Milestone event to celebrate construction starting on world-class facility.
 

Today, NSW Health Minister, Ryan Park joined NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM, Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive Deb Willcox AM and Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor Provost Professor Annamarie Jagose from The University of Sydney and distinguished guests to celebrate construction starting on the $780 million Sydney Biomedical Accelerator (SBA).

The world-class SBA is a major milestone in health and research in Australia which, once complete, will accelerate the translation of research into public healthcare, strengthening Australia’s global leadership in biomedical innovation.

Due to open in 2028, the SBA will be utilised by leading clinicians, researchers and industry partners - spanning across the Royal Prince Alfred (RPA) Hospital and University of Sydney campuses.

“This new facility is set to change the game when it comes to research into diagnostics and treatments in Australia, and I am really proud that we have it here in New South Wales”, said NSW Health Minister Ryan Park.

“Benchmarked against the world’s leading biomedical facilities, the Accelerator is set to change to landscape of medical research, and I hope it becomes a major drawcard for world class health researchers. Cutting-edge laboratories will empower researchers to accelerate the discovery of cures and treatments for a wide range of diseases, driving medical breakthroughs with greater speed and precision”, he said.

Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive, Deb Willcox AM said: “By bringing together class-leading laboratories, clinicians and academics from across Sydney Local Health District and the University of Sydney, we can accelerate the journey from scientific discovery to real‑world patient outcomes, cementing our position as a global leader in biomedical innovation.”

The facility will provide the support for researchers and industry partners to work together in pioneering and changing the landscape for some of the most complex health conditions impacting our community today including respiratory conditions, cancer and cardiovascular disease. 

One of the clinical researchers is RPA respiratory physician Professor Tamera Corte who has been making significant advancements in how genes drive pulmonary fibrosis, focusing on improving early diagnosis and developing targeted treatments for pulmonary fibrosis to slow, stop, or reverse the disease.

Professor Corte and her team have already identified nine new genes linked to the disease, and ways to detect early disease in asymptomatic family members. Her team has over 15 diagnostic and therapeutic tools in development, some of which have a clear path to clinical application.

The SBA continues the long-standing partnership between SLHD and The University of Sydney which has focused on research, education and healthcare.

Construction will commence over the coming weeks with Richard Crookes Constructions selected as the construction partner for the SBA following a competitive tender process.