FAQs

What is QIMR?

The Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) is a world leading translational research institute. Our research focuses on cancer, infectious diseases, mental health and a range of complex disorders. Working in close collaboration with clinicians and other research institutes, our aim is to improve health by developing new diagnostics, better treatments and prevention strategies.

Where is QIMR and how do I contact you?

QIMR is located next to the Royal Children's Hospital on Herston Road, in Herston, Brisbane. For more information on How to find us, an interactive map, or our operating hours, please visit our Contact Us page.

Which diseases do you research?

For more information on the diseases and conditions we research, please visit Our Research pages.

How can I make a donation to QIMR?

Donations can be made online using the ‘Donate now’ button at the top-right of our website. For more information, visit our donation page or freecall 1800 993 000.

I would like to help fundraise for QIMR. Where can I get more information?

Please visit our Ways to help us page or freecall 1800 993 000.

Where can I find information on available jobs?

Available positions can be found at our Positions vacant page. For any further questions, contact:

Melanie Anderson
Human Resources Officer
T  +61 7 3362 0370
E  vacancies@qimr.edu.au

As a journalist, how can I find out about the latest media releases from QIMR?

Please visit our Media releases section or contact our media relations staff:

T  +61 7 3362 0291
M +61 458 650 200
E  media@qimr.edu.au

How can I arrange a tour or guest speaker from QIMR?

QIMR regularly coordinates tours and guest speakers for community groups and members of the public. For more information, please visit Tour and guest speakers or freecall 1800 993 000 to make a booking.

How can I join the Rio Tinto Ride to Conquer Cancer?

To find out more about the annual Rio Tinto Ride to Conquer Cancer and to register for the Ride, visit www.conquercancer.org.au

Can you advise me on how to treat my medical condition?

While QIMR undertakes medical research in an effort to improve future health practices, our scientists cannot provide medical treatment or advice. If you are experiencing symptoms or medical problems, please consult your GP or the appropriate department of a major hospital in your area. If you are unsatisfied with the response you have received from one of these sources, you should consider seeking a second opinion from another registered healthcare provider.

 How do I donate my body to QIMR for medical research?

QIMR does not have a body donor program. However, The University of Queensland’s School of Biomedical Sciences welcomes expressions of interest from people living in the Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba regions who wish to register as a body donor.

T  +61 7 3365 2703 
E  anatsci@uq.edu.au

How can I become involved in experimental treatments or clinical trials?

Visit the Participate in our research page to find out more information about the latest trials that are taking place.

Otherwise, you can search the Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trial Register (ANZCTR). This is a directory of all trials being conducted in Australia and New Zealand.

For more information about the clinical trial register, contact:

T   +61 2 9562 5333
E   info@actr.org.au

I read an article on a pill to straighten hair. When will it be available?

Unfortunately, there is no magic pill that will curl or straighten your hair. The article was based on the discovery of a gene that produces a protein that influences whether hair will be curly or not (see media release). It is one of many genes and proteins that affect hair curliness, and there are currently no plans to develop this discovery into a product.

I have heard about a gel to treat skin cancer. Where can I buy it?

QIMR researchers were important contributors to the development of the Australian-originated skin cancer drug called Picato® (the compound previously known as PEP005, or Peplin).

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has just approved Picato® gel as a topical treatment for solar keratoses, or sunspots, a precursor to the second most common type of skin cancer: squamous cell carcinoma. The treatment has also been approved by the FDA for use in the USA.

The gel is applied once a day for two or three days, depending on the area of the body treated. It is only available on prescription from GPs and dermatologists and is not available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. More information can be found at www.leo-pharma.com

How do I become a student at QIMR? 

You can apply to study for your Masters, Honours or PhD degree at QIMR. 

Can I do work experience at QIMR?

Unfortunately, we can only accept Australian high school students who have a work agreement form from their school. For more information, please visit our High school laboratory experience page.

Can I contact a current QIMR student?

You can contact a student representatives at QIMR by email: studentrep@qimr.edu.au

Can I visit QIMR and its facilities before enrolling?

QIMR Graduate Student Open Day is held early October each year. You will be able to speak directly with QIMR supervisors and hear about their new student projects and what QIMR has to offer you. Fill out an expression of interest in attending the Open Day closer to the date.

Or contact the Education Coordinator (E education@qimr.edu.au) to arrange a tour QIMR and speak with potential supervisors in your research area of expertise.

I am an overseas student and want to complete my studies at QIMR.

You can arrange to complete part of your student project with a compatible laboratory at QIMR by enrolling as a visiting student.For more information about being an international student, see our admission pages.

I heard that QIMR offers student top-ups.

QIMR offers competitive top-up scholarships to QIMR PhD and Honours students and each lab offers lab-based scholarships up to $10,000. QIMR PhD students are also eligible for travel awards to attend an international conference to promote collaboration and a future postdoctoral position.

Other student questions.

Ask the QIMR Education Coordinator (E education@qimr.edu.au) or a QIMR Student representative (E studentrep@qimr.edu.au) or search through this outline of our excellent student programs and facilities for students.