The University of Queensland’s Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) joined with the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Biophysics (IBP) to create a research centre.

The world’s leading researchers will work together to tackle dementia after the University of Queensland’s Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) joined with the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Biophysics (IBP) to create a research centre.

The Australia-China research centre builds on the established Clem Jones Centre for Ageing and Dementia Research (CJCADR), supported by State and Federal governments and research will focus on understanding the causes and treatment of dementia.

QBI founding director Professor Perry Bartlett said a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between QBI and IBP to announce the partnership.

"Following the success of the CJCADR, we are expanding our capacity and international leadership in dementia research to create the largest international centre focused on dementia research,” he said.

"The world’s leading researchers will unite under the centre to understand the mechanisms that lead to cognitive decline and dementia in the ageing population and provide insights for diagnosis and therapy.

"This centre will place dementia research at the forefront of discovery.”

Science Minister Ian Walker said the Queensland Government enjoyed a valuable, mutually beneficial relationship with China, focused on trade, investment, education, tourism and, increasingly, scientific and technological collaboration.

"Queensland was the first Australian state to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology in 2008,” Mr Walker said.

"Today I am pleased to see this relationship continue to grow with the signing of this agreement between the University of Queensland’s Brain Institute and the Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, to better understand ageing dementia.

"It is an extremely exciting opportunity for these leading scientific institutions to work together to further research and gain outcomes so that we can help those who are suffering from this condition.” (Source: The University of Queensland)