Western Australian Institute for Medical Research (WAIMR)


http://www.waimr.uwa.edu.au

First Look at New Medical Research Hubs

July 30th, 2008 - Media Statement

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[L to R]: Professor Bryant Stokes, Professor Peter Thompson, Professor Peter Klinken, Professor Alan Robson and Mr Peter Sarich

The first look at detailed plans of Western Australia's new state-of-the-art medical research facility has been unveiled to the public today.

Initial designs for the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research (WAIMR) new $100 million home within the medical research hub to be built at the Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre have revealed cutting edge facilities.

The Nedlands-based landmark centre, designed by the renowned Hames Sharley and UK-based firm LCE, will boast world-class research facilities as well as valuable additions including a public lecture theatre, cafeteria, crèche and library.

WAIMR Director Professor Peter Klinken said the plans for the research hub have shown it will be an ideal environment for medical breakthroughs and bring economic and health benefits to the State.

"The opportunity this precinct presents for the State's researchers and the wider community is extraordinary and will ensure West Australians are first in line to enjoy the health benefits of world-class medical research breakthroughs made in their own backyard," he said.

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An artist's impression of the new building

"The designs show real class, on par with the best in the world, so it will be a fantastic place for researchers to work, share knowledge and bring direct benefit to the public with new teaching and lecture capabilities as well as access to the bedside."

"This new home will help us attract and retain the best of the best in the field - this is going to be a top-line working environment and will offer greater opportunity to collaborate across different disciplines in our quest for medical discoveries."

As well as becoming home to WAIMR, the new precinct will also house hundreds of medical and scientific researchers from the University of Western Australia (UWA), the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research (TICHR) and the State's pathology testing service PathWest.

Construction of WAIMR's new building will start in early 2009 and is scheduled for completion in 2011.

The research precinct is a partnership program between the Australian Federal Government, the WA State Government, WAIMR, TICHR, UWA and private benefactors.


For more information please contact:
Sarah Hayward
Media Consultant for the WA Institute for Medical Research
Mobile: 0411 404 415
Office: (08) 9388 9280