The Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) Bill 2025 has been officially passed introducing a modern legislative framework to underpin QIMR Berghofer's future growth as a globally-recognised leader in medical research.
The new legislation, brought in as QIMR Berghofer marks its 80th anniversary, repeals the original 1945 Act and strengthens the Institute's governance, transparency and agility, enabling the Institute to better compete, collaborate and translate discoveries into real health outcomes for Queenslanders and beyond.
The Act streamlines frameworks for commercialising medical innovations, facilitating quicker progress from laboratory breakthroughs to clinical benefit and economic value for Queensland.
With these tools, QIMR Berghofer can better attract funding, partnerships and high-calibre people and will ensure the Institute's strategic leadership is both accountable and responsive.
The new Act also ensures the Institute remains at the forefront of life-saving innovations while targeting diseases of greatest significance to Queensland.
The reforms were shaped through broad consultation with health and research stakeholders, receiving strong support from both within and outside the Institute.
Chair of QIMR Berghofer's governing Council, Professor Arun Sharma AM, welcomed the new Act and said it would position the Institute for an even more prosperous future of medical research breakthroughs.
"The Act greatly strengthens our ability to foster growth in commercialisation revenue, accelerate the translation of biomedical innovations, support Queensland's thriving biotechnology sector, and create high-value jobs," he said.
"Ultimately, the impact of medical research is only realised when patients benefit. This journey is often long and challenging, but these legislative reforms place QIMR Berghofer on firm foundations to deliver scientific advances for Queensland and the world."
With nearly 1,000 scientists, staff and students, QIMR Berghofer continues to deliver world-leading research in fields like genomics, immunotherapy, skin cancer, malaria and genetic risk prediction.
Some of QIMR Berghofer's major scientific and medical breakthroughs include:
- The discovery of the Ross River virus in 1963, leading to
significant public health measures to prevent mosquito-borne viruses
- Identifying a causal link between Epstein-Barr virus and
lymphoma and some forms of leukaemia
- Proving that regular sunscreen use reduces the risk of skin
cancers in 1986, providing the scientific basis for clinical and public health advice around the world about skin cancer prevention
- Participating in a global collaboration to identify the role
of the BRCA1 gene in breast cancer
- Preparing statistical modelling that informed aspects the
Queensland Government's public health strategy for the reopening of State borders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
QIMR Berghofer Director and CEO Professor Fabienne Mackay praised the hard work which had culminated in the new Act.
"I am incredibly proud of the QIMR Berghofer team whose tireless effort, unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence helped bring this historic legislative transformation to life," she said.
"I also wish to thank the Minister, Parliamentary committee and all stakeholders for their invaluable support of our mission.
"The new QIMR Act 2025 will set our organisation on solid new foundations, positioning us for ongoing success, greater impact and world-class innovation in medical research for the benefit of all Queenslanders and beyond."
Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls said reforms to incentive payment would help QIMR Berghofer remain competitive in a global market.
"At the heart of QIMR Berghofer's success is collaboration. Research breakthroughs are almost never the work of one person alone, so it is important to recognise the many contributors who play an essential role in bringing discoveries to life," Minister Nicholls said.
