An Australian-first research institute that will ultimately manufacture human organs, bones and tissue using advanced technology including 3D printing and robotics will be established in Brisbane this year.

Metro North Hospital and Health Service and Queensland University of Technology (QUT) have partnered to create the new Biofabrication Institute on the world-class Herston Health Precinct.

Biofabrication offers the opportunity to print or manufacture implantable or graftable human tissue, bone and solid organs on demand, making future healthcare more personalised.

The Biofabrication Institute will be located at the junction of the precinct’s clinical and research zones, sitting alongside the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Queensland Institute of Medical Research Berghofer and Herston Imaging Research Facility.

The location also provides immediate opportunities for scientists and clinicians to be employed in cutting-edge research, which will attract significant private sector and philanthropic investment.

Metro North and QUT received funding last year from MTP Connect to investigate setting up the Biofabrication Institute. Negotiations with major industry and philanthropic funding sources to support the fit-out and research are also underway.

It’s expected that within five years, the Herston Biofabrication Institute will be attracting several million dollars per year in research grants, and philanthropic and industry support.