Renowned medical research organisation, the Burnet Institute, is reshaping the benefits of a new scholarship program which aims to empower the next generation of scientists to pursue innovative research in infectious diseases.

It is the brainchild of philanthropist Ruth Crutch who first proposed the Margaret and John Crutch Scholarship to honour her parents and the family’s interest in discovery science by supporting an early career researcher at Burnet.

Burnet Institute’s Major Gift Officer Jason Hearn, says Ruth’s vision for the scholarship was clear: to support discovery research that would drive real change in the field of infectious diseases.

“The recipient had to be in an area where they are researching something new, or they have a concept or a vision, and they’ve felt there might be an answer,” he says.

The Burnet Institute is known for its work on infectious diseases here and across the Indo-Pacific region and Africa, and is recognised for its contributions to global health, including malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, viral hepatitis, antimicrobial resistance, and COVID-19 research.

Stephanie Routley was the inaugural recipient of the Margaret and John Crutch Scholarship in 2024. Her work is focused on infectious diseases, specifically Neglected Tropical Diseases, Antimicrobial Resistance, and emerging viruses around the world.

“For a number of years, I’ve been working in infectious disease research but have never been in a position to pursue a PhD until this generous scholarship made it possible,” she says. 

“As a female scientist, I have faced countless barriers in my career progression and my technical expertise is overlooked because I do not hold a PhD. This scholarship enables me to couple my technical skills with my experience working in disease-endemic countries to contribute to a cutting-edge area of medical research. Research that bridges laboratory work and an applied public health intervention.”

The Margaret and John Crutch Scholarship has provided Stephanie with $50,000 a year over three years to complete her PhD. She also plans to expand her network and build a stronger cohort of women in STEM for the next generation. 

While the Scholarship is awarded to an applicant with high academic merit, preference is given to researchers who identify as female given the entrenched systemic bias they still face in the research sector.

“We know that education is the key to improving the lives of women and girls around the world, and completing a PhD is a critical step that would enable me to contribute to this goal in the most effective way,” Stephanie says.

The Margaret and John Crutch Scholarship is managed by Equity Trustees, with John Crutch also having a personal connection with the company. He joined Equity Trustees in September 1939, rising to become General Manager until his retirement in September 1989. 

To support the Burnet Institute go to https://www.burnet.edu.au/support-us or contact Shannon O’Brien, Major Gift Specialist, Burnet Institute at shannon.obrien@burnet.edu.au.