In a significant stride for academic and research advancement, the University of Queensland has announced the designation of its fourth campus, UQ Dutton Park, near the Princess Alexandra Hospital.
The new campus represents UQ’s growing strategic and operational significance, particularly in the realms of health, biomedical, and environmental sciences.
A Strategic Location for Growth and Collaboration
Located at the corner of Cornwall and Kent streets, the new Dutton Park campus is strategically positioned next to the Princess Alexandra Hospital and the Translational Research Institute (TRI). This proximity is set to foster deeper collaborations in health and medical research, benefiting students, staff, and the broader community.
An $80 million TRI manufacturing facility, a landmark development in biomedical research and local vaccine production, will be a part of this new campus. The site is already serving as the primary location for the UQ School of Pharmacy, with nearly 300 staff and around 700 students.
Its closeness to the Boggo Road Cross River Rail development enhances accessibility, while its location near the Mater Research Institute promotes collaboration.
The name UQ Dutton Park aligns with the convention followed for other UQ campuses and anticipates the completion of the Cross River Rail project. The campus currently hosts over 300 staff and 700 students, with no significant immediate changes expected for the staff. The official campus designation will take effect from 1 Jan 2024.
A Unified Vision for Biomedical Advancements
The establishment of the Dutton Park campus is more than just an expansion; it represents a unifying force for various biomedical institutes. According to TRI chief executive Professor Scott Bell, this new campus will play a pivotal role in advancing health and medical research in Queensland.
The location has been significant for UQ since 2009 with the establishment of the Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence (PACE). It houses the UQ School of Pharmacy, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), a branch of the UQ library, and UQ Health Care
The area’s importance has been amplified with the establishment of the Translational Research Institute (TRI) in 2013, and it will further increase with the upcoming Translational Manufacturing@TRI (TM@TRI) facility.
Highlighted Benefits
- Educational Excellence: The campus will significantly enhance the learning experience for undergraduate medical, nursing, and allied health students.
- Innovation Hub: The TRI manufacturing facility will act as a hub for developing and scaling up groundbreaking research discoveries into viable companies.
- Clinical Research Support: The facility will also support the development and manufacturing processes for clinical trials, furthering medical innovations.
Government and Industry Partnership: A Synergy for Success
The Queensland Government, recognizing the potential of this initiative, has invested $60 million in the TRI manufacturing facility. Deputy Premier Steven Miles emphasised the importance of partnerships between industry, researchers, and the government in establishing Queensland as a centre for world-class research and innovation.
Collaborative Milestones
Translational Science Hub: This world-first research centre, involving Sanofi, the Palaszczuk Government, UQ, and Griffith University, signifies the commitment to cutting-edge mRNA research.
UQ’s Continued Commitment to Excellence
With existing campuses at St Lucia, Herston, and Gatton, UQ’s expansion into Dutton Park reaffirms its dedication to providing top-tier education and research opportunities. Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry highlighted this commitment, stating that the Dutton Park campus solidifies UQ’s role in positioning Queensland as a global research and innovation hub.
As the University of Queensland gears up to welcome a new era of academic excellence and innovative research in Dutton Park, the community eagerly anticipates the manifold benefits this development will bring.
Published 14-Nov-2023
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