QIMR Berghofer and James Cook University have strengthened their strategic partnership to establish one of Australia’s leading collaborations in tropical health research, with a focus on accelerating the development of vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics while preparing the next generation of health researchers.
The enhanced collaboration follows the signing of a Strategic Partnership Agreement in July 2025. Its next phase is supported by an Annex outlining priority areas for cooperation, governance arrangements and shared commitments to research excellence, workforce development and innovation.
The partnership will be led through collaboration between JCU’s Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine and QIMR Berghofer’s Centre for Tropical Health and Emerging Diseases. The two organisations bring complementary expertise in tropical and infectious diseases, public health, diagnostics, disease prevention and treatment.
The collaboration is also expected to expand into mental health research through JCU’s Margaret Roderick Centre for Mental Health and QIMR Berghofer’s Brain & Mental Health Program. Other research groups may join the partnership as it develops.
Under the new framework, the institutions will establish joint appointments from 2026 to support collaborative research programs and create a Partnership Board to oversee activities and guide future priorities. Researchers will have increased opportunities to pursue joint projects and external funding applications, while visiting scientist and adjunct appointments will help strengthen connections between research teams.
The partnership will also support co-supervised PhD opportunities, reciprocal access to research facilities and scientific services, and staff exchanges and workshops designed to promote knowledge sharing. Facilities and infrastructure across Brisbane, Townsville, Cairns and regional locations will be available to participating researchers.
The partnership is intended to support research ranging from laboratory discovery to the implementation of health solutions in communities across Australia and the broader Tropics.
QIMR Berghofer Interim Director and CEO Professor Grant A. Ramm said the partnership would combine the strengths of two leading Queensland institutions to advance medical research, support local responses to health challenges and improve patient outcomes.
“Practical initiatives like this allow us to advance research, workforce development and health outcomes for Queensland communities. At QIMR Berghofer, we know that the most complex health challenges cannot be solved by any one institution alone, and impactful discoveries happen when talented people come together around a shared purpose,” Professor Ramm said.
JCU Deputy Vice Chancellor Research Professor Jenny Seddon said the partnership would strengthen connections between researchers and enhance tropical health research.
“JCU and QIMR Berghofer both deliver world-class research that positively changes the lives of Queenslanders and people living in the Tropics. Working more closely together, we can combine our strengths to accelerate discoveries and expand our impact on health outcomes across the region,” Professor Seddon said.
