancy and significantly impacting quality of life.
Victoria is the capital of medical research in Australia, having 18 globally recognised medical research institutes, making it the ideal home for the new centre.
The Labor Government’s investment of more than $1 billion in health and medical research over the past decade continues to drive growth, create jobs and support incredible breakthroughs in treatment and care.
Health technologies and medical research are identified as top priority areas in the Economic Growth Statement.
As stated by Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson
“The new Centre of Excellence will play an important role in research and new treatments for people living with cystic fibrosis.”
“It builds on our status as a world leader in medical research and health technology, a key sector that drives jobs and our economy.”
As stated by Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas
“For those living with Cystic fibrosis, it can be debilitating for them and their families. The new Centre of Excellence will be on the forefront of medical research into the disease – it’s fitting that it’s located right here in Victoria.”
As stated by CEO CF Together Mandy Burns
By bringing together the best minds in the field, we can accelerate discoveries, improve models of care, and ensure research translates into real-world benefits for Australians impacted by cystic fibrosis.”
https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-04/250429-New-Cystic-Fibrosis-Research-Centre-Sets-Up-In-Melbourne.pdf