BIOFABRICATION
INSTITUTE
What we do
Herston Biofabrication Institute (HBI) is the first institute of its kind – advancing knowledge and technology in 3D scanning, 3D modelling and 3D printing of medical devices, bone, cartilage and human tissue.
Opened in 2020, the Institute takes a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together clinicians, academics, industry and consumers in its 1,500sqm, state of the art facility.
Welcome to the Herston Biofabrication Institute, where we focus on applied 3D‑printing research and practice.
We collaborate with our core academic partner, the University of Queensland, to advance healthcare innovation and the manufacturing of medical devices. With our clinically integrated laboratories and our multidisciplinary team, we use specialist software and a range of additive and subtractive manufacturing methods, such as selective laser sintering, PolyJet printing, and CNC milling.
All activities in the Herston Biofabrication Institute bring together the disciplines of medicine, engineering, design, and healthcare. Our clinical programs span surgery, urology, cancer care, anaesthesia and intensive care, and craniofacial surgery.
Our PC2 laboratory also supports our tissue engineering projects and our upcoming organoid production advances.
The Herston Biofabrication Institute is committed to educating the next generation of health professionals and biomedical engineers. Alongside hosting undergraduate and postgraduate students, we deliver training courses and simulations for skills development for practicing clinicians.
From patient‑matched anatomical models through to prostheses and custom implants, we are passionate about technologies that support the best possible public health outcomes for Australians.
Latest news
HBI Open day – 31 August 2026
Discover how HBI is integrating innovation into clinical practice. Join us for a tour and showcases featuring personalised medical devices, surgical planning solutions, vascular applications, and clinical training technologies already supporting patient care.
HBI and Churchill Fellowship recipient share 3D printing expertise
Metro North Health’s Herston Biofabrication Institute (HBI) is expanding its global reach and reputation in high quality surgical modelling, hosting visiting Churchill Fellow Dr Peter Metherall in October.
Inspiring the Next Generation: UQ Students Visit the Herston Biofabrication Institute
On 19 March 2026, the Herston Biofabrication Institute (HBI) welcomed undergraduate students from The University of Queensland (UQ) for an immersive learning experience designed to provide insight into the innovative work being carried out across the institute.
Inspiring Future Female Leaders in Manufacturing: Women in Manufacturing Brisbane Delegation 2026 Visits HBI
The Herston Biofabrication Institute (HBI) was proud to welcome students participating in the Women in Manufacturing Brisbane Delegation 2026, an initiative supported by the Queensland Manufacturing Hubs that aims to inspire the next generation of female leaders in manufacturing, engineering, science, and innovation.
People are at the heart of everything we do,
driving innovation and impact.
The Herston Biofabrication Institute is advancing knowledge and technology in 3D scanning, 3D modelling and 3D printing of medical devices, bone, cartilage and other human tissue to repair tissue that is lost or damaged.
Contact us
Herston Biofabrication Institute (HBI)
Level 12, Block 7
Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital
HERSTON QLD 4029
For General Requests: hbi@health.qld.gov.au
For Clinical Trials: hbiclinicaltrials@health.qld.gov.au
Our partners
Proudly supported by
Academic partner
Herston Biofabrication Institute (HBI) is the first institute of its kind – advancing knowledge and technology in 3D scanning, 3D modelling and 3D printing of medical devices, bone, cartilage and human tissue.
Opened in 2020, the Institute takes a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together clinicians, academics, industry and consumers in its 1,500-sqm, state of the art facility.
Latest news
HBI Open day – 31 August 2026
Discover how HBI is integrating innovation into clinical practice. Join us for a tour and showcases featuring personalised medical devices, surgical planning solutions, vascular applications, and clinical training technologies already supporting patient care.
Our partners
Proudly supported by
Academic partner
Metro North Health, Herston Biofabrication Institute (HBI)
Level 12, Block 7
Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital
HERSTON QLD 4029
For General Requests: hbi@health.qld.gov.au
For Clinical Trials: hbiclinicaltrials@health.qld.gov.au