Maroochy Private Hospital and the University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) have joined forces to create the country’s largest clinical trial facility in a region, marking a new era of medical research and innovation on the Sunshine Coast.
This pioneering partnership will position the Sunshine Coast as a major international hub for clinical trials, opening new opportunities for medical research in emerging drugs, treatments, and medical devices.
With Maroochy Private Hospital set to open in early 2026, the integration of a purpose-built research facility within the hospital will provide unparalleled access to cutting-edge medical advancements for both specialists and the wider community.
UniSC Vice-Chancellor and president, Professor Helen Bartlett, said this new site would be Australia’s largest clinical trial facility outside of the major metropolitan centres.
“This new clinical site is expected to support 65 local jobs, growing UniSC Clinical Trials’ workforce across South East Queensland to more than 160 professionals, and the largest such network in the state,” Professor Bartlett said.
“Clinical trials are an important feature of any advanced healthcare system and critical to the development of all new therapies, devices and diagnostics.
“By co-locating research and development of new medical developments and devices with healthcare delivery at Maroochy Private Hospital, the Sunshine Coast community will have even greater access to the latest medical research developments, while boosting capacity for and enabling new opportunities to partner with the medical industry locally and globally.”
Lucas Litewka, director – Clinical Trials Centre, University of the Sunshine Coast, said the partnership is a milestone for the University’s research efforts.
“Our whole existence has been culminating to this point, creating the largest trial facility of its kind. This partnership with Maroochy Private Hospital will allow us to participate in a broader range of clinical trials, including medical device trials, which we haven’t had the opportunity to do before,” Lucas said.
“This will not only attract leading medical professionals to the region but will also give our local community direct access to groundbreaking global treatments that would otherwise be out of reach.”
UniSC boasts the largest clinical trial workforce in a regional Australian setting, with 140 specialists leading research into areas such as diabetes, obesity, cardiac conditions, cancer treatments, and vaccine innovations, including needle-free and multi-vaccine delivery solutions.
Unlike many private hospitals where research can be an afterthought, Maroochy Private Hospital has embedded innovation and research into its very foundation.
The hospital was designed with the foresight to integrate world-class research facilities, ensuring specialists and medical professionals have direct access to pioneering clinical trials and the latest medical advancements.
Adjunct professor Daevyd Rodda from Maroochy Private Hospital said, “This is a landmark moment for medical research in Australia.”
“The partnership with UniSC reinforces our commitment to providing world-class healthcare, not just for today but for generations to come.
“By collaborating with one of the country’s leading research institutions, we are positioning the Sunshine Coast as a true leader in global medical innovation.”
Beyond its impact on the medical industry, the facility will serve as an opportunity for the local community to participate in medical research that could shape the future of healthcare.
Patients and volunteers will play a vital role in advancing treatments, with access to innovative healthcare solutions that were previously only available in capital cities or overseas.
“The best way to bring groundbreaking research to our doorstep is through this partnership,” Lucas said.
“It’s a chance for our local community to be part of something extraordinary, where world-class healthcare meets cutting-edge research right here on the Sunshine Coast.”
