Work begins on QUT's $50 million health institute at Kelvin Grove

Construction on Queensland University of Technology's $50 million biomedical research institute at Kelvin Grove has begun, signalling a major boost to health research and the biotechnology industry in Queensland.

The new Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI) will bring together, for the first time, QUT experts from science, bio-engineering, health and biotechnology under the one roof to work on solving a range of global health problems.

IHBI will also be a fertile incubator for fledging research companies to help generate the jobs and technology of tomorrow.

Using a glass beaker instead of a shovel, Premier Peter Beattie turned the first sod in an official ceremony on Monday July 5 hosted by Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Coaldrake, IHBI's new Executive Director Professor Jonathan Izant and QUT Dean of Health Professor Ken Bowman.

Professor Coaldrake said IHBI research would include DNA-based diagnostics; disease prevention; injury rehabilitation; tissue bio-regeneration to aid burns victims; vision health; bio-defense projects for the rapid detection of biological warfare agents; and the emerging field of plant biotechnology for the development of bio-plastics and edible vaccines.

"When completed in early 2006, the new seven-level Institute will be home to 400 QUT researchers and staff from complementary disciplines working interactively to achieve real-world health solutions," Professor Coaldrake said.

"This event is a significant milestone and represents the second stage of QUT's development in the Kelvin Grove Urban Village, following the completion of the $60 million Creative Industries Precinct earlier this year."

Professor Izant said the progressive design of the new building would facilitate the inter-disciplinary innovation that is the essential foundation of the IBHI advantage.

The facility will feature a range of high-tech research laboratories, testing facilities and work areas within an innovative design incorporating sustainability features.

Specifically, the state-of-the-art building, which has been designed around a multi-level atrium, will be cooled by an energy-efficient "chilled beam" air conditioning system which will pump chilled air through ceiling beams.

Construction team of the project, which has been partly funded by a $22.5 million State Government grant, includes builder Baulderstone Hornibrook Queensland, architects in association PDT / Donovan Hill and project manager Bovis Lend Lease.

Media contacts: Professor Peter Coaldrake Ph: 3864 2365
Professor Jonathan Izant Ph: 3864 8510
Janne Rayner / Peter Hinton QUT Media Ph: 3864 2361

Date: Monday, July 5 2004.