Queensland University of Technology is one of four key members of the Queensland Tropical Health Alliance (QTHA), launched earlier today in Cairns.
The alliance, which was launched by Premier Anna Bligh, is part of the government's Q-Tropics strategy, which will boost tropical disease research in the state through funding and collaboration.
Professor Peter Timms, of QUT's Institute of Biomedical Health and Innovation (IHBI), said the group gave greater scope for interaction among researchers, and would further the level of tropical health research in the State.
"This is a great group, and provides all its members with the opportunity to collaborate on new and current projects, including new drug discoveries, diagnosis, and vaccines," he said.
"While most of the money will go towards building new facilities in the tropical areas in the north of the state, it is excellent for QUT to be a part of this alliance."
QUT will receive $150,000, which it will match, and the money will be used for top range equipment for the diagnosis and geno-typing of dengue fever and chlamydia.
Other members of the QTHA are James Cook University, Griffith University and the Queensland Institute of Medical Research.
Media contact: Sharon Thompson, QUT media officer - 3138 4494 or sharon.thompson@qut.edu.au
