San Francisco: Premier Anna Bligh has met with global philanthropist Chuck Feeney in San Francisco during her US Trade mission.

Ms Bligh paid tribute to Mr Feeney’s generosity and longstanding commitment to Queensland’s biotechnology industry.

“Mr Feeney has proven himself over the past decade to be one of Queensland’s champions. As a major benefactor of our medical research community, there is no one who is more dedicated to the cause,” Ms Bligh said.

“In July 2009, I announced that The Atlantic Philanthropies, founded by Chuck Feeney, would give a record $102 million to be spread across three pioneering Queensland medical projects.

“These are collectively valued at more than $700 million and are leading the global charge against a spectrum of diseases.”

The projects include funding towards the Translational Research Institute Queensland at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Queensland Institute of Medical Research’s Smart State Medical Research Centre, and QUT’s Hub for Sustainable and Secure Infrastructure.

“This is the biggest single donation in the nation’s history and the fact that he channels such vast sums toward our State is a recognition of the faith in Queensland’s capabilities to lead the march to conquer disease,” said Ms Bligh.

“Over the past decade, The Atlantic Philanthropies has previously invested or committed more than $170 million in scientific and medical research infrastructure in Queensland – and that has helped transform our State and build its reputation as a key player in research and development globally.”

The Premier is currently on a mission to the US representing the State at key events during G’Day USA: Australia Week.

G’Day USA: Australia Week events are a unique way to promote Queensland to the US, and run from 9 to 22 January 2010. G’Day USA is the largest foreign country promotion held in the United States and features events held in San Diego, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, San Francisco and New York.

G’Day USA generates media coverage across the US, and is backed by the Australian and State governments.

Media contact: 07 3224

Source: PressZoom