QIMR Berghofer is a renowned medical research institute based in Brisbane, Australia. Previously known as the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, it gained fame for its significant breakthroughs in treating complex diseases. Its laboratories employ over a thousand scientists dedicated to four key areas: oncology, psychiatry, infectious diseases, and public health. Many of the institute’s studies have laid the foundations for advanced medical methods, particularly in oncology, ranging from melanoma treatment to recent trials of drugs targeting brain tumors.
Recently, the institute completed an update of its visual identity in collaboration with the Brisbane-based design studio Bigfish. The old emblem consisted of neat, symmetrical hexagons that appeared precise yet somewhat impersonal. While they did evoke medical themes, they lacked the emotional resonance necessary today for effective communication.
The refreshed version of the emblem underwent noticeable changes and became more vibrant. Now it is an abstract symbol resembling an organic structure under a microscope or a chemical reaction in a laboratory. The new design wasn’t created from scratch: the designers took the original hexagonal shape and gave it dynamism by forming four internal segments corresponding to the institute’s four main research programs. Perhaps this detail will be more evident to employees and scientists, yet it provides meaning and clarity to the emblem.
The update also affected the typography. The new text is left-aligned, and its geometric forms neatly combine with the symbol, creating a cohesive and thoughtful composition. An important decision was to remove the phrase “Medical Research Institute,” allowing the logo to appear lighter and freer.
The font, developed by Colophon studio based on the Rethink Sans typeface, features original adjustments in key letters, particularly noticeable in “Q,” “M,” and “f.” Such nuances help visually stabilize the institute’s name and give the emblem a modern feel.
As a result of this update, the institute gained a vivid and convincing identity that is better suited for interacting with people and communicating the importance of its ongoing research.
