Premier officially opens Herston Imaging Research Facility

Queensland’s position as a leader in clinical research has been further strengthened by the opening of the $24 million Herston Imaging Research Facility by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk today. 

The Premier, joined by Minister for Health Cameron Dick, Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch, and Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations Grace Grace, said the state-of-the-art imaging centre, located within Australia’s largest hospital precinct, was the only one in the nation devoted entirely to clinical research. 

It has the backing and involvement of four of Queensland’s most influential research institutions: UQ, QUT, QIMR Berghofer and the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. 

“Australia’s sharpest scientific minds will be using this cutting-edge imaging equipment as they research cancer, mental health disorders and conditions such as Alzheimer’s,” Ms Palaszczuk said. 

The facility’s highly-sophisticated combined magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) scanners, supplied by Siemens, will help researchers to gain a greater understanding of disease processes so they can develop new drugs and targeted therapies. 

The Queensland Government contributed $3 million toward the development of the facility. The Australian Government, Australian Cancer Research Foundation and the RBWH Private Practice Trust Fund also contributed. 

“Queensland proudly boasts yet another world-class research facility within this impressive health precinct at Herston, with advanced technologies and strong collaborations firmly in place.” 

“Siemens has a master research collaboration with this facility, which will spearhead research in areas such as cancer and mental health, and the facility will provide opportunities for national and international biotech companies to conduct clinical trials.”

The Premier said the Herston Imaging Research Facility was the latest in a long line-up of projects which were helping to grow Queensland’s knowledge economy and position the state as a global innovation hub. 

The Herston Imaging Research Facility is on the Herston health campus, near the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and major medical research facilities.

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