The Holsworth Biomedical Research Centre (HBRC) was officially launched on Monday, 13 April, with a morning tea held at La Trobe University’s Flora Hill Campus.
The event brought together members of the University community, key partners and supporters to recognise a significant milestone for biomedical research at La Trobe. Delivered in collaboration with the La Trobe Rural Health School, the launch highlighted the strong connections between biomedical research, rural health priorities and community impact.
The University’s Vice‑Chancellor attended the event alongside Dr Bill and Mrs Carol Holsworth, whose long‑standing philanthropic support has played a vital role in advancing HBRC research projects. The launch formally marked the establishment of the Holsworth Biomedical Research Centre and celebrated the Holsworth's’ generous contribution to biomedical research at La Trobe.
"Creating a centre for biomedical research outside of a metropolitan centre is a significant step forward for and opportunity for current and future regional scientists. The Holsworth Biomedical Research Centre was established to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and real‑world impact. Our focus is on translating high‑quality biomedical research into interventions and models of care that improve health outcomes for regional and rural communities," said Associate Professor Brett Gordon, Centre Director.
The launch provided an opportunity to acknowledge the Holsworth's’ enduring commitment to supporting research excellence, while also recognising the collaborative effort behind the Centre’s establishment. Guests heard about the importance of bringing together researchers, partners and supporters to strengthen biomedical research capability and deliver meaningful health outcomes.
“Support like the Holsworth's’ generosity allows us to grow biomedical research that responds to real‑world health challenges. The Holsworth Biomedical Research Centre is strengthening La Trobe’s contribution to improving health outcomes, especially in rural and regional communities,” said Professor Jane Mills, Dean La Trobe Rural Health School.
As a key partner, the La Trobe Rural Health School plays an important role in linking biomedical research with rural and regional health priorities, education pathways and workforce development. The launch reinforced a shared commitment to research that responds to real‑world health challenges and supports improved outcomes for communities.
Following its official launch, the Holsworth Biomedical Research Centre will continue to build partnerships, support researchers and advance high‑quality biomedical research aligned with community and health system needs.
Find out how HBRC researchers are translating discovery into meaningful health outcomes across regional Australia and beyond: Explore our research and people.
