CENTRAL RESEARCH PLATFORMS Advancing research through world-class capabilities

The Office of Research Infrastructure coordinates the operations of the Central Research Platforms (CRPs) that are vital to the research function in the University.

Aligned along interdisciplinary lines, the CRPs offer core services and world-class capabilities that are integral towards achieving research excellence though the University.

These CRPs house $125 million worth of high-end equipment and have more than 220 qualified staff on hand to assist researchers to boost their research capabilities.

To date more than 9,000 researchers have used these state-of-the-art facilities to advance their research.

Talk to usFor general enquiries, email:director-infrastructure@uq.edu.au

Visit us at research.uq.edu.au/about/facilities-initiatives

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Research Computing CentreThe Research Computing Centre (RCC) is an innovative and multidisciplinary environment that supports research collaboration to facilitate discoveries in science, engineering, humanities and social sciences through advanced computation, data analysis and other digital research tools.

Through RCC, researchers across disciplines can make the most of the University’s eResearch technologies, such as high performance computing, cloud computing, data storage, data management, imaging, visualisation and workflows.

Centre for Microscopy and MicroanalysisCentre for Microscopy and Microanalysis (CMM) has a comprehensive suite of capabilities and analytical instrumentation. Capabilities include cryo-transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy; X-ray characterisation, mass spec imaging, X-ray diffraction and crystallisation. The centre also provides extensive training programs for university researchers.

Centre for Advanced ImagingFacilities at the Centre for Advanced Imaging (CAI) are for state-of-the-art imaging and analytic studies in a wide range of areas – from major diseases affecting a range of organ systems, such as neurodegenerative disorders, cancer and cardiovascular disease, through to imaging agricultural and companion animals, plant material, foods, minerals, and construction materials. CAI equipment includes human whole body MRI (3T and 7T) and PET scanners, several high-resolution NMR spectrometers, EPR instruments, a cyclotron and radiochemistry laboratories and preclinical MRI, PET, CT and optical imaging instruments.

Integrated Genomics FacilityThis premier facility is designed to improve access to leading-edge genomic infrastructure. Some of the services on offer are genomic sequencing services and advisory services.

Radiogenic Isotope FacilityThe Centre for Geoanalytical Mass Spectrometry is a fully integrated research facility dedicated to the analysis of stable and radiogenic isotope ratios and trace element abundances in natural and man-made materials.

GlasshousesCentral Glasshouse Services (CGS) provides a range of plant growing facilities, quarantine, PC2 (Physical Containment Level 2), temperature-controlled and evaporative-cooled glasshouses as well as growth cabinets for research and education needs.

Protein Expression FacilityThe UQ Protein Expression Facility is an internationally recognised research facility that specialises in recombinant protein production for academic and industry researchers. The facility has won numerous awards for excellence and was recently awarded the 2018 DVCR Award for Team Excellence.

Pinjarra Hills research facilityPinjarra Hills provides expansive facilities and research activities that are typically not possible elsewhere in the University. The sprawling 282 hectare property offers a range of facilities including livestock research, solar research and more.

TetraQTetraQ specialises in preclinical and clinical drug development services and operates in an OECD Good Laboratory Practice recognised facility. Its capabilities include development of bioanalytical methods for quantitation of small molecules and biopharmaceuticals using both LC-MS/MS and immunoassay platforms and provision of rodent pharmacokinetics and toxicology services.

Island Research StationsMoreton Bay Research Station located on North Stradbroke Island lends itself to a wide range of marine and terrestrial research. Heron Island Research Station (HIRS) is internationally renowned for coral reef and ecological research and offers student training in marine sciences.

Genome Innovation HubThe Genome Innovation Hub (GIH) is a new UQ initiative aimed at developing advanced technologies in structural and functional analysis of genomes. GIH will implement novel and promising methodologies in collaboration with key research groups, extending these techniques to address specific questions of interest to UQ researchers and assisting them to apply these across health, agriculture and the environment.

In 2019, GIH will engage in collaborative projects in partnership with leading research groups at UQ, the callout for which will go out in early 2019.

UQ Biological ResourcesIntegrated with UQ’s Central Research Platform, UQBR supports research necessitating the breeding and use of animals. Facilities include a capacity to house large animals (pigs, cattle, etc.), small animals (mice, rats, etc.) and aquatic species (fresh and marine). Services range from direct project assistance through to support with tissue collection for genotyping plus genetic modification and embryo manipulation techniques.