$96m RNA hub opens at Macquarie University, aiming to strengthen NSW healthcare
New South Wales has opened a $96 million RNA research and manufacturing facility today within the Macquarie University Innovation Precinct, a project the Minns Labor Government says will expand the state’s capacity to develop and produce RNA-based medicines. Construction of the facility was completed on time.
Officials said the site will help translate laboratory research into clinical-grade products by bringing advanced laboratories and support spaces under one roof. According to the government, it will be the only location in Australia capable of producing a wide range of new and existing RNA therapeutics at a single site.
The state framed the investment as a lesson from the COVID‑19 pandemic, when global supply constraints highlighted the need for local capabilities. The facility is intended to enable faster production of RNA vaccines and treatments during future outbreaks, and to support applications beyond vaccines, including potential therapies for cancers and rare genetic diseases, as well as pest-control solutions for agriculture.
Industry partner and operator Aurora Biosynthetics will work with researchers and clients to move innovations from the lab toward clinical trials. RNA Australia, led by Chair Kate Pounder and Chief Executive Officer Paul McDonald, will provide ongoing engagement with the academic community along with Aurora Biosynthesis.
Ownership of the facility will now transfer to Property & Development NSW. The project was delivered by Health Infrastructure in collaboration with the Office of the Chief Scientist & Engineer. The government plans to provide an additional $119 million over 10 years to support RNA research and development projects at the facility.
It also launched the $17.6 million NSW RNA Research and Training Network and the $6 million RNA Pipeline Grants Program in July last year. NSW Minister for Health and Regional Health Ryan Park called the centre a major step for the state’s healthcare system, saying it connects RNA researchers with the clinical trial ecosystem.
Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology Anoulack Chanthivong described the opening as a milestone for the innovation sector, citing the ability to move ideas rapidly from lab bench to real‑world solutions and to respond more quickly to future health threats.
Minister for Medical Research David Harris said the hub brings together RNA research and delivery technology with clinical trials capability, and will become a cornerstone of the state’s RNA ecosystem.
With the site now operational, the focus shifts to attracting partners and progressing candidate therapies into trials, while the longer-term funding commitments are intended to build a sustainable pipeline of RNA research and manufacturing in NSW.