Case studies
World-class research institutes
The Queensland and Australian governments, universities and research institutes, and the Atlantic Philanthropies have come together to provide funding for three new world-class research institutes to the value of more than $700 million.
Together, these projects form a tangible demonstration of just how far Queensland has come as a global research leader.
The Translational Research Institute (TRI), including Biopharmaceuticals Australia, is proposed for development at the Princess Alexandra Hospital. The TRI will enhance and accelerate the translation of medical research breakthroughs into better patient care and will be critical to improving the future health of Queenslanders.
The Queensland Institute of Medical Research’s Smart State Medical Research Centre at Herston will house 400 scientists specialising in vaccines, cancer, tropical diseases and mental health. The centre’s state-of-the-art facilities will not only support clinical and basic research, but also clinical trials and teaching.
The Hub for Sustainable and Secure Infrastructure, to be located at Queensland University of Technology’s Gardens Point campus, will focus its research efforts on environmentally sustainable design, construction, management and protection of complex infrastructure projects such as roads, railways, ports, airports and hospitals. It will employ more than 200 academics and higher degree researchers.
These investments in R&D facilities secure Queensland’s international reputation as a leading player in the ongoing quest to crack new scientific frontiers and create a diverse economy powered by bright ideas.
Science precincts
As a result of the Queensland Government’s Q2 strategy of creating a diverse economy powered by bright ideas, there has been significant public investment in R&D facilities.
This investment will strengthen future ties between business, productivity, sustainability and innovation, future-proofing the Queensland economy.
Cornerstones of this investment include Australia’s first Ecosciences Precinct at Dutton Park and the Health and Food Sciences Precinct at Coopers Plains in Brisbane.
These are collaborative initiatives, with the Queensland Government committing $290 million in partnership with CSIRO’s commitment of $87.9 million.
Currently under construction, the Ecosciences Precinct will bring together over 1,000 scientists and researchers working on important environmental issues, including climate change, water and sustainable growth of the State’s industries.
The Ecosciences Precinct will include offices, staff support areas, a café, education centre, laboratories, insect houses, glasshouses and greenhouses.
The Health and Food Sciences Precinct will include laboratories, office space and a food pilot plant focussed on helping people live longer, healthier lives through advances in healthcare, medicine, food and nutrition. An additional 190 scientists and researchers will join existing Queensland Health researchers at the site.
An example of research to be undertaken is the development of new ‘functional foods’ which have additional benefits to improve health, prevent disease and provide new industry opportunities. An example of an existing functional food is milk enhanced with Omega 3 fatty acids to help prevent heart disease.
The establishment of these two precincts will enable Australian researchers to collaborate with industry and universities in new, world-class facilities. It will also assist in attracting leading scientists and provide a solid base for future discoveries.
Last updated Friday, November 27, 2009
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