Translational Research Institute

Atrium of the Translational Research Institute

The Translational Research Institute (TRI) is a significant Australian-first initiative in ‘bench to bedside’ medical research. TRI accelerates the translation of medical research and development into evidence-based treatments. It is home to a range of cutting-edge technologies including interventions to prevent and treat human diseases, and to provide early diagnosis of treatable diseases.

TRI is charged with bringing together scientific development with the commercial sector, ensuring that scientific innovation moves rapidly to improve patient outcomes. To this end, TRI is at the interface of science, medicine and industry.

TRI combines the research intellect and capability of its four shareholding partners: Queensland Health, The University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology and Mater Research. The institute is supported by grants from the Federal and Queensland Governments.

With more than 1000 leading researchers based at TRI, the institute provides a critical mass of research knowledge and experience. Being located on the Princess Alexandra (PA) Hospital campus – along with having two hospitals as major shareholders – allows interface with clinicians from several Brisbane-based hospitals. TRI has two clinical trial facilities, one based at the PA Hospital and the other at the Centre for Children’s Health Research next to the Queensland Children’s Hospital. TRI licences space in its main building to a number of start-up companies. Patheon, Thermo Fisher – an international pharmaceutical company – leases TRI’s biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility, located adjacent to TRI’s wet lab facility.

Research areas

The TRI focuses on a wide range of health and medical research areas including:

  • Cancer
  • Tumour Immunology and Immunotherapy
  • Liver Disease
  • Kidney Disease
  • Dermatology
  • Gastroenterology and Hepatology
  • Genomics
  • Metabolomics
  • Mental Health
  • Trauma
  • PTSD
  • Chronic Pain.

Core Facilities

World-class technology and equipment is available to all researchers through shared specialist core facilities. This highly specialised equipment is also available to external researchers and institutions.

  • Biological Research Facility
  • Gnotobiotic Facility
  • Preclinical Imaging Facility
  • Microscopy Facility
  • Flow Cytometry Facility
  • Proteomics Facility
  • Histology Facility
  • Clinical Trials Facility

Joint venture

The TRI is a joint venture between the University of Queensland's Diamantina Institute, Queensland University of Technology's Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Mater Research and the Princess Alexandra Hospital.