The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research

Macquarie University has extended a warm welcome to the prestigious Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, a renowned medical research organisation specialising in respiratory and sleep studies. The Woolcock found itself without a home after the University of Sydney sold the building where it was housed in Glebe, Sydney, for $39 million in 2021. 

However, Macquarie University has stepped up and is currently undertaking the renovation of a tailor-made facility on its North Ryde campus. The move is anticipated to take place early next year.

The relocation marks a significant accomplishment for Macquarie University, which has been actively developing a health and medical precinct centred around its on-campus hospital. 

Professor Patrick McNeil, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Medicine and Health) at Macquarie University, commended the Woolcock outstanding research calibre, spanning basic research, clinical research, and bioengineering. Macquarie University foresees collaboration with the Woolcock across various research domains, including respiratory and sleep medicine, neurosciences, neurophysiology, dementia and neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and cardiology.

The Woolcock’s Executive Director Carol Armour said it would work with the University “to become a global hub for respiratory and sleep research, clinical service provision, policy and impact”. The partnership ensures that the Woolcock can continue its vital work and contribute to advancing medical knowledge and patient care.

When the University of Sydney listed the Woolcock's Glebe building for sale in 2021, it was among several off-campus properties deemed surplus to the university's requirements. The University of Sydney later confirmed that the new owner had agreed to honour the existing lease terms, allowing the Woolcock to continue its operations until the end of the lease. Despite being unable to offer alternative on-campus accommodation, the University of Sydney expressed agreement with the Woolcock's decision to forge a new academic partnership with Macquarie University. They also expressed enthusiasm for future collaborative research projects with both the Woolcock and Macquarie University.

The full article appeared in The Australian  

Further information can be found our website: Our new partnership with Macquarie University.