New Institute name honours the late Bryan Hudson

Professors David de Kretser, Bryan Hudson 

and Henry Burger

Last Thursday, the MIMR-PHI Institute of Medical Research was renamed ‘Hudson Institute of Medical Research’ to honour the late Professor Bryan Hudson.

Hudson Institute Director, Professor Bryan Williams says Professor Hudson was a world-class medical researcher, innovator and a visionary leader.

“As both a physician and a scientist, Professor Hudson's legacy exemplifies the values of the Institute – excellence in cutting-edge research and ensuring its positive impact on the health of the community,” he said.

The MIMR-PHI Institute came about as the result of a 2014 merger between two of Melbourne’s most trusted names in medical research, Monash Institute of Medical Research (MIMR) and Prince Henry’s Institute (PHI).

Now, with a combined 75 years of research experience, more than 450 leading researchers and postgraduate students, an annual budget of more than $45m, and state-of-the-art research facilities, the merged Institute has taken its place as a leader in medical research and its translation into the clinic.

“The diversity of our research is our strength. Our multidisciplinary research environment fosters collaboration and creates opportunities for unique insights and innovation to improve health and prevent and treat diseases across the entire lifespan,” said Professor Williams.

The Institute’s new name recognises the shared histories of its two founding partners.

“Professor Hudson was instrumental to the early origins of both MIMR and PHI. He was the first Professor of Medicine at Monash University and the Founding Chair of the University’s Department of Medicine. He was also the Founding Director of Prince Henry’s Institute (then called Prince Henry’s Hospital Medical Research Centre),” said Professor Williams.

Professor Hudson's daughter, Leigh Bowring, is delighted that her father's contribution to medicine and science is being recognised in this way. 

"It is an honour for our family to know that my father's legacy will live on through the Institute’s outstanding research. We look forward to seeing ground-breaking discoveries come out of the ‘Hudson Institute’," said Mrs Bowring.

The new name comes at a crucial stage for the Institute, as it looks to open a new, $84 million, state-of-the-art Translational Research Facility, along with its Monash Health Translation Precinct partners, Monash Health and Monash University, in September this year.

“The Translational Research Facility will transform the Institute’s research capability, allowing our researchers to make a far greater impact on health by driving their discoveries directly towards the clinic.

“The co-location of medical physicians and researchers in the facility will allow our researchers to effectively leverage the practical knowledge of their clinical colleagues to focus their research and ensure the most pressing diseases are being investigated,” said Professor Williams.

“This was Professor Hudson’s vision for translational research and, thanks to pioneers like him, the Institute is now in a position to take this vision to a new level and make a lasting impact on the quality of life of the community”.