Former Menzies Health Institute Queensland

Building on a legacy of health innovation

For almost a decade, the former Menzies Health Institute Queensland (MHIQ) helped shape the future of healthcare through rigorous research that produced sustainable, forward-thinking solutions. Established in 2015 through a partnership between Griffith University and the Menzies Foundation, MHIQ evolved from the Griffith Health Institute into a world-class centre for medical and health research.

Today, MHIQ’s legacy continues as some of its biomedical research teams have become a vital part of the Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics—applying their clinical expertise, translational focus and collaborative spirit to a new era of discovery, while others have continued their impactful work within Griffith Health.

Leadership and vision

MHIQ's journey was guided by visionary leaders:

Professor Sheena Reilly, the founding director, restructured the leadership team to address the increasing complexity of patient care and the need for technological innovation in healthcare data.
Professor Suzanne Chambers built on this foundation, expanding allied health research and leading projects to improve health and community care.
Professor Paul Scuffham was appointed director in 2018 and led a refreshed strategy focused on three core programs: disability and rehabilitation; healthcare practice and survivorship; and infectious diseases and immunology.

Each leader brought a unique perspective, helping MHIQ grow into a multidisciplinary powerhouse of translational research.

Research with impact

MHIQ research was driven by in clinical practice and community needs.

Its research teams developed innovative therapies, advanced rehabilitation science and contributed to global health solutions.

The institute’s commitment to cross-disciplinary collaboration and global partnerships helped drive real-world impact and improve lives.

Research highlights

Spinal cord injury research with Dr James St John

Dr James St John is Head of the Clem Jones Centre for Neurobiology and Stem Cell Research. The aim of the Centre is to develop therapies to treat acquired brain injury and spinal cord injury.

The Digital Athlete

In partnership with the Australian Institute of Sport and the Queensland Academy of Sport, Griffith University’s Centre for Biomedical and Rehabilitation Engineering has developed a Digital Athlete – a vision for the future of what may be possible.

Award-winning bionic limb design

Griffith research a step into the future with an award-winning bionic limb design.

Gene Therapy: Sport Cheats or Cancer Cures?

Gene therapy, gene doping and gene modification - are these all created equal, and could one of them hold the cure for cancer?

A legacy that lives on

In 2024, following many discoveries and positive contributions, the partnership between Griffith University and the Menzies Foundation came to a close.

The legacy of the former MHIQ lives on through the Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, where its infrastructure, research programs and collaborative spirit continue to transform health through innovation.

Many of MHIQ's pioneering researchers now contribute to Griffith Health’s expansive research groups, with biomedical teams helping shape the future of translational science.