Cystic Fibrosis Research Limited
In 1990 Cystic Fibrosis Queensland realised the merit in separating its “research funds” from its day-to-day administration budget and calling in volunteer external business expertise to focus on managing the nest egg. Volunteer business people were hand-picked by the then CFQ President, Ross Metcalfe and Executive Officer, Fred Briant and given responsibility not only for extracting optimum returns, but also for deciding on funds allocation.
CFRL retains at least 10% of earnings as an inflation hedge, the remainder accumulating to fund research and palliative care projects. A total exceeding $1M has been invested, primarily in start-up projects, some of which have gone on to gain significant further funding from NHMRC and international sponsors.
In assessing the merit of projects, CFRL relies almost entirely on the extensive annual scrutiny by medical assessment panels recruited by Australian Cystic Fibrosis Research Trust (ACFRT).
CFRL’s largest investment so far was $171,000 in a two-year project currently underway at Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne and Murdoch Institute. It is titled 'Computed tomographic airway morphometry as an assessment tool'. We anticipate that the next phase will attract funding from larger sponsors in Australia and/or the United States.
CFRL board members are volunteers and are supported by pro bono specialised support in financial planning, accountancy and audit. Board appointment is by invitation. One position on the seven-person board is dedicated to an appointee of Cystic Fibrosis Queensland, currently Allan Strong.
Board of Directors - as at 10 November 2010
Rod Baines (Chair)
Karyn Bradford
Trevor Bridger
Allan Strong
Bill Martel
Des O’Shea
Dr Catherine Rodgers
Chairman's Report for financial year, ending June 2010.
Update on CFRL Projects Feb 2008.
If you would like to more about the CFRL please contact Rod Baines via email.
If you would like to make a donation towards CFRL please contact us on 07) 3359 8000 or email.
Cystic Fibrosis Queensland continues to support the CFRL. Click here for a background into projects CFRL have allocated money toward.
