A powerful partnership between JCU and QIMR

James Cook University will partner with fellow research powerhouse QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute to leverage their combined strengths and advance research and health outcomes.

The two institutions this week signed a formal Strategic Partnership Agreement to explore opportunities for collaboration across tropical health and medicine, and other areas of mutual interest.

The landmark agreement will lead to collaboration on medical research, clinical trials, workforce development, regional healthcare innovation, medical manufacturing and more.

JCU’s Deputy Vice Chancellor Research Professor Jenny Seddon said she’s excited to see this partnership leverage the complementary strengths of both organisations, to support the university’s goal of creating a brighter future for life in the Tropics and beyond.

“Our research focuses on advancing health and well-being for people in Northern Australia and the broader Tropics by addressing key challenges in health and health care,” Prof Seddon said.

“By partnering with a leading medical research institute like QIMR, we can benefit from joint funding and opportunities for researcher engagement to extend JCU’s critical research and accelerate health solutions reaching our communities.

“JCU’s Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM) has world-leading research activities in many of these key areas, including diseases carried by mosquitoes, melioidosis, tuberculosis and vaccine development.

“Working with QIMR’s 1000 plus scientists and professional staff can help us to transform innovative ideas into lifesaving health outcomes.”

Prof Seddon and QIMR Director, Prof Fabienne Mackay signed the agreement on JCU’s Bebegu Yumba Campus in Townsville on Monday, with both parties excited at the opportunities ahead.

QIMR Berghofer’s Director and CEO, Professor Fabienne Mackay said this partnership is a valuable opportunity to harness the world-class expertise of both institutions.

“By combining QIMR Berghofer’s strengths in translational health research with JCU’s deep local expertise in tropical medicine, we can accelerate the development of innovative treatments, diagnostics, and prevention strategies,” Prof Mackay said.

“I look forward to the next chapter in our long history of impactful collaborations with JCU as we pursue our shared goal of better health and wellbeing for Queenslanders.”