The Queensland Government has announced its support for the development of an mRNA vaccine research centre in Brisbane.
The $280 million Translational Science Hub will be established under an agreement between healthcare company Sanofi, the University of Queensland, Griffith University and the Queensland Government.
Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk said Queensland will be the only jurisdiction in Australia to have such a centre.
“Queensland has some of the best researchers in the world and the Translational Science Hub will give them the platform to develop life-saving vaccines,” she said.
“If COVID-19 taught us anything, it’s the importance of local capability rather than relying on global markets.
“We want the world to know that Queensland is where business can come to do science and science can come to do business.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Steven Miles said the new Hub would help drive the development of new vaccines and health care solutions across the world.
“Queensland’s best scientists will work with their global peers in the US and France on ground-breaking mRNA technology and vaccine development,” Mr Miles said.
“The Hub will bring more expertise, supply-chain capabilities, as well as clinical investigations to Queensland.
“We expect it will create up to 200 jobs for Queenslanders and strengthen our biomanufacturing supply chain.
mRNA technology is expected to deliver a new generation of vaccines that instruct certain cells to produce proteins that are recognised by the immune system to mount a defence.
Sanofi Country Medical Lead ANZ, Dr Iris Depaz said Queensland was home to world-leading immunologists and vaccine researchers.
“Queensland has some of the best universities for science research and the Queensland Government has a clear vision for investing in the State as a location for knowledge-based high-tech industries. This is why the Translational Science Hub will be located across the Sunshine State,” Dr Depaz said.
The Translational Science Hub will be located across Queensland, utilising the laboratories and infrastructure of the University of Queensland, Griffith University and the Translational Research Institute (TRI). The research is expected to start in Q1 2023 with an initial focus on a Chlamydia vaccine.
