Wesley Research Institute’s Biobank is a purpose-built research facility, which collects, securely stores, and distributes ethically obtained tissue samples and associated clinical data for biomedical research. These samples and data allow researchers to better understand the underlying causes of diseases, develop new diagnostic tests and treatments, and ultimately, improve health outcomes for patients.

The biobank holds over 40,000 samples, including those collected as part of the Queensland Brain Tumour Bank, the Australian Autism Biobank and the Justin Cameron Sarcoma Collection.

Website

https://www.wesleyresearch.org.au/biobank/

Organisation type

• Research hospital
• Cooperative Research Centre – Partner organisation
• Not-for-profit

Number of research staff

Up to 20 research staff

Address

Level 8, East Wing, The Wesley Hospital, 451 Coronation Drive, Auchenflower QLD 4066

Strengths and capabilities

• Open access for all national and international researchers
• Specialised staff for multi/site collection of biological samples
• Facilitation of patient informed consent and recruitment
• Access to wide network of surgeons, doctors and patients
• Biological specimen collection, processing and storage
• Distribution of samples with matched clinical data
• Cancer research
• Autism research

Facilities and major equipment

• Centrally monitored vapour phase liquid nitrogen and -80°C storage
• Blood and tissue processing equipment and biohazard cabinets
• Emergency backup power
• Back-up freezers and contingency plans
• Adapted cooled and ventilated cryostorage facility
• Oxygen sensors with mechanical ventilation
• Temperature monitoring, logging and automatic alarm systems
• 24-hour security monitoring and restricted access

Achievements of the centre

• Established Australian Autism Biobank in collaboration with Autism CRC, first of its kind in Australia

Key science sectors

More information about the sectors this centre is involved in:

• Biotechnology
• Health and medical