Facilities in Townsville

Approved arrangement facilities

We operate quarantine facilities approved by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) for research involving biological materials regulated under Australia’s biosecurity laws. The approved arrangement classifications at our sites include:

• Class 5.21 (microbiological) for work with imported microorganisms and biological samples
• Class 5.25 (invertebrate) for research involving regulated invertebrate species
• Class 5.22 (animal) for approved research with regulated animal materials
• Class 5.3 (BC3) for work with risk group organisms subject to quarantine control

PC3 facilities

Designed for high-containment infectious disease research, our OGTR-certified PC3 facilities in Townsville enable work with risk group 3 pathogens — including those that cause tuberculosis and melioidosis.

The facility comprises two independent PC3 suites, supporting concurrent research within a secure, controlled environment. It is the only PC3-rated laboratory between Brisbane and Singapore.

Tissue culture suites

Specialist tissue culture suites support infectious and non-infectious research involving human, animal and parasite cells and tissues. Our suites feature contamination-controlled, pressurised rooms with biosafety cabinets and incubators, and are OGTR-approved for work with genetically modified organisms.

Biological resource facilities

Our biological resource facilities support the housing, management and maintenance of a wide range of biological materials used in approved research projects. These facilities provide secure, controlled environments for invertebrates (e.g. mosquitoes), animals, cryostorage, and cell and tissue culture. Our experienced technical staff ensure safe, compliant and high-quality research conditions across all sites.

Cryostore and Biobank facilities

Our cryostore and biobank facilities are capable of storing and cataloguing an extensive biological sample library for biomedical research into human diseases. Both sites can securely store up to 80,000 biological samples in liquid nitrogen (-190°C) and ultra-low temperature freezers (-80°C) and continuously monitored using a Building Management System (BMS).

Translational Research Facility

Our Translational Research Facility (TRF) supports clinical research, community consultation and human sample collection in a purpose-built environment. The facility includes five consultation rooms, a procedure room, an interview room and dedicated sample preparation spaces, supporting research involving participants and community engagement.

Irradiator facilities

We use Gamma irradiators to safely treat biological samples, supporting research on infectious diseases, parasites and cell lines.

Flow cytometry facilities

We have several flow cytometry instruments that are used to identify, count and characterise cells, helping researchers understand immune responses, study pathogens and monitor experimental treatments. Both sites host a LSRFortessa X-20 5 Laser and 18 Colour Cell Analyser, used for multi-color, multi-parametric analysis of cells and particles. Our facility in Townsville also has a BD Canto II instrument.