The Josephine Circle
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’.
Supporting female researchers through collective giving
A sisterhood of purpose
The Josephine Circle is a philanthropic group named in honour of pioneering QIMR Berghofer zoologist, entomologist, and parasitologist, Dr Josephine Mackerras nee Bancroft.
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
Zoologist, entomologist, and parasitologist
A Legacy of Greatness
Dr Josephine Mackerras née Bancroft, or “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. She was also the wife of QIMR's first director, Dr Ian Mackerras.
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.
Closing the gender funding gap, together
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.
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
Join the circle
To discuss joining the circle, please contact our Major Gifts Associate.
Heidi Hynd
Major Gifts Associate
T: +61 7 3362 0450
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Make a donation
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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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.