UQ and CSIRO join forces for $80 million research complex
CSIRO and the University of Queensland will join forces to build a new $80 million research facility on the site of CSIRO's Cunningham Laboratory on the University's St Lucia campus in Brisbane.
University of Queensland Vice-Chancellor Professor John Hay and CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Malcolm McIntosh have signed a memorandum of agreement for the project.
The University and CSIRO have agreed in principle to construct an integrated building complex which will house the University's newly-announced Institute for Molecular Bioscience, staff of CSIRO Tropical Agriculture and other divisions, as well as other public and private sector research groups with cognate interests.
CSIRO's contribution comes on top of $55 million previously announced for the project comprising $15 million each from the State and Federal Governments, $15 million from the University's own resources and a private donation of $10 million.
CSIRO is currently leasing the 1.6 ha site on the corner of Carmody Road, Chancellors Place and Services Road St Lucia from the University of Queensland. It has been at the site since 1962.
Most buildings will be razed to make way for a complex to house 850 researchers. The only original building left standing will be the recently-established $10 million high-technology Controlled Environment Facility which will form part of the new complex.
During construction of the Institute for Molecular Bioscience, the majority of CSIRO researchers will temporarily re-locate to the Long Pocket scientific precinct.
This new development will house world-class scientists involved in biological discovery in the areas of human disease, agriculture and the environment.
It will deliver high-quality, internationally competitive research and development in molecular biosciences.
"We believe that a strategic relationship between the Institute and CSIRO researchers at St Lucia will provide both immediate and long-term mutual benefits," Professor Hay said.
"This development is internationally significant and wholly unprecedented in Queensland.
"The UQ Institute for Molecular Bioscience will be formed by the amalgamation of a number of University research centres - the Centre for Molecular and Cellular Biology, Centre for Drug Design and Development, Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis (Biological Division) - and other University research groups."
"The Institute will also house the Australian Genome Research Facility and collaborating (non-University) research groups."
According to Dr Elizabeth Heij, Chief, CSIRO Tropical Agriculture, CSIRO scientists are also working on the economic and environmental sustainability of northern Australia's rural industries.
"This is a unique opportunity for much broader collaboration between CSIRO nationally, and the University," she said.
"It will allow access to, and joint use of, a wider range of expertise, equipment and facilities; significant economies of scale and better utilisation of shared infrastructure; and an integrated environment leading to better opportunities for collaboration, joint projects and joint ventures."
The University of Queensland's Property and Facilities section will be project manager for the new complex, reporting to a joint UQ/CSIRO project control group.
A design brief is expected to be prepared by the end of October, and an international design competition announced late this year. Work on the new research facility is scheduled to begin next year, with completion likely by late 2001 or early 2002.
For further information, contact Professor Hay, telephone 07 3365 1300, Dr Heij, telephone 07 3214 22176 or Grant McDuling (CSIRO Public Affairs Manager) on
07 3214 2361.
