Queensland Brain Institute

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Queensland Brain Institute
QBI-building.jpg
The building of the Queensland Brain Institute was completed in 2007.
Founder(s)Professor Perry Bartlett
EstablishedOctober 2007 (2007-10)
MissionNeuroscience research
FocusBasic science
DirectorProfessor Pankaj Sah
StaffMore than 400
Location
Building 79, University of Queensland St Lucia
, , ,
Coordinates 27°29′58″S153°00′42″E / 27.4994°S 153.0117°E / -27.4994; 153.0117
Website qbi.uq.edu.au

The Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) is an Australian neuroscience research institute, located in Brisbane at the St Lucia campus of The University of Queensland (UQ). Founding director Professor Perry Bartlett AO FAA [1] [2] established the QBI in 2003 [3] [4] with assistance from The University of Queensland, Queensland State Government, and Chuck Feeney, founder of The Atlantic Philanthropies. [5] [6] The purpose-built facility was commissioned in 2004 [3] and on 19 November 2007, the building was opened by former Queensland Premier Anna Bligh. [7] [8]

Contents

Since 2015, Professor Pankaj Sah has been Institute director. Professor Helen Cooper is the deputy director (Research).[ citation needed ]

The institute is one of nine institutes at The University of Queensland, including the Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN), the Translational Research Institute, and the Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB).

Overview

As one of Australia's leading neuroscience research centres, the Queensland Brain Institute encourages interest in the wonders of the brain and support for neuroscience's vital role in helping people to live healthier, happier and more productive lives.

Through fundamental research, QBI researchers strive to improve the world's understanding of the brain in health and disease and to find solutions for brain disorders, diseases and injuries, including MND, dementia, depression, stroke and mental health.

History

The Queensland Brain Institute was established in 2003 as part of an initiative to develop a bioscience precinct at the University of Queensland.

Planning for the Institute effectively began in 2002 with the resolution that it would investigate the biological bases of higher brain function and its application to enhance the community's neurological and mental health.

Since its inception QBI has grown from an initial five founding groups to a cohort of 44 scientific groups and close to 450 personnel.

Research

Queensland Brain Institute Director Professor Pankaj Sah. Pankaj Sah.jpg
Queensland Brain Institute Director Professor Pankaj Sah.

Research at QBI focuses on the fundamental mechanisms of brain function and its application to brain diseases and disorders. Although most of QBI's activity is basic science based on model systems (rodent, zebrafish, Drosophila and C. elegans) the institute is also involved in significant research involving humans. This not only relates to clinical studies, but also to the use of humans as experimental subjects.

As of 2022, QBI focuses on five key areas:

The Institute houses more than 400 staff and students. Five research centres currently exist within QBI:

Directors

OrderNameStart dateEnd date
1 Emeritus Professor Perry Bartlett 20032015
2Professor Pankaj Sah2015-

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References

  1. "UQ praises Premier`s $20m for brain institute". University of Queensland. 22 January 2004.
  2. "Professor Perry Bartlett congratulated on CSL Florey Medal win". Ministers and Assistant Ministers for the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science. 12 November 2015.
  3. 1 2 "Premier Beattie announces Queensland Brain Institute". Queensland Brain Institute. Retrieved 26 May 2017.
  4. "Queensland Brain Institute: Science's best minds in Brisbane for 'last frontier of science'". The Courier Mail. 8 March 2016.
  5. "Funding and contacts". Atlantic Philanthropies. 15 June 2016.
  6. "Atlantic's Arrival in Australia". Atlantic Philanthropies. Retrieved 20 July 2017.
  7. "University of Queensland, Queensland Brain Institute". OpenBuildings. Retrieved 26 May 2017.
  8. "Bligh kickstarts work on $1B 'Australian-1st' Ecosciences centrepiece" . Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  9. "Science of Learning Centre". Queensland Brain Institute. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  10. "Premier opens Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research". Queensland Brain Institute. 8 February 2008. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
  11. "$10 million Asia-Pacific Centre set to make Brisbane a world leader in brain research". Centre for Clinical Research. 18 March 2012. Retrieved 20 June 2017.

Further reading