Menzies celebrates its 40th year of service to Northern Territory health research
Menzies School of Health Research has been at the forefront of health research to protect Territorians for four decades. This is their story.
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Territorians have much to thank Menzies School of Health Research for.
Since 1985, Menzies School of Health Research (Menzies) has led medical research into the diseases and health challenges facing Territorians, with a particular focus on improving health outcomes for Aboriginal people.
Menzies has been pivotal in addressing major health issues in the Northern Territory and its nearby tropical South-East Asian neighbours, conducting breakthrough research in many areas including melioidosis, hepatitis B, and rheumatic heart disease (RHD).
This year, Menzies celebrates 40 years of service to the Northern Territory community.
“When we established Menzies, our vision was to improve health outcomes through research grounded in community need,” founding director Professor John Mathews AM said.
“From the outset, Aboriginal health has been at the heart of that commitment.
“Forty years on, it’s wonderful to see how that vision has flourished — driving discoveries, shaping policy, and making a real difference in the lives of Aboriginal people and communities across the Territory and beyond.”
Menzies’ health research has helped improve the lives of Territorians, particularly through its work on deadly tropical diseases such as melioidosis. Its research has helped cut melioidosis deaths from over 30 per cent to under 10 per cent through faster diagnosis and treatment.
The research institute has led the charge in combating RHD, a disease disproportionately affecting Indigenous Australians. Menzies’ efforts across Australia and the Pacific have improved prevention and management of RHD, helping reduce this deadly yet preventable disease.
In the fight against hepatitis B, Menzies has made significant improvements in screening and treatment pathways. Nearly 99 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Hep B PAST Partnership have been diagnosed, with 86 per cent receiving care and 24 per cent on treatment — a remarkable achievement that far surpasses both national and international targets.
Menzies’ research has also contributed to a tripling of the survival rate for Indigenous people with primary liver cancer since the introduction of the Hep B Partnership program.
“Menzies is not just about research — it’s about people,” Menzies’ Director Professor Alan Cass AO said.
“Over four decades, the institute has cultivated top-tier researchers, nurturing talent from early trainees to emerging leaders.”
Proud Territorian Dr Kiarna Brown is one of those future leaders.
Dr Brown, a specialist obstetrician-gynaecologist and senior researcher at Menzies, said her passion for health research lies in improving health outcomes for all Territorian women and their babies.
“I started my research journey seven years ago after being inspired by my many mentors and colleagues who are accomplishing groundbreaking change in health outcomes through research,” Dr Brown said.
“My aspiration is to see every Territory baby have the best possible start in life.”
Dr Brown has turned her vision into reality through programs such as ‘See, Stop, Scan’, which aim to educate and empower Indigenous mothers by promoting better engagement between healthcare providers and pregnant Top End women.
“By strengthening the NT’s research and medical workforce through passionate researchers such as Dr Brown, Menzies ensures a legacy of health improvement for future generations,” Professor Cass said.
This commitment extends beyond the Territory’s borders.
With campuses located at both Charles Darwin University and Royal Darwin Hospital, Menzies has grown beyond its Darwin base to include sites in Alice Springs and East Timor. The Dili office opened six years ago and has since grown to employ over 80 staff.
“The expansion into the Asia-Pacific region reflects Menzies’ commitment to addressing complex health issues across northern Australia and its neighbours,” Professor Cass said.
Marking 40 years of trusted health research and its expansion beyond Northern Territory borders, Menzies has this year unveiled a new brand to reflect its growth and future direction.
Professor Alan Cass said the rebrand — marked by the launch of a new logo — signalled the organisation’s strong focus on the future as it celebrates its fourth decade of impact.
“It honours our 40-year history of research and impact,” Professor Cass said.
“It speaks to our vision for the future – to find lasting solutions to health problems that matter.
“Our refreshed brand reaffirms our commitment to driving meaningful change in our region, with our community partners.
“Listening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people has been central to our rebrand process, and we are proud to see our new brand will include a special First Nations art component that we will unveil during National Reconciliation Week.”
“The rebrand is a statement of purpose, reaffirming Menzies’ dedication to innovation, collaboration, and real-world impact,” Professor Cass added.
To celebrate forty years of health research excellence, Menzies has organised a series of special events, including an Open Day on May 22, a Gala Event at the George Brown Botanical Gardens on June 20, and a special release in the Medical Journal of Australia.
“These celebrations will honour Menzies’ achievements while looking ahead to its next chapter of discovery and influence,” Professor Cass said.
Botanical Gardens on June 20, and a special release in the Medical Journal of Australia.
“These celebrations will honour Menzies’ achievements while looking ahead to its next chapter of discovery and influence,” Professor Cass said.
Much of Menzies’ groundbreaking research is made possible by the generosity of its supporters. Professor Cass said these donations not only fund vital research projects but also help provide fellowships that support the next generation of researchers.
“At Menzies, we’re committed to lasting solutions to the health challenges that matter most,” Professor Cass said.
“Through leaving a gift in their will, people drive discoveries that benefit generations to come.
“We are truly grateful for this enduring generosity.
“We welcome anyone wanting to make a lasting impact to get in touch.”
The organisation said its 40-year anniversary was an opportunity to both reflect on the past and look forward to the future.
“With four decades of groundbreaking work behind us and an ambitious future ahead, Menzies remains steadfast in our mission — improving health outcomes through world-leading research,” Professor Mathews said.
“As the NT’s own medical research institute, it continues to make a difference – locally, nationally, and globally.”
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Originally published as Menzies celebrates its 40th year of service to Northern Territory health research
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