State contributes to new era in medical research

• Official opening of new Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research building at QEII

• Contribution of $30.4million from State Government

• Additional $25million of State Government funds for a third Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research campus at new Fiona Stanley Hospital

An important milestone in Western Australia's development as a research-rich State was reached today with the official opening of a new building for the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research.

Located on site at the QEII Medical Centre, the institute brings together laboratory-based and clinical researchers, and will house almost 800 researchers.

Representing the State Government at the opening ceremony today, Deputy Premier and Health Minister Kim Hames said the State's $30.4million contribution to the project was an investment on behalf of all West Australians.

"The Harry Perkins institute is this State's premier adult medical research institute with an ultimate goal to prevent disease developing and to create improved treatments if these conditions do emerge," Dr Hames said.

"This amazing new building is supported by cutting-edge equipment and technology and also provides a unique opportunity for the community to engage with researchers in the specially developed interactive areas."

The Deputy Premier said the State Government had also contributed $25million to a third  Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research campus alongside the new $2billion Fiona Stanley Hospital (FSH).

"Locating the new Harry Perkins institute facility on the FSH campus will foster closer working relationships between laboratory researchers and frontline clinical staff," he said.

"Once the FSH research site opens, the institute will be conducting research on the sites of Perth's three biggest adult tertiary hospitals - QEII, where Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital is, FSH and Royal Perth Hospital."

Dr Hames said WA was embarking on a new era of medical research, with the 2013-14 State Budget boosting research funding through the new FutureHealth fund.

"The FutureHealth fund, which will provide $30million over four years on top of the $58million already committed to health and medical research," he said.

        Fact File

• In 2013, the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research was renamed as the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research

• The State Government and The University of Western Australia (UWA) made a combined commitment of $100million for the new institute buildings at QEII and FSH.  This was matched by a Federal Government commitment of $100million

• The building at the QEII Medical Centre will house almost 800 researchers when fully fitted out, while the facility at the Fiona Stanley Hospital will contain 350 staff

• More information at http://www.waimr.uwa.edu.au/  

Minister's office - 6552 5300