The Launceston General Hospital's (LGH) new Research and Innovation Centre has officially opened today, marking an important milestone for the LGH precinct and for health services in Northern Tasmania.
Operated in partnership with the Clifford Craig Foundation (CCF), the Research and Innovation Centre is the new home of medical research for Tasmania's North and North West regions.
By supporting clinicians, researchers, and educators to work collaboratively in pursuit of innovation and discovery, the new facility will support the LGH to become a leader in medical and patient research, clinical trials and clinical care improvements.
Importantly, the centre will also provide a valuable resource in the recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals by facilitating attractive research and learning opportunities.
The purpose-built centre has been established as part of the wider $5.1 million redevelopment of the Northern Integrated Care Service (NICS) building, which has been jointly funded by the Tasmanian and Albanese Governments.
In addition to the Research and Innovation Centre, the redeveloped building is the new home of the relocated Sir John Ramsay Memorial Library. It also includes clinic spaces, community rooms, modern office spaces, and sterile storage facilities.
Redevelopment of the NICS building was completed in June 2025 following an 11-month project, delivered by Shape Construction.
Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer, said the opening of the new Research and Innovation Centre is an exciting step for health services in Northern Tasmania.
"This fantastic facility positions the Launceston General Hospital to be a national centre of research and innovation excellence, in partnership with the Clifford Craig Foundation," Minister Archer said.
"Not only will the state-of-the-art facilities enhance Tasmania's capacity for groundbreaking research, it will help attract and retain world-class clinicians and researchers, which will further benefit both health services and our patients in the North and North West regions and beyond.
"Importantly, redevelopment of the Northern Integrated Care Service building is also a key component of our Government's plan to deliver state-of-the-art health infrastructure in Northern Tasmania through the LGH Precinct Masterplan.
"Consolidating research and library facilities together in one hub will free up space for clinical services within the main hospital building."
Federal Minister for Health and Ageing and Minister for Disability and the NDIS Mark Butler said:
"The Albanese Government is delivering better health services for Northern Tasmania.
"This new Research and Innovation Centre is another example of our government investing in Australia's world-class medical researchers, whose ideas and discoveries are delivering better health outcomes for Australians.
"We want to keep Australia at the forefront of health research, attracting the best and brightest to deliver new hope for patients and that's exactly what we're doing with this new centre."
Federal Member for Bass Jess Teesdale MP said:
"This is how we positively shift health outcomes across generations. Clifford Craig has shown, year after year, that world-class research can happen in Northern Tasmania. This new centre gives our community the place, the people and the partnerships to keep doing that work at scale and for the long term."
"The Albanese Labor Government is proud to partner with the Tasmanian Government and the Clifford Craig Foundation on this $5.1 million redevelopment. By working together, we're delivering the infrastructure and opportunities that our community deserves.
"Beyond bricks and mortar, this centre will support groundbreaking research and innovation that strengthens our health system, creates local opportunities, and ensures Tasmanians can access the highest quality care close to home."
