QIMR Berghofer is partnering with leading Japanese biomedical innovation hub, Nakanoshima Qross, with the goal of harnessing their combined medical research expertise to drive improved health outcomes for patients.
A Strategic Partnership Agreement was signed at a ceremony at QIMR Berghofer in Brisbane this week, marking a further significant strengthening of the ties between Queensland and Osaka, Japan.
The landmark agreement will seek opportunities for collaboration on medical research and translation from discovery to the clinic, as well as clinical trials, and joint training and talent exchange initiatives.
QIMR Berghofer Interim Director and CEO Professor Grant Ramm said the regional partnership will leverage the complementary strengths of two world-leading research hubs.
“Our internationally recognised research capabilities include expertise across cancer, infectious diseases, brain and mental health, population health, and cell therapy manufacturing.
“We are excited to begin working together with Nakanoshima Qross to share knowledge and foster innovation to support our goal of delivering better health and wellbeing globally,” Professor Ramm said.
Nakanoshima Qross (Organisation of Future Medicine) is a unique hub in Osaka that brings together medical institutions, companies, startups, and support organisations to promote the development of cutting-edge “future medicine”.
The Nakanoshima Qross (Organisation of Future Medicine) Director Prof. Dr. Yoshiki Sawa said the strategic partnership will reinforce the capabilities of its unique research hubs in diverse areas such oncology, neurology and mental health, as well as cell therapy and regenerative medicine, where Nakanoshima Qross is among the world leaders.
“QIMR Berghofer has had a long history of world class research and groundbreaking discoveries in the field of tropical diseases and oncology, and we are excited to be partnering with the Institute. By sharing and combining our complementary expertise, we will accelerate the social implementation of our innovative ideas to solve patients’ current and future medical needs,” added Professor Sawa.
Queensland Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training, the Honourable Ros Bates MP said: “This partnership reflects the depth of Queensland’s relationship with Japan and our shared focus on research excellence and innovation. It brings together world-class expertise and creates new opportunities for collaboration, talent exchange and turning research into real world outcomes that benefits patients and economies in both countries.
“Expanded research and innovation partnerships is a key outcome of success under our Queensland-Japan Trade and Investment Strategy 2025-2028 and we’re proud to be supporting delivery of such through this collaboration,” Minister Bates said.
The signing ceremony was attended by dignitaries including Mr. Hirofumi Ichisaka, the Senior Executive Director of International Relations in the Osaka Prefectural Government, during his official visit to Brisbane, and the Consul-General of Japan in Brisbane Mr. Katsutoshi Ishikawa.
For partnership inquiries at QIMR Berghofer, please contact growpartnerships@qimrb.edu.au