The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) building houses the Australian National Fabrication Facility – Queensland Node (ANFF-Q), a leading NCRIS-supported research hub specialising in advanced micro and nanofabrication. With cutting-edge equipment for microfluidics, organic electronics, biomaterials, and semiconductor material characterisation, ANFF-Q enables researchers to access facilities directly or collaborate with its expert team for bespoke solutions.
To address the shortage of suitable space for new equipment funded under the NCRIS RIIP and Queensland Government agreements, the University of Queensland (UQ) required an upgrade and expansion of the existing Class 10,000 Clean Room. This crucial upgrade would ensure compliance with funding milestones and enhance ANFF-Q’s capacity to support groundbreaking research. Recognising the challenges of working within a live, fully operational PC2 laboratory environment, UQ sought a highly qualified design and construction contractor capable of delivering the works with minimal disruption to ongoing research activities.
Engaged under a Design and Construct (D&C) contract, our team collaborated closely with UQ to design and deliver an expanded and upgraded Clean Room facility tailored to ANFF-Q’s advanced research needs. Leveraging our expertise in live environment construction, we implemented detailed planning and risk management measures to ensure the seamless integration of works within the operational PC2 laboratories and Clean Rooms.
Our approach included meticulous coordination with UQ’s stakeholders to schedule construction activities, ensuring minimal disruption to building occupants and research timelines. This involved implementing stringent controls to maintain clean room integrity and operational safety. The project scope incorporated not only the expansion of the Clean Room but also the adaptation of existing spaces to accommodate new high-performance equipment, enabling ANFF-Q to advance its world-class research capabilities.
Delivered within a live, operational research environment, the upgraded Class 10,000 Clean Room enhances ANFF-Q’s infrastructure, providing state-of-the-art facilities to support cutting-edge fabrication and manufacturing research. The project was completed on time and to budget, empowering UQ to fulfill critical milestones under its NCRIS funding agreements.
This world-class facility represents a significant step forward for ANFF-Q, equipping it to maintain its position as a leader in nanotechnology innovation and reinforcing its role as a vital resource for Queensland’s and Australia’s research communities.