Inside the Masonic Lodge on Sandy Bay Road is a collection of special books.
These thick-bound theses detail the individual contributions scholars have made to medical research, ready for curious members to explore.
It’s not uncommon to find photographs of these authors displayed on the walls, celebrating their achievements.
This is just one of the many ways the Masonic Medical Research Foundation honours and maintains its connection to the scholars it supports.
The foundation has a long and proud history of supporting the Menzies Institute for Medical Research at the University of Tasmania.
Among their scholars, the story of Professor Tracey Dickson stands out.
Thirty years ago, Tracey, a promising young scientist from Burnie, watched her hopes for a research career fade when she narrowly missed out on a government-funded scholarship.
The foundation stepped in, offering to support her through her PhD and those uncertain early postdoctoral years.
“Without them, I would never have been able to do my PhD,” Tracey said.
Tracey’s PhD focused on uncovering early changes in the brains of people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Thanks to foundation support, Tracey has an impressive career as an internationally renowned neuroscientist studying diseases of the brain.
The backing not only changed her career path, it helped shape Menzies itself, as she is now the Director.
Tracey’s story is not unique.
The foundation has generously enabled more than 20 students and scientists to pursue world-class research into illnesses ranging from heart disease and multiple sclerosis to prostate cancer and arthritis.
“We are very grateful for their longstanding and significant support over many years for students and their research projects,” Tracey said.
“The depth of our ongoing relationship allows Menzies to fund research projects that would otherwise stall between grant cycles.
“It also allows us to give promising students top-up funds to continue their research, and they go on to have highly successful careers locally, interstate and overseas.”
The Masonic Medical Research Foundation was formed to mark the centenary of the Grand Lodge in 1990.
It was born out of a desire to create a perpetual foundation representative of the State of Tasmania that would benefit the whole community.
The foundation’s Chairman, David Louez, said that since its establishment, it has funded projects associated with ageing and alleviating the discomfort of the elderly.
Its leadership, volunteers with expertise in finance, business and science, assess each research proposal, ensuring it aligns with the Freemasons’ values.
“One of the things we want to demonstrate to the community through the foundation is that Freemasons care,” David said.
“Freemasonry is about being good citizens of the world and looking after our fellow human beings.”
Members take pride in the impact of their support.
“We are tremendously proud of Tracey,” David said.
“She was the first recipient of a Masonic medical research scholarship, and to think that she's now the head of Menzies is just extraordinary.”
David Louez
Another notable scholar, Associate Professor Catherine Blizzard, leads research into neurodegenerative diseases and mentors the next generation of scientists as the Brain Health Lead at Menzies.
Foundation member Greg Jackson commended Catherine’s leadership in managing and directing new PhD scholarship students.
Catherine said the foundation now has students it has supported working to make a difference in medical research, not only in Tasmania but all around the world.
“It is an incredible legacy,” she said.
Since its inception, the foundation has provided more than $1.8 million to support research projects in Tasmania.
It speaks volumes about the work of the inaugural Treasurer of the foundation, Kerry Bowerman, who recently completed 40 years of financial management.
By investing in the projects and people that improve the health of Tasmanians, the foundation is continuing to build on the Freemasons’ legacy of care and community.
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