Since 1945, the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, now QIMR Berghofer, has worked to improve the lives of people locally, and across the globe – driving better health outcomes through impactful medical research.
Today, QIMR Berghofer is a prominent feature in the Brisbane skyline, with the institute’s state-of-the-art facilities being housed across three buildings – The Bancroft Centre, The Clive Berghofer Cancer Research Centre and the Central Building – on Herston Road. However, the institute had far more humble beginnings, originally operating from a decommissioned WWII US Army hut situated at Victoria Park/Barrambin.
Even in those early years, QIMR Berghofer built an international reputation for making ground-breaking and transformative discoveries. The institute’s initial research focused heavily on the infectious diseases affecting Northern Australia at the time, including Q Fever, Scrub Typhus and Malaria. Today, QIMR Berghofer houses four vibrant research programs – Cancer, Infection & Inflammation, Mental Health & Neuroscience, and Population Health – focusing on the health challenges.
Visitors will have a chance to:
View the special display of QIMR Berghofer's 80-year history.
View the Water Memory artwork by renowned First Nations artist, Judy Watson.
Education Lab
Our Education Lab(open to all age groups – closed in shoes required, age under 15 with adult guardian ) where they can see scientific equipment in action and get their gloves on for some hands-on experiments.
Working lab tours – pre-booked only
Visitors to QIMR Berghofer will have the opportunity to join laboratory tours led by scientists, where they’ll see a working lab in action and hear about the latest research and most exciting breakthroughs. These tours are strictly limited and must be pre-booked. Visitors to labs must be aged 16 or over and each attendee must individually register.
Lab tours will operate at 10am, 11am, 1pm and 2pm. Guests joining lab tours will be required to sign in with photo ID at QIMR Berghofer reception on Level 2 of the Central Building.
For general access, no bookings required
Tour Information
Frequency of Guided Tours: 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm
Tour Tips
Register at the building on arrival, All visitors must wear enclosed, comfortable shoes. All visitors to the lab must be registered and aged 16 or over. No booking required for the Education Lab.
Additional Activities
Children's Activities, Science laboratory open for visiting
Dress Requirements
Enclosed shoes
Wheelchair access
Yes