UQ’s IMB is driven to using life science research for discovery, invention and application.
IMB’s combination of genomics, biostatistical, biological, pharmacological and chemical researchers means the Institute can take life science discoveries from the genome to drug design and application – for health, disease and for the sustainable solutions for our cities, fuels and foods.
Over the past five years, IMB has attracted nearly $250M in research funding, leveraging federal and state government funding sources to address life research across all sectors. Our research excellence and translational impact is underpinned by the quality of our internationally recognised researchers and state-of-the art facilities.
Research Impacts
For example, in 2017, the IMB:
- discovered we could shrink brain tumours using existing breast cancer treatments
- helped an Australian family-owned company create the first mass-producible organic insecticide from peptides found in the Butterfly Pea plant
- discovered a small protein in spider venom that could prevent the devastating brain damage caused by stroke
- were part of a successful push to put endometriosis on the national agenda to improve understanding, treatment and support of this debilitating disease
- identified genetic factors contributing to the risk of developing diseases like motor neurone disease and endometriosis, advancing our understanding of these disorders on a global scale
- discovered a molecular trigger for inflammation that could lead to new treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and neurodegenerative diseases
- combated superbugs by creating a new diagnostic, repurposing old drugs and continuing to crowdsource the next antibiotic
- investigated the potential for algae technologies to produce clean water, livestock feeds, foods, fuels and medicines
- launched a new research centre to investigate cardiovascular development, regeneration and disease in collaboration with UQ colleagues
- furthered research in development of new medicines for treating inflammatory diseases, including allergies, by building molecular switches that can control immune response
- found a promising potential treatment for breast cancer that blocked cancer spread and improved survival rates in mice
- as part of a global team, identified a new gene behind a rare form of inherited childhood kidney disease
- discovered a new type of cell in the brain that mops up cellular waste and may provide protection against stroke and dementia
Industry and Translational Impact
Industry and Translational Impact
IMB works closely with UniQuest, UQ’s in-house research commercialisation company, to translate research discoveries to meet industry, community and clinical needs.
It has generated more than 30 patent families currently under prosecution and has spun out 11 companies, with some of these listing on the NASDAQ and/or acquiring multi-millions of dollars in seed-funding to take discoveries to the clinic.
In 2017, Protagonist Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company founded on IMB research, entered into a $1B worldwide agreement to co-develop a drug for inflammatory bowel disease.
In 2016, Inflazome Ltd, a company based on discoveries out of IMB and Trinity College Dublin, received $22m investment co-led by two global life science investment firms Novartis Venture Fund and Fountain Healthcare Partners. Inflazome is developing treatments for inflammatory diseases such as asthma and Parkinson’s disease.
Training
The IMB has a strong commitment to research training and its alumni populate some of the most prestigious research institutes and companies worldwide. A major focus of our early career researcher (ECR) and student experience centres around employability and exposing ECR’s and students to a range of career options in academia, industry and beyond.
We encourage industries to work with us to support the development and employability of the next generation of our workforce.
