A world-first initiative between members of the philanthropic Ainsworth family and UNSW Sydney is set to revolutionise endometriosis research, diagnosis, and treatment for millions of people suffering around the world.
Three generations of the Ainsworth family, led by Anna and Lily Ainsworth, have together committed $50 million over 10 years to establish the Ainsworth Endometriosis Research Institute (AERI) at UNSW. The partnership will position Australia as a global leader in women’s health and the fight against endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus is found outside the uterus, often causing severe pelvic pain, fatigue and in some cases infertility. It is estimated one in seven Australian women will have endometriosis by age 49, impacting their health, fertility, careers, and daily lives. This equates to around 830,000 people in Australia.
Globally, about 200 million people suffer from endometriosis, with one in three people with endometriosis experiencing infertility. Many people with endometriosis endure years of symptoms without answers, waiting six to eight years on average for an accurate diagnosis.
Endometriosis is a significant global challenge, with far-reaching social and economic consequences. In 2025, the World Economic Forum named endometriosis one of the nine diseases most affecting the lives of women, their communities and the global economy. The economic burden of endometriosis on Australia alone is estimated to be between $7.4 billion and $9.7 billion annually.
AERI will adopt a global consortia-based approach to research bringing together top scientists, clinicians, and philanthropists from around the world – including England, Canada, Denmark, India and the USA – to unlock a continuous pipeline of scientific discoveries. The aim is to accelerate breakthroughs in diagnosis and create precision-based treatments. By focusing on genomic research, biorepositories, and advanced testing,
AERI will fast-track new understandings of endometriosis, moving beyond current medical limitations. The contribution from the Ainsworths is record-breaking – the largest known philanthropic contribution by a family to women’s health in Australia to date. AERI has been made possible by three branches of the Ainsworths who have been impacted by and care deeply about those with endometriosis: Lily, Greg, Anna and Simon Ainsworth, Paul and Valeria Ainsworth, and Len Ainsworth.
