QIMR Berghofer and Toowoomba Surat Basin Enterprise announce strategic partnership to advance health innovation in regional Queensland

QIMR Berghofer, a world-leading translational medical research institute, is proud to announce a new strategic partnership with Toowoomba Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE). This collaboration will leverage QIMR Berghofer’s world-class medical research capabilities, combined with TSBE’s extensive regional expertise, to drive innovative healthcare solutions in the Toowoomba and Surat Basin region.
With a legacy dating back to 1945, QIMR Berghofer has long been at the forefront of medical research, focusing on improving human health through transformative discoveries. As part of this partnership, QIMR Berghofer will bring its expertise in cancer, infectious diseases, brain and mental health, and population health to address the unique challenges faced by regional communities.
By joining forces with TSBE, QIMR Berghofer intends to offer insights and solutions to regional industries and health services, leveraging its expertise to create region-specific health solutions and workforce training initiatives. This collaboration will also focus on addressing critical healthcare gaps in rural and regional populations, as well as underserved First Nations communities.
Throughout this partnership, QIMR Berghofer and TSBE will actively drive collaboration in the areas of health and medical research solutions, upskilling the current and future workforce, education and workforce development and community health impact.
QIMR Berghofer and TSBE will help increase local involvement in the expanding cell therapy industry, ensuring the region plays a key role in the future of advanced cell-based treatments and putting Australia at the forefront of medical research, innovation, and manufacturing.
QIMR Berghofer Director and CEO Professor Fabienne Mackay said it was vital the Institute’s groundbreaking work, including life changing clinical trials, was accessible to all people, especially in regional Queensland.
“Our collaboration with TSBE will include exploring pathways for health workforce development, solving community health problems through our medical research expertise in population health, brain and mental health, cancer and advanced therapies, as well as sharing and fostering regional healthcare innovation,” Professor Mackay said.
“We are also looking forward to offering training and placement opportunities to support education and workforce development.”
TSBE Executive Director, the Honourable Dr John McVeigh, welcomed the strategic partnership.
"This partnership with QIMR Berghofer represents a significant step forward for the region, and we are excited to work together to build a sustainable, innovative healthcare ecosystem,” he said.
“This collaboration will drive jobs, research, and investment to the region while improving access to world-class medical solutions for local populations."
Together, QIMR Berghofer and TSBE are committed to improving health outcomes, creating new opportunities for workforce development, and positioning the Toowoomba and Surat Basin region as a leader in the healthcare and life sciences sector.