Manufacturing cell therapies for spinal injuries, malaria vaccine development, and testing medical devices will be the cornerstone of Griffith University’s new Health and Advanced Technology Research and Innovation Centre (HATRIC).
A sod-turning ceremony was held today as construction company ADCO started work in the heart of the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct, with HATRIC due for completion in May 2028.
HATRIC will house cutting-edge projects from Griffith’s Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics (IBG), Advanced Design and Prototyping Technologies Institute (ADaPT), and an expanded Griffith Clinical Trial Unit alongside start-up and scale-up spaces.
Set to strengthen medical research, innovation and commercialisation capabilities, this landmark facility will create a direct pathway from discovery through to industry adoption.
Once complete, HATRIC will:
- House purpose-designed cleanrooms for the manufacturing of vaccine and therapeutic investigational technologies for first-in-human Phase 1 clinical trials
- Manufacture cell therapies for the Spinal Injury Project
- Manufacture whole parasite vaccines for malaria and babesia
- Manufacture and early clinical evaluation of investigational vaccine adjuvants discovered and developed through the IBG’s new Vaccine ADD ARC Centre of Research Excellence
- House Strep A and COVID projects to develop protein-conjugate and RNA vaccines
- Allow overnight stay facilities with extended infusion and pharmacokinetic monitoring capabilities to support clinical trial research
- Support expanded Phase I-IV clinical trial capabilities, including precision medicine, gene therapy, and cell therapy research training models for surgery
- Enable in situ functional mechanical testing of medical devices
- Provide opportunities for hands-on industry-specific training in advanced manufacturing, design and simulation
HATRIC is backed by $25 million from the South East Queensland (SEQ) Innovation Economy Fund, comprised of $12.5 million from each of the Australian and Queensland Governments. The City of Gold Coast is also contributing $10 million.
Quotes attributable to Vice Chancellor and President of Griffith University Professor Carolyn Evans:
“HATRIC brings research, clinical and industry partners together in one connected environment, creating clearer pathways to translate research into real-world impact.
“This is a long-term investment which positions Griffith at the forefront of translational research, connecting research, clinical capability and industry that will benefit the broader community.
“This is not a standalone building but rather a broader ecosystem designed to strengthen partnerships and enable closer connection between discovery and delivery, building on Griffith’s strengths to enhance research capability and reputation.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
“This project will bring an immediate economic boost to Queensland by supporting local construction workers and providing a major hub for advanced medical research.
“The Australian Government is proud to be funding a facility that will support researchers to fight global diseases and make new medical breakthroughs.”
Quotes attributable to Queensland Acting Minister for Science and Innovation Sam O’Connor:
“HATRIC is a great example of how the SEQ Innovation Economy Fund is supporting projects to help SEQ become a leading innovator in health and biotech.
“Through exciting projects like this, the Crisafulli Government is delivering the vision of the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct and helping to create new jobs and opportunities here in Southport through diversifying our city’s economy.”
Quotes attributable to Queensland Senator Corinne Mulholland:
“By backing projects like HATRIC, the Australian Government is backing local jobs while helping secure the Gold Coast as a world leader in medical science and research.
“The sod tun today is just the start, with HATRIC set to bring long-term benefits not only to the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct, but for the communities that will benefit from their research.”
Quotes attributable to Mayor of the Gold Coast Tom Tate:
“The Gold Coast is fast becoming one of Australia’s leading centres for health, research and innovation, and HATRIC is another major step forward in that journey.
“Our $10 million investment reflects the city’s commitment to creating high-value jobs, attracting global talent and supporting industries that will drive our future economy.
“We are proud to partner with Griffith University and all levels of government to deliver a facility that will help translate world-class research into real-world outcomes for communities here and around the world.”
