Sitting prominent and proud on the corner of the St Vincent’s Fitzroy Campus, the Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery (ACMD) stands as a pioneering hub at the forefront of biomedical innovation. This state-of-the-art facility brings together researchers, clinicians, scientists, and industry leaders in a truly collaborative environment – designed to accelerate medical breakthroughs and tackle some of healthcare’s most complex challenges.
Central to this transformative project is Brenda Shanahan AO, whose vision and leadership has driven the ACMD from the very beginning. For over a decade, she has united the medical, business, government, and philanthropic sectors to secure vital partnerships and source funding, turning the idea of a world-class innovation and translation centre into a reality. Since formally becoming Chair of the ACMD Board in 2016, Brenda has continued to shape its strategic direction and champion its mission.
“The ACMD is a model of cross-sector collaboration,” Brenda said.
“We would not be standing where we are without years of hard work and dedication from our Partner network, St Vincent’s Health Australia, and the ACMD Board – I thank them for helping to bring the ACMD to life.”
A deep commitment to philanthropy has guided much of Brenda’s work and influence. Through the Brenda Shanahan Charitable Foundation, she has long supported initiatives that drive scientific discovery and improve human health. Her generosity also extends to the arts, most notably through her support of Rock Art Australia, reflecting her broad commitment to enriching communities and preserving culture.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Brenda was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 2021. This prestigious honour acknowledged her impact across medical research, corporate governance, finance, and philanthropy – fields in which she has been a trailblazer for decades. Her extensive career in Australia's financial sector exemplifies the depth of experience she brings to all her philanthropic efforts.
In a fitting tribute, a room within the ACMD will soon bear Brenda’s name when it formally opens its doors later this year. The Brenda Shanahan AO Auditorium will serve as a lasting reminder of the vision, generosity, and belief in collaboration that helped bring the ACMD to life.
“The launch of the ACMD later this year will be a transformational moment for Australia’s biomedical research community,” Brenda said.
“The facility will create new ways for our country’s top minds to collaborate and solve our most challenging health problems, helping to transform our healthcare system for the benefit of all Australians.”
