We have pursued drug discovery targeting human diseases for more than 20 years
Using our unique resources NatureBank and Compounds Australia, our accomplished GRIDD researchers continue to innovate in this field.
Read more about our institute highlights over the years, as well as the people who help drive our remarkable discoveries.
History highlights
In 1993, Foundation Director Professor Ronald Quinn led one of the largest industry-funded research partnerships in Australian history (~$100 million), and set up Natural Product Drug Discovery with Astra Zeneca on the Nathan campus of Griffith University. In 2001, Natural Product Discovery formed a group led by Dr David Camp to oversee the production and storage of the Natural Product Library, later renamed Nature Bank.
In 2003, Natural Product Drug Discovery was formally recognised as a Griffith University Research Institute when it amalgamated with two other centres, bringing together small molecule therapeutics and adult stem cell research. In 2008, it adopted the name Eskitis Institute.
In 2006, the late Emeritus Professor Alan Mackay-Sim AM (1951-2023) established the National Centre for Adult Stem Cell Research with a >$20 million investment from the Australian Federal Government, serving as Director until his retirement in 2015. Professor Mackay-Sim also served as the Deputy Director of the Eskitis Institute from 2003 to 2012. Among numerous career awards, he was named Australian of the Year in 2017 for his scientific contributions, including a world first clinical trial demonstrating safety of transplanted olfactory stem cells in three paraplegic patients with injured spinal cords.
In 2005, the Queensland Compound Library was set up with an investment of >$3 million from the Queensland Government. It was re-branded as Compounds Australia in 2014. In 2009 and again in 2010, Compounds Australia expanded due to growing customer demand for this unique platform of chemical samples. A second period of expansion began in 2017 and is ongoing, with major investments from Griffith University, NCRIS Therapeutic Innovation Australia, the Queensland Government and Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF).
In 2016, Professor Quinn stepped down as Foundation Director to follow his research interests and in 2022 was appointed an Emeritus Professor of Griffith University.
Professor Jennifer Martin was appointed as Director in 2016, supported by Professor George Mellick (2015-2017) and Professor Katherine Andrews (2018) as Deputy Director.
In 2017 the Institute was rebranded to become Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery (GRIDD). During this time, the GRIDD purpose statement – “Creating knowledge that transforms lives” was developed and the core values of excellence, integrity, collegiality, and respect were defined.
In 2019, Professor Katherine Andrews was appointed Acting Director of GRIDD and 2021 she was appointed GRIDD Director, supported by Professor Sally-Ann Poulsen as Deputy Director.
Over the years, the Institute has been supported by generous donors and supporters including the Queensland and Federal Government, Cancer Therapeutics Australia, NCRIS Therapeutic Innovation Australia, the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF), the Motor Accident Insurance Corporation (MIAC), the Clem Jones Foundation and the Perry Cross Foundation.
People
GRIDD comprises more than 130 research, administrative and support staff. Research teams or groups comprise one or more leaders, as well as research partners, postdoctoral researchers, research assistants and research candidates. Professional officers are dedicated to maintaining and operating infrastructure or providing administrative and general support.
GRIDD is a significant leader in educating the next generation of scientists and currently hosts more than 60 enrolled PhD candidates, including many from outside Australia, as well as masters and honours candidates. We provide a welcoming and friendly environment, with challenging and rewarding research projects for domestic and international candidates alike. Our international candidate cohort includes women and men from more than a dozen countries across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas.
