UQ to guide research first for Qld

A University of Queensland academic has been appointed mentor of the innovative team of researchers that will comprise Imaginot - Queensland`s groundbreaking new pharmaceutical research initiative to be officially launched by Premier Peter Beattie today (5/12).

Professor Mike Roberts, an NHMRC Senior Principal Research Fellow in Medicine at UQ, will help the state`s leading researchers and graduates to identify new and better ways to administer pharmaceutical and nutritional products, including prescription drugs.

A development of Herron Pharmaceuticals, Imaginot is the groundbreaking fusion of academic and industry interests to achieve better research outcomes for patient care.

Professor Roberts will be directly responsible for guiding the research integrity, technical competency and personal development of Imaginot team members.

Imaginot will operate from Brisbane`s Princess Alexandra Hospital, located adjacent to UQ`s Department of Medicine (Southern Clinical Division). Queensland Premier Peter Beattie will officially open the new centre at a launch today, 5 December, at 12.30pm.

Professor Roberts said his agreement to act as research mentor was inspired by his own experience as a young researcher when his complex solution to a clinical problem was subsequently picked up by an American marketing company.

His 30-year career has spanned many fields within pharmaceutical science and therapeutics, and produced research outcomes for patient care in the treatment of diabetes, geriatrics, arthritis, hepatology, dermatology, cardiovascular medicine, perinatal medicine, wound care and quality of life.

"Imaginot provides an opportunity for graduates to harness the opportunities created by the fusion of academic and industry interests," Professor Roberts said.

"I look forward to leaving behind a legacy that will inspire and encourage young researchers to think outside the square and to seize new opportunities. Ultimately, the future of better patient care is in their hands."

For further information, contact Carrie Schofield (telephone 07 3346 4713) or Professor Mike Roberts (telephone 07 3240 2546).