Overview: A landmark moment for QIMR Berghofer
The Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) Bill 2025 has officially passed Parliament, marking a turning point for QIMR Berghofer as it enters a new era of governance, transparency, and agility. Originating as a 1945 Act, the legislative reform repeals the old framework and introduces a contemporary structure designed to support rapid translation of discoveries into health benefits. As QIMR Berghofer celebrates its 80th anniversary, the Act reinforces the organisation’s status as a globally recognised leader in medical research and innovation.
What the QIMR Act 2025 changes
The new legislation streamlines frameworks for commercialising medical innovations, enabling quicker progress from laboratory breakthroughs to clinical and economic value for Queensland. By strengthening governance and accountability, the Act helps attract funding, partnerships, and high-calibre personnel, ensuring strategic leadership remains responsive to evolving scientific landscapes. It also anchors a focus on diseases of greatest significance to Queensland, aligning research priorities with regional health needs while maintaining a global perspective.
Benefits for research, health, and the economy
Key outcomes of the reform include enhanced collaboration between researchers, industry, and health systems; clearer pathways for translating biomedical discoveries into patient care; and improved incentives for commercialisation and investment. A more streamlined framework supports QIMR Berghofer’s ability to compete in a global research market, accelerate the translation of biomedical innovations, and stimulate the biotechnology sector in Queensland. The reforms are designed to attract funding, partnerships, and top-tier talent—fueling high-value job creation and sustainable scientific leadership.
Acknowledging a legacy of breakthroughs
QIMR Berghofer has a storied history of advances in genomics, immunotherapy, skin cancer, malaria research, and genetic risk prediction. Notable achievements include early work on the Ross River virus in 1963, identification of links between Epstein-Barr virus and certain lymphomas and leukemias, evidence that regular sunscreen use reduces skin cancer risk, and contributions to BRCA1 research in breast cancer. The new Act provides a framework to build on these accomplishments, ensuring discoveries reach patients and communities faster.
Leadership perspectives and stakeholder support
Chair of QIMR Berghofer’s governing Council, Professor Arun Sharma AM, welcomed the Act, saying it positions the Institute for a prosperous future of medical research breakthroughs. Director and CEO Professor Fabienne Mackay praised the team’s dedication and thanked the Minister, parliamentary committee, and stakeholders for their support. Minister Tim Nicholls emphasised the importance of collaboration in research and highlighted reforms to incentive payments as a driver for global competitiveness.
Looking ahead
With nearly 1,000 scientists, staff, and students, QIMR Berghofer remains at the forefront of life-saving discoveries in genomics, immunotherapy, infectious diseases, and public health strategy. The QIMR Act 2025 is designed to underpin ongoing innovation, improve translational pathways, and strengthen Queensland’s position in international biomedical science, benefiting patients in Queensland and around the world.
