The University of Queensland’s Frazer Institute has expanded to form one of Australia’s most comprehensive clinical-translational research institutes.
Incorporating research expertise from the former UQ Centre for Clinical Research and selected programs from the former Centre for Health Services Research, the expansion broadens the Institute’s capacity to deliver translational health outcomes.
Frazer Institute Interim Director, Professor Kiarash Khosrotehrani said the Institute continues to build on its strong foundations, while evolving to meet emerging health priorities.
“Through connectivity and trusted partnerships, the Institute aims to deliver research that translates into meaningful improvements in healthcare,” Professor Khosrotehrani said.
“While the Institute continues to evolve, it remains firmly grounded in the principles that have shaped its history; scientific excellence, collaboration and partnerships, and research that improves health outcomes.
“It now has the extended and very unique capacity to tackle clinical problems from epidemiology and discovery to drug development, clinical trials and implementation.”
The Frazer Institute is named in honour of Emeritus Professor Ian Frazer AC, whose pioneering work in immunology and virology delivered the HPV vaccine that has saved millions of women globally from cervical cancer.
Within purpose-built medical research environments, across the Herston and Dutton Park precincts researchers work closely with major health partners including the Princess Alexandra Hospital Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, and the Translational Research Institute.
The legacy of discovery and translation has shaped the Institute’s research culture and international reputation.
The expansion provides an opportunity to increase capacity for research themes and strengths including cancer, infection, immunology, brain and mental health, kidney disease, skin and ageing.
The Institute supports a research community of over 300 staff across 50 research groups, more than 180 higher degree research students and generates over $60 million per annum in research income.
Professor Monika Janda said the complementary strengths in health service research including implementation science and a focus on applied community health sciences broaden the Institute’s capacity to deliver translational outcomes at all levels.
“This includes research groups focused on delivering digital interventions for disease prevention, early detection and treatment, the Australasian Kidney Trials Network and the Australian Frailty Network,” Professor Janda said.
“These additions bring nationally recognised capacity in cancer outcomes, large-scale clinical trials, ageing and health services and systems research to the Institute.”
