Qld scientists win $102m for research

28 Jul 2009, 1:02 am   -   Source: AAP
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Scientists are hoping for breakthroughs in cancer and climate change research after three Qld centres received Australia's largest single donation for projects.

Scientists are hoping for breakthroughs in cancer and climate change research after three Queensland centres received Australia's largest single donation for scientific and medical study.

The Atlantic Philanthropies founder Chuck Feeney will give a record $102 million towards three scientific and medical building projects in Queensland.

This includes $50 million for the Princess Alexandra Hospital's Translational Research Institute Queensland centre instigated by 2006 Australian of the Year Professor Ian Frazer.

The centre will be one of only a few places in the world where new biopharmaceuticals and treatments can be discovered, produced, clinically tested and manufactured in one location.

A further $27.5 million of the funds will go to the Queensland Institute of Medical Research's Smart State Medical Research Centre, while $25 million will help the Queensland University of Technology build a science and technology centre.

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said Mr Feeney's donation will be matched with multi-million dollar contributions from both the state and federal governments.

"This is the biggest single donation in the nation's history and the fact that he channels such vast sums toward our state is a recognition of the faith the world has in Queensland's capabilities to lead the march to conquer disease," Ms Bligh said.

"Over the past decade, the Atlantic Philanthropies has previously invested more than $170 million in scientific and medical research infrastructure in Queensland and that has helped transform our state and its reputation as a vital player in research and development."

Mr Feeney said he looked forward to the progress of all three projects.

"My dream is what is discovered (at these centres) will be used in other countries," he said.

Ms Bligh and federal Treasurer Wayne Swan were on hand for the announcement in Brisbane on Monday.

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