The Federal Government has officially opened the new $230 million Science and Technology Precinct at the Queensland University of Technology.

Opened by Prime Minister Julia Gillard, the $230 million research precinct will act as a central hub for science and engineering teaching and research.

The Australian Government provided $75 million for the Science and Technology Precinct project through Round 2 of the Education Investment Fund. Other funding was received from the Queensland Government, Atlantic Philanthropies, and QUT.

The Precinct, which includes two multi-storey buildings for teaching and related facilities, will provide contemporary, flexible spaces that encourage interdisciplinary learning in a collaborative setting.

QUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Coaldrake said the new Science and Engineering Centre would be transformational in many ways.

"The technology developed by QUT will transform the way people think about science; the spectacular public spaces and first-class community facilities have transformed the Gardens Point campus; and as a city landmark, the Centre transforms the gateway to Brisbane," Professor Coaldrake said.

The Science and Engineering Centre is headquarters to QUT's newest research institute, as well as housing some of the nation's most advanced electron microscopes in a $17 million analytical research facility.