Creating knowledge that transforms lives.
With a new purpose, direction and name, the Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery’s vision to be a world-leading hub targeting the most devastating global diseases with outstanding people and resources is on its way.
Officially unveiled by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, who has generously visited the Institute twice in two months, the new name positions the GRIDD to be a highly networked facility dedicated to developing innovative solutions that lead to translational outcomes and saving lives.
Ms Palaszczuk said for more than 20 years the Institute had been at the forefront of drug research, leading new discoveries and making inroads in the global biotechnology sector.
“Now as GRIDD it will continue to grow Queensland’s reputation as a science and innovation hub, with researchers advancing major scientific discovery such as treatments with stem cells for spinal cord injury,” she said.
“The new name positions the institute for the opportunities ahead and clearly highlights its overarching purpose to fast-track the search for new treatments targeting the world’s most devastating diseases.”
GRIDDtackles devastating problems such as cancer, drug resistance, infectious diseases, and Parkinson’s disease using the unique Compounds Australia and Nature Bank resources, and an extensive global network of partners and with more than 130 staff.
The Premier said the Queensland Government was a proud partner of Griffith University and the world-leading research work undertaken by the GRIDD.
“Since 2003 the Queensland Government has provided more than $20.9 million in funding for the Institute in the form of grants and loans to help support new discoveries and drive innovation,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“This year I announced $5 million in funding to help researchers at the Institute continue theexciting work in spinal cord injury repair pioneered by2017 Australian of the Year ProfessorEmeritusAlan Mackay-Sim.”
GRIDD Director Professor Jennifer Martin said the new purpose defined why the Institute existed and would stand the test of time.
Vice Chancellor Professor Ian O’Connor AC said the Institute was also transforming the lives of students and he acknowledged the long-term career and commitment to the university by founding Director Professor Ron Quinn.
Formerly the Eskitis Institute for Drug Discovery, Professor Quinn stepped down as Director in 2016 to pursue his research interests in tuberculosis.
GRIDDis one of Griffith University’s champions of gender equity in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEMM), ensuring women are best positioned to reach their full potential.
Just recently early career researcher DrRóisÃn McMahon was recognised among 30 young female scientists in the country as the first Superstars of STEM. Professor Martin, a founding member of the Science and Gender Equity (SAGE) Steering Committee, was also this year elected as a fellow to the Australian Academy of Science, and was the second woman to receive the prestigiousWunderly Oration Medal in its 27-year history.
GRIDD’s key supporters include the Clem Jones Foundation, Perry Cross Spinal Research Foundation, Aegium, Parkinson’s Queensland, as well as the Australian Government.
To donate to the GRIDD visit this page.