Griffith University Expands Its Health Technology Influence in Australia

Key Takeaways

Griffith University is launching the Health and Advanced Technology Research and Innovation Centre (HATRIC) to enhance health technology research.
The facility will focus on manufacturing cell therapies and developing vaccines, with completion expected in May 2028.
The initiative is supported by a $25 million fund from the Australian and Queensland governments, alongside contributions from the City of Gold Coast.

New Facility for Health Innovations

Griffith University is set to establish the Health and Advanced Technology Research and Innovation Centre (HATRIC) in the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct. A recent groundbreaking ceremony marked the beginning of construction, which is being overseen by ADCO, with an expected completion date in May 2028. The new center aims to significantly advance the university’s capabilities in health technology research and innovation.

HATRIC will integrate various cutting-edge projects from the Griffith Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics (IBG), Advanced Design and Prototyping Technologies Institute (ADaPT), and an expanded Griffith Clinical Trial Unit. The facility is designed to facilitate a seamless transition from scientific discovery to industry application.

Once operational, HATRIC will feature specialized cleanrooms for developing investigational technologies, including vaccines and therapeutics for initial human trials. Among its numerous projects, the center will focus on producing cell therapies for spinal injuries and manufacturing vaccines for malaria and babesia. Notably, it will also support the early clinical evaluation of new vaccine adjuvants developed by the IBG’s Vaccine ADD ARC Centre of Research Excellence, along with projects aimed at developing vaccines for Strep A and COVID-19 using innovative approaches like protein-conjugates and RNA technology.

Additionally, the center will be equipped with overnight stay facilities to enhance clinical trial support and provide extended infusion and pharmacokinetic monitoring capabilities. HATRIC will also expand its clinical trial offerings, focusing on precision medicine, gene therapy, and cell therapy research. State-of-the-art facilities will allow for in situ mechanical testing of medical devices and provide industry-specific training in advanced manufacturing and simulation.

The initiative is backed by a $25 million funding package from the South East Queensland (SEQ) Innovation Economy Fund, secured through contributions of $12.5 million from both the Australian and Queensland governments. The City of Gold Coast is additionally contributing $10 million to support this groundbreaking project. HATRIC represents a significant step forward in the integration of research, innovation, and commercialization within the health sector.

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