The Institute that Helped Shape a Precinct
What began more than 26 years ago in a demountable building on the Gold Coast would help shape one of Australia’s leading biomedical research stories, even before the vision for the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct officially took shape 25 years ago.
Featuring Distinguished Professor Mark von Itzstein AO and Dr Chris Davis, this story explores the origins of the Institute for Glycomics (now the Griffith University Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics) and the bold vision to build world-class research capability on the Gold Coast.
Following the discovery of the influenza drug Relenza, Professor von Itzstein saw the opportunity to create an epicentre for glycoscience and next-generation medicines. Supported by Griffith University and the Queensland Government, that vision became the foundation for a research institute that would help place the Gold Coast on the global biomedical map.
From humble beginnings, the Institute grew through long-term partnerships, scientific ambition and a commitment to translating research into real-world impact.
Today, that legacy continues through discoveries, technologies and treatments designed to improve lives around the world.
