30 May 2011
This month the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research launches a new look for its brand featuring a new colour scheme and logo to improve our visibility and the consistency of our communications.
The history of the Institute goes back over 40 years to the early 1960s when eminent Wellington surgeon Mr Tom Collins, the Wellington Division of the Cancer Society, and the Wellington Medical Research Foundation, recognised the need for an independent medical research institute.
On 26 July 1979 the Wellington Cancer and Medical Research Institute was opened in rented premises in the Wellington School of Medicine. In 1986 the name of the Institute was changed to the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research in recognition of the generous support by the late Mr Len Malaghan and his wife, Mrs Ann Malaghan. The Malaghan family remain extremely supportive of the Institute today, with Len's son Graham and grandson Matt on the current Board of Trustees, and daughter Margaret a long time member of the Auckland Friends Committee.
The familiar red and blue logo for the Institute was created over 20 years ago and has stood the test of time extraordinarily well.
During this period, the Institute has moved into new premises on the Kelburn campus of the Victoria University of Wellington and, under the directorship of Prof Graham Le Gros, expanded its profile and influence to become a national entity. The Malaghan Institute is now recognised as New Zealand's leading independent biomedical research facility with programmes focused on treatments and cures for cancer, asthma, arthritis, MS and infectious diseases.
External research conducted last year indicated that while the Malaghan Institute was highly regarded by those that were aware of its research and goals, the brand needed refreshing to better reach out to new audiences with the Institute's key messages.
A thorough examination of the brand followed with the opportunity to identify what makes the Malaghan Institute so unique and special. As a result, the colour palette has changed to warm hues of red and orange, and the logo is also new a bold "M" with sweeping strokes to represent the links between the past and the future.
It can also represent the juxtaposition of the structure of scientific research with the promise of hope that it brings.
The Malaghan Institute also has a strong new message for people to quickly understand what its motivation and purpose is all about:
"Research is our journey. Cure is our destination."