In 1982, the John P Kelly Research Foundation was established to encourage research within Mater.
However, even before the formal establishment of these structures, the Sisters of Mercy had been actively engaged in research, laying the groundwork for future scientific endeavours. Their dedication to inquiry and discovery was a foundational element of Mater's commitment to advancing healthcare.
In July 1998, following years of planning to establish a first-class research facility on the Mater campus, a worldwide search was launched for a leading scientist to direct a new Mater Medical Research Institute. This institute was seen as the "missing jigsaw puzzle piece" necessary to create a genuine tertiary hospital at South Brisbane, fully integrating clinical care with cutting-edge research. The search culminated in the appointment of its first director, Professor Derek Hart. His focus was on dendritic cells—specialised white blood cells that play a critical role in initiating immune response. Effective cancer immunotherapy through manipulation of stem cells became a central goal for Mater Medical Research Institute.
Expanding beyond 'Mater Hill'
During the 1990s, Queensland Health introduced the practice of colocating private hospitals with public healthcare facilities on government sites. This enabled Mater to seek opportunities for establishing hospitals away from South Brisbane.
In 1999, construction began on Mater Private Hospital Redland and, a year later, the facility was officially blessed by the Most Reverend John Bathersby, DD, Archbishop of Brisbane and opened by His Excellency Major-General Peter Arnison, AC, Governor of Queensland. The 60-bed private hospital provides medical, surgical and obstetric services to the ever growing population of the Redlands and Brisbane bayside region.