A landmark $50 million donation to the University of New South Wales (UNSW) will establish the Ainsworth Endometriosis Research Institute, aiming to accelerate diagnosis and develop personalised treatments for endometriosis. This is the largest single donation globally dedicated to research on this chronic and often misunderstood condition.
The condition affects approximately one in seven Australian women by the age of 44 and poses significant challenges in timely diagnosis and effective treatment. The new institute promises to position Australia at the forefront of endometriosis research and women’s health worldwide.
Advancing Research Through Precision Medicine and Global Collaboration
According to UNSW, the donation, spread over ten years, will fund a national research initiative focused on uncovering the biological basis of endometriosis and translating scientific discoveries into clinical practice.
The institute will prioritise precision medicine, offering treatments tailored to the unique biology of each patient, rather than relying on current one-size-fits-all approaches.
Professor Jason Abbott, clinical director of the Ainsworth Endometriosis Research Institute and an obstetrics and gynaecology expert with over 30 years’ experience, emphasises the need for a personalised approach.
He stated that varying symptoms and inconsistent treatments have made it clear that endometriosis cannot be managed effectively using traditional, uniform methods.
The institute plans to collaborate extensively with scientists and clinicians worldwide, including partners in England, Canada, Denmark, India, and the United States. This global network will foster innovation and accelerate breakthroughs, addressing the complex nature of the disease.
Addressing the Underfunding and Economic Impact of Endometriosis
The Endometriosis Coalition has welcomed the announcement, highlighting the condition’s significant burden on individuals and the Australian economy. According to the coalition, the condition costs the country an estimated $9.7 billion annually, due to lost productivity and healthcare expenses.
Historically, endometriosis research has been underfunded relative to other chronic diseases, limiting progress in understanding and treatment. This underinvestment has also contributed to lengthy delays in diagnosis, which currently average seven years, and widespread stigma faced by sufferers.
Coalition chair Jessica Taylor described the donation as a pivotal moment for the sector. She noted that dedicated funding is crucial to advance scientific understanding and develop effective therapies, answering the longstanding call for a focused research effort.
The World Economic Forum has recognised the disease as one of nine diseases with profound impacts on women’s health and economic productivity globally.
The establishment of the Ainsworth Endometriosis Research Institute represents a significant step towards improving outcomes for the estimated 200 million people living with the disease worldwide, according to UNSW.
