This year, the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute marks 100 years of turning breakthrough science into lifesaving impact.
What began in 1926 as a modest laboratory at The Alfred Hospital has grown into one of the world's leading research institutes dedicated to addressing the global challenges of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Where we began
The Baker Institute was born from vision, determination and collective effort.
At its heart was pathologist John Mackeddie, who recognised the urgent need to elevate laboratory facilities at The Alfred Hospital to match the groundbreaking advances in medical research happening overseas. He shared this vision with his friend, pharmacist and philanthropist Thomas Baker, who believed deeply in the power of medical research to transform lives.
In 1922, Thomas Baker financed a biochemistry department at The Alfred Hospital. Following the opening of the new building in 1926, Thomas Baker and his wife Alice pledged ongoing support for the laboratory — named 'The Thomas Baker, Alice Baker and Eleanor Shaw Medical Research Institute' in honour of the Bakers and Alice's sister.
With a handful of passionate researchers, the Baker Institute was born.
A century of progress — and the problem still exists
Our world has transformed dramatically since 1926. But despite significant progress, the problems persist.
Cardiovascular disease remains the world's biggest killer. Diabetes affects nearly 600 million people worldwide. These conditions continue to impact individuals, families and communities.
That's why our work has never been more important.
Uniquely positioned to lead the charge
As one of the few institutes in the world dedicated to both cardiovascular disease and diabetes — conditions that are intrinsically linked — we're uniquely positioned to lead the charge.
"As we prepare to honour 100 years of pioneering research, we're also ready for the next century of life-changing impact," says Director, Professor John Greenwood.
Looking ahead: our 2030 strategy
As we mark our centennial, we're also looking ahead with a clear roadmap: our five-year strategy designed to shape the future of health through science that matters.
We're leveraging 100 years of innovation to accelerate the translation of research into practice — delivering better health outcomes for people affected by cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity.
This is more than a milestone. It's a commitment to the next century of discovery, impact and hope.
