About us

The Australian Skin and Skin Cancer Research Centre (ASSC) was established in 2016 by The University of Queensland and QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute in recognition of the internationally recognised talent in skin and skin cancer research in Brisbane.

The ASSC drives skin and skin cancer research by attracting talented local and international researchers to The University of Queensland and the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute. This enhances the critical mass and expertise housed within the centre.

Our vision

To reduce suffering from skin diseases through the application of research

Our mission

To be a world leading research centre to reduce the burden of skin cancer and skin diseases

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Australia and accounts for eighty percent of all cancers diagnosed each year. Queensland has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world.

Our role

To establish a multidisciplinary research network combining the strength of the respective skin disease research at The University of Queensland and the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute.

The Australian Skin & Skin Cancer Research Centre (ASSC), led jointly by UQ and QIMR Berghofer, will become an internationally competitive research centre, combining strong basic and clinical research, and serve as the skin and cancer research hub for Australia.

Skin diseases affect the health and wellbeing of a substantial number of Australians and represent a major cost to the Australian health budget.

Our objectives

  • Collaborate: Further develop links between skin researchers at UQ and QIMR Berghofer in collaboration with other researchers in Queensland, Australia and globally, to undertake fundamental, translational, and clinical research.
  • Fund: Attract competitive national and international funding streams and increase alternative funding models (public and private health sectors, industry, philanthropy and corporate partnerships).
  • Commercialise: Foster and expand existing industry collaborations, attract new industry partners and launch entrepreneurial activities.
  • Translate: Introduce and develop new preventative strategies, and novel diagnostics, treatments and health delivery models for skin diseases to improve patient outcomes.