UQ-Thermo Fisher Scientific partnership to advance minerals, biomedical research

The University of Queensland and Thermo Fisher Scientific have committed to accelerating clean energy, advanced manufacturing and biomedical science as part of a new Framework Agreement. 

Building on a longstanding relationship, the agreement formalises a sustained collaboration rather than a single research initiative, enabling UQ and Thermo Fisher to identify new opportunities as scientific priorities, technologies and industry needs evolve. 

Bridging UQ's world-class research expertise and Thermo Fisher’s global capabilities, researchers and students will gain access to emerging technologies, share knowledge, strengthen industry connections and accelerate the translation of research into outcomes. 

The partnership includes the establishment of the Thermo Fisher Scientific Indigenous Education Fund, which will encourage more Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander students to study science, technology, engineering and maths at UQ.  

The University will match Thermo Fisher’s $50,000 donation to create a $100,000 fund contributing to $4,500 annual payments each across the 4-year scholarship.  

Executive Director of the UQ Strategic Partnerships Office Shannon Willoughby said this agreement builds on UQ’s existing innovation ecosystem, including the Boggo Road Innovation Junction, and it will help identify new opportunities for industry-aligned research.  

"Through collaboration across areas including critical minerals, biotechnology and advanced manufacturing, we can help build the skilled workforce, research partnerships and innovation ecosystems needed to support Queensland's economic growth and global competitiveness,” Ms Willoughby said. 

Thermo Fisher’s Vice President and General Manager, Jo Broughton, said the agreement reflects the importance of bringing industry and academia together to remain competitive in a rapidly changing scientific landscape.  

“The Framework Agreement is about creating stronger connections between those elements whilst importantly investing in both the research of today and the people who will shape Australian science tomorrow”. 

General Manager of the Brisbane facility and Senior Director for Pharma Services at Thermo Fisher, Dr Kym Baker, said the partnership would also help strengthen the pipeline of scientific talent by creating opportunities for students to build connections with industry throughout their education. 

"Through our ongoing internship opportunities, we want to help broaden access to science and engineering by giving students practical exposure to both the technology and the people working at the forefront of their fields. Building those connections early is an important part of developing the skilled and diverse workforce Australia will need for the future.”