The Australian Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre for Emerging Infectious Disease was launched in Brisbane on November 21, 2003 by the then Minister for Science The Hon. Peter McGauran MP. We are a national organisation developing new capabilities to detect, assess and respond to emerging infectious disease threats of animals and humans that impact on national and regional biosecurity. We aim to equip disease managers and members of the community across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region with the knowledge and skills for responding to emerging infectious diseases. Our Vision An Australia in which emerging infectious diseases of human and animal populations are predicted, detected and controlled in a timely manner to protect the health and prosperity of the nation. Our Mission To protect Australia’s public health, livestock, wildlife and economic resources through research and education that strengthens the national capability to detect, diagnose, identify, monitor, assess, predict and respond to emerging infectious disease threats which impact on national and regional biosecurity.

We will achieve our mission, vision and objectives through three programs: Research, Education and Training, and Application and Linkage.

Our Objectives 1. To develop more cost-effective tools and systems for disease detection and surveillance, and to expand our knowledge of the potential for emerging infectious disease threats to establish and spread within Australia. 2. To transfer knowledge and technologies to the livestock, public health, environment and community sectors by enhancing national and international collaborative linkages and networks across research, government and industry sectors, contributing to more effective surveillance and response systems within Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. 3. To equip researchers, professionals and members of the community within Australia and the Asia-Pacific region with appropriate knowledge and skills for responding to emerging infectious disease threats, in accordance with community and industry needs and expectations. 4. To exploit the commercial potential of tools and systems for disease detection and surveillance, and education and training products. Download a copy of our corporate profile (PDF file; 397KB)