The Josephine Circle
The Josephine Circle is a philanthropic group named in honour of pioneering QIMR Berghofer zoologist, entomologist, and parasitologist, Dr Josephine Mackerras nee Bancroft.
The power of collective giving
A sisterhood of purpose
The Josephine Circle is a small group of influential leaders and philanthropists who are committed to closing the gender funding gap for female researchers to make impactful medical research discoveries for ‘a better future of health’.
Through The Josephine Circle, our brilliant female scientists will receive the support they need to advance ground-breaking medical research with the potential to solve some of the most pressing health issues of our time.
Why female researchers need support
Women in medical research can face significant hurdles in getting their work funded, compared with their male colleagues, contributing to the loss of women from the sector and their contributions to Australia’s research and innovation future.
Dr Josephine Mackerras née Bancroft
Zoologist, entomologist, and parasitologist
A Legacy of Greatness
The Josephine Circle is a philanthropic group named in honour of pioneering QIMR Berghofer zoologist, entomologist, and parasitologist, Dr Josephine Mackerras née Bancroft. “Mrs Mack”, as she was affectionately known, was a prominent researcher from a long line of eminent Queensland scientists. Renowned for her research into malaria and parasites, Josephine dedicated her life to science, inspiring and mentoring young scientists.
Josephine played a significant role as a Major in the Army Malaria Research Unit during WWII, with her work substantially reducing the incidence of malaria in soldiers in the field and earning her a recommendation to be made an Order of the British Empire, noting “few women can have made a greater contribution to the Allied war effort”.
With remarkable strength and wisdom, Josephine was a true leader in science and a shining example of the high calibre of female researchers at QIMR Berghofer. We pay homage to her and the many other high-performing women researchers who paved the way for today’s female scientists.
Did you know?
A 20 year study of Australian competitive grants (2000-2020) by UNSW found that men receive two and a half times more grant funding than women in medical research, contributing to the loss of women from the sector, and, in turn, their contributions to Australia’s research and innovation future.
During this time, “cumulative funds awarded to women-led grants were lower ($7.4 billion) than cumulative funds awarded to men-led grants ($19 billion)” with 63,639 fewer grant applications led by women in the period.
Why Support QIMR Berghofer?
For nearly eight decades, QIMR Berghofer has stood as a world-leading medical research institute, renowned for ground-breaking health and medical discoveries which genuinely improve lives.
The Institute’s exceptional researchers cover a range of disciplines from cancer to immunology, genetics and mental health. QIMR Berghofer’s research is published in global leading journals and it is one of only two Australian research institutes included in the prestigious Nature index of the world’s top 40 not-for-profit science institutions.
With 1000 dedicated scientists, students and support staff, QIMR Berghofer embraces cutting-edge techniques and technologies to advance significant innovation in health. In doing so, we offer hope for a healthier, better tomorrow.
Join the circle
To discuss joining the circle, please contact our Major Gifts Associate.
Heidi Hynd
Major Gifts Associate
T: +61 7 3362 0450
Frequently Asked Questions
The impact of your philanthropic investment is maximised through the power of collective giving. By pooling funds, members can make a bigger difference for our female researchers through transformational grants.
Yes, you can choose to make monthly, quarterly or annual payments.
The Council of The Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR Berghofer) is endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) for tax deductible benefits.
While the program is designed to bring together women in a collective giving model, this is an inclusive program and members of all genders are welcome.
We welcome mother/daughter/daughter-in-law/sister, and spouse giving teams! These ‘teams’ will share a single membership and combine their votes as one member.
The commitment is made for a financial year, one year at a time. Members who donate by 30 June will be eligible to vote the next financial year.
The Josephine Circle Members engage with QIMR Berghofer through a curated calendar of social activities.
MARCH
Members are invited to attend our annual International Women’s Day Event.
MID-YEAR
Researcher “Pitch Night”, when shortlisted applicants will pitch their projects to The Josephine Circle Members. Members vote and select grant recipients.
YEAR-END
A unique and exclusive end-of-year event provides the opportunity to network and make valuable connections.
YEAR-ROUND
Members will be included in other opportunities throughout the year to engage with our leadership team, researchers, and community.
Please contact Major Gifts Associate, Heidi Hynds for a confidential discussion.
T: +61 7 3362 0450
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Your donation goes directly to medical research at QIMR Berghofer.
What your donation makes possible
Since 1945, our brilliant researchers have been dedicated to better understanding tropical diseases, cancers, neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s, and global issues such as malaria and heart disease.
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