Founded in 1986, its initial research focus on HIV/AIDS has expanded over time to include viral hepatitis, sexually transmitted infections and a range of other infectious diseases.

The National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Research (NCHECR) was founded in 1986 in response to the emerging HIV/AIDS epidemic in Australia.

[3] In April 2011, on the organisation's 25th anniversary, the NCHECR was renamed the Kirby Institute for infection and immunity in society, with a new focus on behavioural-related infectious diseases affecting "marginalised, disempowered and other communities".

[3] The new name was taken in honour of Michael Kirby, a former Justice of the High Court of Australia and an outspoken supporter of human rights, health promotion, and HIV/AIDS research.

Outside of Australia, the institute is engaged in disease prevention in countries including Thailand, Indonesia, Myanmar, the Solomon Islands, Fiji and Papua New Guinea.