Institute welcomes state advance in research support

QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute has welcomed the State Government’s commitment to cement science and research as an integral part of the Queensland economy through the Advance Queensland policy.

QIMR Berghofer’s Acting Director Professor Greg Anderson said the initiatives in the 2015 State Budget build on major investment in medical research infrastructure over the past decade.

“The Institute has a vision for Brisbane and Queensland as a vibrant community with innovative knowledge-intensive industries providing exciting and rewarding employment,” Professor Anderson said.

“We firmly believe that science and technology allied to innovation and entrepreneurship will be the basis of the future economies of Australia and other countries.

“The Advance Queensland focus on commercialisation is a positive step forward.”

Professor Anderson said QIMR Berghofer has developed an active program for patenting and commercialising technologies, and has the facilities to enable research findings to be taken from the laboratory and translated into medical practice.

The $180 million Advance Queensland policy includes a Business Investment Attraction package and a Best and Brightest Fund to recruit and retain world-class scientists and entrepreneurs.

Professor Anderson said employment security is a major issue for the medical research sector as competition for available funds has increased and success rates for research grants and people support schemes have diminished.

“Those who secure Advance Queensland Fellowships will have greater financial stability and will be able to fully devote their time to the world-leading research for which Queensland is recognised,” Professor Anderson said.

QIMR Berghofer has also welcomed an agreement signed by the Queensland Government and QUT with major pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson to ‘incubate’ promising projects.

“This partnership will become a regional hub, bringing commercial expertise and resources to develop and accelerate promising science and research projects,” Professor Anderson said.