Leadership and Legacy Dinner 2026
08/09/2026
The Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics (CGCPT) and Leadership Victoria have launched a world-first leadership development program for research leaders working on treatments for pathogens of pandemic potential.
The Cumming Impact Leadership Program is a three-year program designed by Leadership Victoria, in collaboration with CGCPT, for homegrown and international research leaders, to enhance their capacity to lead the development of life-saving therapeutics for global populations.
The inaugural program will bring together a cohort of up to 20 participants, comprising Cumming Global Fellows and other emerging leaders from the University of Melbourne. It is grounded in Leadership Victoria’s highly regarded leadership development methodologies, and draws on the adaptive leadership framework developed by Harvard professors Ron Heifetz and Martin Linsky.
The program is designed to build capability in four areas: diagnosing complex challenges, mobilising individuals and teams, leading change and innovation, and working effectively across systems and disciplines.
Participants will take part in an annual residential immersive in Victoria, aligned with the CGCPT Melbourne symposium which will attract the world’s most respected researchers. The program will also incorporate workshops, interactive sessions with experienced leaders, and leadership diagnostics. Between formal sessions, participants will apply what they learn to the adaptive challenges in their own research environments.
Sharon Lewin, Director of the Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics, said the partnership brings valuable leadership development to the Centre’s global research community.
Katherine Ellis, CEO of Leadership Victoria, notes the unique value that the program adds to the deep technical expertise of the participants and the Global Fellows Program.
“Outstanding technical experts like researchers can take their careers and impact to new levels by building new and different leadership capability and connections. It helps them to think bigger, influence and collaborate with unusual partners, and apply a systems approach to make progress. We are delighted to be partnering with the Cumming Centre on this innovative approach to developing researchers whose work will be vital to the future health of humankind.”
The first stages of the program will commence in November 2026, with the opening immersive to follow in February 2027.
For further information about the Cumming Global Fellows Program, contact [email protected].
About the Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics
The Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics is a mission-driven, globally connected research initiative dedicated to the rapid design and development of treatments for pathogens of pandemic potential.
Established within the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, a joint venture of the University of Melbourne and the Royal Melbourne Hospital, the Centre develops platform technologies that allow researchers to pivot rapidly to new pathogens as outbreaks occur.
To date, it has committed $90 million to therapeutic research, funded 35 projects, and built collaborations with more than 30 institutions across 10 countries.
About Leadership Victoria
Leadership Victoria has spent more than three decades developing leadership capability and connections across Victoria, working with leaders in business, government, academic and community organisations. More than 7,500 leaders have completed Leadership Victoria programs, including its flagship Williamson Community Leadership Program, and remain part of a connected cross-sector network.
Leadership Victoria is increasingly sought out by organisations whose key challenges are not technical but adaptive – where the work is not to apply existing expertise, but to shift how people think, decide and act together.
The Cumming Impact Leadership Program reflects that focus.
