Sydney University is building a $478 million biomedical accelerator

The University of Sydney is building a biomedical precinct worth $478 million to fast track research and patient care.

The Sydney Biomedical Accelerator (SBA) will be the university’s largest ever capital investment, with the research precinct co-located at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and the University’s Camperdown campuses, within the Tech Central precinct. It will span 36,000 square metres and address complex health challenges, including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

It is a partnership between the University, Sydney Local Health District and the NSW Government, in collaboration with the Centenary Institute. The NSW government committed $143.3 million towards the project in June.

Vice-Chancellor and Sydney University President Professor Mark Scott said it was an historic investment for any university.

“The range of world-class buildings and facilities that will make up the Sydney Biomedical Accelerator will bring together the brightest scientific and clinical minds with entrepreneurs, industry and government,” he said.

“It gives our renowned researchers and partners the infrastructure to take a major step forward in the global quest to find solutions to our biggest health challenges. Together, we have the potential to dramatically improve the future of health and medical care in this country.

More than 1200 biomedical researchers and clinician scientists will be located onsite at the SBA, including over 800 university laboratory researchers and PhD students and 100 industry researchers.

Biomedical research and development and commercialisation is a large and growing global market with a current spend of US$235 billion, and growth forecast at 4-5% per annum over the next five years.

Funding for the Sydney Biomedical Accelerator includes $73 million in philanthropic donations to the University, with the Susan and Isaac Wakil Foundation donating $20 million donation to establish The Isaac Wakil Biomedical Building, one of three buildings in the complex. It will sit beside the Susan Wakil Health Building, which is not part of SBA, and opened in 2021 thanks to a $35 million donation from the Wakils.

Melbourne architecture firm Denton Corker Marshall, along with HDR have been chosen to design the 36,000m2 integrated facility.

Early works for the SBA will commence this year and initial occupation is expected to occur from 2026.

Key stakeholders gathered for the Sydney Biomedical Accelerator launch included Richard Alcock (Western Sydney Local Health District), Elizabeth Koff (Telstra Health), Susan Pearce (NSW Health), Prof. Mark Scott (University of Sydney), Dr. Teresa Anderson (Sydney Local Health District) and Prof. Robyn Ward (University of Sydney)