The Allan Labor Government is cementing Victoria's reputation as a global leader in medical research, with Melbourne's new world-class medical research centre now one step closer to making life-saving scientific discoveries for generations to come.
Minister for Medical Research Ben Carroll today visited the Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery (ACMD) in Fitzroy to mark the structural completion of the landmark facility that will be Australia's premier biomedical engineering research translation centre, made possible by the Labor Government's $60 million investment.
Located at St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, the centre will unite clinicians, scientists, and engineers from hospitals, research institutes, and universities to collaborate on cutting-edge research and development.
More than 300 new jobs will be created by the centre, which is set to bolster Victoria's reputation as a global leader in medical research and ensure we can continue to attract and retain leading researchers, with more than 300,000 hours of building work completed since the project began.
The ACMD will tackle health challenges and chronic illnesses like epilepsy, cancer, and osteoarthritis through innovative treatments and technologies including artificial intelligence, implantable digital devices, and regenerative medicine.
The centre will feature specialised 3D printing and clinical simulation labs, insulated rooms for developing sensitive hearing and vision technologies, engineering workshops for medical device prototypes and robotics and an education centre for training the next generation of healthcare workers.
Scheduled to open in 2025, the centre will focus on early intervention and prevention to save and improve lives in Victoria, Australia, and worldwide. Supporters of the centre include the Commonwealth Government, St Vincent's Health Australia, and other philanthropic and research partners.
Since 2015, the Labor Government has invested more than $1 billion in Victoria's medical research sector, which includes 18 independent medical research institutes employing nearly 6,000 people. Victoria hosts about one-third of all Australian clinical trials, more than any other state.
As stated by Minister for Medical Research Ben Carroll
"The Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery is a game-changer and I can't wait to see the collaborations that will deliver world-leading discoveries and breakthroughs to save lives and improve health outcomes in Victoria and abroad."
As stated by Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas
"The new Aikenhead Centre for Medical Discovery is a major leap forward for Victoria's medical research, enabling groundbreaking discoveries and reinforcing our status as a world-class health and medical research hub."
As stated by St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne Chief Executive Nicole Tweddle
"This Centre will be Australia's premier biomedical engineering research accelerator where leading universities, research institutes and St Vincent's collaborate to address some of the world's most challenging health problems."
