Translational Research Institute

Translational Research Institute Unique, Australian-first initiative of ‘bench to bedside’ medical research, combining clinical &

The Translational Research Institute (TRI) is a unique, Australian-first initiative of ‘bench to bedside’ medical research. TRI combines clinical and translational research to advance progress from laboratory discovery to application in the community. The concept of a major research institute on this site arose from the thinking of notable Queensland clinicians including Professor Bryan Emmerson a

nd Dr John Golledge, and the vision was conceived and brought to fruition by the clinicians and scientists of the four institutions who were its founding partners; The University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology, Mater Medical Research Institute and Queensland Health. Translational Research – Our Work

Translational Research aims to convert scientific innovations into health gains. It involves a multidisciplinary approach, early involvement with a commercial partner and a focus on positive outcomes for patients, the community and world health. The work conducted at TRI is translational research, a research process which involves teams of patients, clinicians and researchers working together to solve health challenges faster. The work is driven by the needs of patients, a question formed by a clinician and a solution sought by a scientist. While traditionally, clinicians and researchers worked separately, this improved method ensures patient needs are priority and that teams share knowledge which multiplies with every collaboration. These teams also create a feedback loop which is essential to the translational pathway. With the clinician and scientist working side by side with the patient, results are obvious immediately rather than via long reports which take time to read and interpret. Several translational research projects are underway at TRI, including the Gardasil HPV Vaccine, Spectroscopy for high risk breast cancer, and Theranostic Development for Prostate Cancer.

23/07/2026

When PA Hospital surgeon Dr Philip Rowell first began working in orthopaedics more than 15 years ago, he didn't imagine his career would also involve helping unlock the mysteries of metastatic cancer.

Working alongside collaborators at the Translational Research Institute and Mater Research, Dr Rowell said he is now contributing to research he hopes may help prevent dormant breast cancer cells in bone from reactivating years after treatment.

As the clinical lead, Dr Rowell's primary role is collecting valuable tissue samples for research. 🔬

“Behind every sample is a patient who has placed their trust in us. Our goal is to turn that trust into better outcomes, so fewer people have to face the fear of their cancer returning,” Dr Rowell said.

Co-led by Dr Behnam Rashidieh (Mater Research), his project Decoding Dormancy: Preventing Reactivation of Dormant Breast Cancer Cells in Bone, has received a $50,000 grant through the Leading Innovations through New Collaborations (LINC) grant program to better understand and prevent metastatic disease. 👏

Dr Philip Rowell is an academic title holder with UQ's Medical School.

📸 Brisbane Open House photo gallery
19/07/2026

📸 Brisbane Open House photo gallery

19/07/2026

Visitors from across Brisbane stepped behind the science at TRI and ENTRI as part of Brisbane Open House. Guests with an...
18/07/2026

Visitors from across Brisbane stepped behind the science at TRI and ENTRI as part of Brisbane Open House. Guests with an interest in science, innovation and architecture explored our award-winning building, discovering how its distinctive design supports world-leading research and collaboration. We were also delighted to welcome Urban Sketchers Brisbane, who captured the beauty and scale of TRI's expansive Atrium through their unique artistic lens. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped celebrate the intersection of science, design, and community.

30/06/2026

EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS: EOFY DONATION
Donate today to make a tax-deductible claim this financial year: tri.edu.au/donate-now

Every donation to the TRI Foundation supports research, providing hope to people such as cancer survivor Merran.

Today is the last day if you wish to claim your donation this financial year.

Donate now: tri.edu.au/donate-now

WHY MERRAN SUPPORTS RESEARCH Donate now to make a tax deductible claim this financial year: tri.edu.au/donate-nowMerran ...
29/06/2026

WHY MERRAN SUPPORTS RESEARCH
Donate now to make a tax deductible claim this financial year: tri.edu.au/donate-now

Merran is a painter, a retired nurse and a grandmother of six.

She is also living proof of what is possible when we back medical researchers.

As a four-time cancer survivor, Merran is healthy because of what she calls her magic drug – the result of research - and passionately supports ongoing medical research looking for future breakthroughs.

Donations to TRI Foundation go towards supporting researchers at TRI.

Donate now: tri.edu.au/donate-now

MERRAN’S FAMILY IS HER MOTIVATION Donate now if you wish to make a tax deductible claim this financial year: tri.edu.au/...
26/06/2026

MERRAN’S FAMILY IS HER MOTIVATION
Donate now if you wish to make a tax deductible claim this financial year: tri.edu.au/donate-now

“My children and my grandchildren. That is a real impetus for me.”

Cancer survivor Merran has six grandchildren, and worries which of them has the family’s BRCA2 gene mutation.

The mutation stops the body’s ability to repair damaged DNA and increases the risk of several cancers.

“We need treatments for these cancers. We need everyday people to chip in small amounts – whatever you can afford.”

Donate now: tri.edu.au/donate-now

Bookings have today opened for tours of TRI on Saturday, 18 July, as part of Brisbane Open House.Located on the Princess...
24/06/2026

Bookings have today opened for tours of TRI on Saturday, 18 July, as part of Brisbane Open House.

Located on the Princess Alexandra Hospital campus and within the Boggo Road Innovation Junction (BRIJ), TRI strengthens ties between research, clinical care and industry.

The TRI building features connected environments, collaborative layout, and spaces enabling seamless “bench to bedside” research translation.

Visitors can preview TRI biomanufacturing facility ENTRI ahead of its official opening later this year. ENTRI is proudly funded by the Queensland Government and TRI.

Read more: bit.ly/3SHYNkR

LIFE AFTER CANCER, THANKS TO RESEARCH Donate now: tri.edu.au/donate-nowPainting brings Merran peace, sparks her creativi...
23/06/2026

LIFE AFTER CANCER, THANKS TO RESEARCH
Donate now: tri.edu.au/donate-now

Painting brings Merran peace, sparks her creativity and provides moments of calm.

It’s a welcome change for Merran, after facing ovarian cancer three times and breast cancer once.

Thanks to advances in medical research, Merran is still here - living life, making memories and doing what she loves.

Through donations to the TRI Foundation, you can help researchers accelerate the next generation of treatments.

Donate now: tri.edu.au/donate-now

MERRAN’S STORY Donate now: tri.edu.au/donate-nowThis family photo was taken 18 years ago, the day Merran received her fi...
17/06/2026

MERRAN’S STORY
Donate now: tri.edu.au/donate-now

This family photo was taken 18 years ago, the day Merran received her first cancer diagnosis.

Her children rallied around her with one message: “You’ve got this, mum.”

Since then, Merran has faced cancer four times. Thanks to medical research, she is still making memories with the people she loves most.

Through the TRI Foundation, you can help fund the next medical breakthrough at TRI.

Donate now: tri.edu.au/donate-now

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