Professor Frank Gannon to lead recruitment drive for Springfield’s Innovative Medicines Hub

The developers of Greater Springfield are aiming to attract leading health service providers, researchers, investors and government stakeholders to the rapidly growing satellite city. HERE’S WHAT IS BEING PLANNED

Springfield Health City chairman Emeritus Professor Rob Stable, Springfield City Group chairman Maha Sinnathamby and Professor Frank Gannon.

The developers of Greater Springfield have recruited world-renowned molecular biologist Professor Frank Gannon to spearhead an ambitious biomedicines hub and lean on his extensive contacts to attract the best and brightest Australia has to offer.

The former QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute director and CEO has been headhunted to turn Springfield City Group’s ‘Innovative Medicines Hub’ vision into reality.

The purpose-built hub will target senior scientists who have left Australia in an effort retain research and “reverse the brain drain”.

Mater Private Hospital Springfield has approval for 1200 beds. Photo: Liam Kidston

Professor Bannon is working as an adviser to SCG and confirmed he was in discussions with six Australian companies to set up in Springfield.

“Springfield has the ideal environment to become a leader in providing a potential innovation-to-international market path,” he said.

“I’ve basically been approaching my contacts and selling them on the Springfield vision, which really isn’t that hard to do.

“While I can’t go into specifics, it’s fair to say that we are also looking to collaborate with universities and TAFE colleges, as well as working with the state government to tap into the state’s burgeoning biopharmaceutical manufacturing sector.

“I’m excited to be working with like-minded people at Springfield City Group, because I know first-hand how the development of new medicines, treatments and devices can change the world.”

Professor Gannon said he was “confident” new tenants would be announced before the end of the year.

The hub will form part of the 52-hectare Springfield Health City, which includes the Mater Private Hospital Springfield and the 174-bed public hospital to be built by 2024.

The Mater has approval to expand from 80 beds to 1200 in the future.

The developer said last month medical professionals have snapped up property in Springfield’s health hub since the area’s first public hospital was announced in May.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk speaks at the Mater Private hospital in Springfield Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jono Searle

“I’ve worked around the globe, and one huge bonus for Springfield is the fact it’s an integrated community,” Professor Gannon said.

“The proposed hub is located close to surrounding infrastructure and major institutions such as universities and hospitals.

“This will allow for a cluster of forward-looking companies to be in one location where they will have space to expand and will be close to support functions that they will need for advanced manufacturing.”

Few details could be given away at this stage about what could be included in the hub but it could potentially include vaccine production following Deputy Premier Steven Miles’ push to manufacture extra vaccines in Queensland labs.

SCG chairman Maha Sinnathamby said Professor Gannon was the “ideal person” to attract leading health service providers, researchers, investors and government stakeholders to Springfield.

“I’m delighted he has joined our team,” Mr Sinnathamby said.

“Professor Gannon’s appointment comes at a particularly important time in Springfield’s history.

“Springfield is a fast-emerging city in the epicentre of one of Australia’s fastest-growing corridors.

“With half a million residents within 22 minutes, this burgeoning economic growth corridor is strategically positioned for new infrastructure and new jobs, comprising a new knowledge workforce, smart manufacturing and businesses supporting defence.

“Health is one of our cornerstones. We want to ensure the next generation of highly-qualified specialists are not only trained but retained. Perhaps we can reverse the brain-drain and attract back home some of the senior scientists who’ve left Australia.”

Read more stories by Lachlan McIvor here.

Originally published as Professor Frank Gannon to lead recruitment drive for Springfield’s Innovative Medicines Hub