A state-of-the-art facility. That’s the Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence. It stands proudly before you a testament to pharmaceutical research education and commercialisation.
The Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence or PACE as it’s affectionately known isn’t just a building. It’s a hub of innovation. It was a collaborative dream. The university and the entire profession joined forces in 2000. Their vision a leading centre for all things pharmacy.
PACE isn’t confined to research alone. It’s a vibrant educational centre too. The UQ School of Pharmacy calls this place home. So does the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s Queensland branch. Even a UQ Library branch resides within its walls. Imagine students studying in this modern space. A 360-seat lecture theatre ensures everyone has a place to learn.
There’s more than just academics here. A UQ Healthcare Clinic offers direct patient care. And for a caffeine fix the Pacemaker Cafe is ready to serve. The Queensland State Government supported this ambitious project. They donated the land next to the Princess Alexandra Hospital. Smart thinking. Synergy between education healthcare and research.
Former student Fatima Benhabib praised PACE. She called it an outstanding facility. The academic staff are top-notch she said. They are a wealth of information for inquisitive students. The library and interactive learning areas provide great study spaces. She called them a second home. It’s clear this place goes beyond textbooks and lectures. It fosters a strong sense of community. Students benefit from extensive networking opportunities.
The Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) program offered here is highly regarded. It prepares students for a range of careers. Students gain practical experience through over 600 hours of supervised clinical placements. This includes opportunities in hospital and community pharmacies across Australia and even overseas. Many international students with prior science study can even enter the program in year two. This allows them to complete their degree in just three years.
So next time you are in Brisbane take a moment to reflect on the Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence. This isn’t just another building. It’s a place where innovation education and community combine to shape the future of pharmacy. It’s a place where the future of healthcare is being shaped one student one research project one patient at a time.