From the Chair

Sir Bruce Watson BE (ELEC) BCOM

The Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) is the State’s premier health and medical research institution and has gained worldwide recognition for its research into the prevention and cures for cancer and infectious diseases. Since being established by the Queensland Government in 1945, QIMR has grown to become one of the largest medical research institutes in the southern hemisphere and is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for medical research.It has achieved this recognition by promoting excellence in the conduct and support of its medical research projects. QIMR also portrays the essential features of innovation, risk taking and discovery.

The highlight of the year has been the provision of funding by the Commonwealth and State Governments for a new building to be located on the site of the Queensland Radium Institute. The building will link the existing Bancroft Centre and Clive Berghofer Cancer Research Centre and provide much needed research space. QIMR is very appreciative of this support.

The Institute is fortunate to be supported by the Queensland Institute of Medical Research Trust which, because of its excellent fundraising, has been able to increase its annual grants. World class research requires state-of-the -art research equipment and top scientists can only be attracted to the Institute if their scientific needs are met. This is an area where the Institute faces significant ongoing expenditure.

The Council reviews performance of the Institute against a strategic plan which covers all aspects of its work and needs. Two measures concern scientific publications and commercial contracts. It is pleasing to report that the number of scientific papers published in highly regarded technical publications has increased rapidly and a number of patent applications have been submitted and granted. It is also pleasing to note that a number of commercial contracts which could lead to products of considerable commercial importance have been signed. Successful development of these contracts will lead to clinical trials which if successful would lead to actual products.

QIMR is endeavouring to significantly increase its translational medicine programmes.

Mention must also be made of progress towards clinical trials of vaccines to treat nasopharyngeal carcinoma, a significant problem in south east China, in conjunction with the University of Hong Kong. It is anticipated that these trials will begin during 2007.

A further measure of QIMR’s progress is the grants received. Over the past 5 years competitive grants received from NHMRC have increased from approximately $11.8M to $15M, and grants from NIH have increased from approximately $5M to $8M.

QIMR has strategic alliances both nationally and internationally with other medical research institutes, hospitals, universities, charitable foundations and commercial parties.

The Council congratulates all our people on the excellent progress being made to improve health care for all mankind.

Sir Bruce Watson AC
Chairman