GRIDD: Where molecules met meaning to make life-changing discoveries
For more than 20 years, the former Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery (GRIDD) was a place where scientific curiosity met real-world impact. From its earliest days, GRIDD was driven by a bold vision: to discover new therapies that transform lives.
Today, that vision lives on as GRIDD becomes a vital part of the Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics—bringing its legacy of excellence, innovation and collaboration into a new era of biomedical research.
Origins and evolution
GRIDD's journey began in 1993, when Professor Ronald Quinn led one of Australia’s largest industry-funded research partnerships (~$100 million) with AstraZeneca.
This collaboration that laid the foundation for Natural Product Drug Discovery at Griffith University Brisbane South (Nathan).
By 2001, the Natural Product Library—later known as NatureBank—was established under the leadership of Dr David Camp.
In 2003, the institute formally became a Griffith University research institute, merging with two other centres to unite expertise in small molecule therapeutics and adult stem cell research.
It was renamed the Eskitis Institute in 2008, marking a new chapter in its evolution.
Professor Quinn continues to contribute to this legacy in his capacity as Professor Emeritus within the Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, ensuring continuity of expertise and vision.
Pioneering research
Among GRIDD's most celebrated contributors was the late Emeritus Professor Alan Mackay-Sim AM (1951–2023), who founded the National Centre for Adult Stem Cell Research in 2006 with more than $20 million in federal funding. His groundbreaking work in spinal cord injury repair earned him the title of Australian of the Year in 2017.
GRIDD also became home to Compounds Australia, a national compound curation facility originally established as the Queensland Compound Library in 2005. Compounds Australia has grown through major investments from Griffith University, NCRIS Therapeutic Innovation Australia, the Queensland Government and the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF).
Research that mattered
GRIDD's research themes reflected its commitment to solving global health challenges:
Cancer
Discovering compounds to treat breast, prostate, pancreatic and brain cancers with researchers such as Associate Professor Rohan Davis.
Infectious diseases
Tackling malaria, tuberculosis and parasitic infections with researchers such as Professors Kathy Andrews and Ronald Quinn.
Neurological disorders
Exploring the genetics of Parkinsonism with Professor George Mellick.
Drug resistance
Investigating ways to reverse resistance in cancer and disarm bacteria with Professors Sally-Ann Poulsen and Jenny Martin.
Spinal cord injury repair
Continuing the legacy of Professor Alan Mackay-Sim throuh the work of Associate Professor James St John.
Research highlights
Australian of the Year 2017
Alan Mackay-Sim was a world-renowned trailblazer in cell transplantation, who paved the way for innovative research to repair damaged spinal cords to return the gift of movement to paralysed people.
Fighting antibiotic resistance
Dr Maria Halili speaks about her work at the Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery finding solutions for antibiotic resistance using disulfide bonds.
Using ion channels to fight Parkinson's Disease
Dr Linlin Ma speaks about her work at the Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery using ion channels in the fight against Parkinson's Disease.
Artificial intelligence in drug discovery
Have you ever wondered how technology can help improve drug discovery research in the future? GRIDD's Dr Miaomiao Liu is working on using artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse natural products for drug discovery in areas such as malaria and tuberculosis.
A community of researchers and learners
GRIDD was home to more than 130 staff and more than 60 PhD candidates from around the world.
The institute fostered a welcoming, inclusive environment where early career researchers thrived and international students found a place to grow.
Leadership and vision
GRIDD's leadership evolved with Professor Jennifer Martin taking the helm in 2016, followed by Professor Katherine (Kathy) Andrews taking the helm as director in 2021.
Their stewardship helped define GRIDD's purpose—creating knowledge that transforms lives—and its core values of excellence, integrity, collegiality and respect.
Philanthropy and support
GRIDD’s work was made possible by generous support from government bodies, foundations and donors.
The Development Board, chaired by Peter Johnstone of the Clem Jones Group, played a vital role in securing funding and advocating for GRIDD’s mission.
Board members like Rhonda White AO and Gary Toomey brought expertise and a commitment to advancing drug discovery.
Continuing the journey of discovery
As GRIDD transitions into the Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, its spirit of inquiry and commitment to improving human health remains central to our mission.
The infrastructure, expertise and values that defined GRIDD continue to shape the future of the Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, ensuring the discoveries made here will keep transforming lives for years to come.
Contact us
Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics
Griffith University
1 Parklands Dr
Southport QLD 4215
170 Kessels Rd
Nathan QLD 4111
