Research Directions Pty Ltd was established in Brisbane, Queensland in 1989 as a scientific consulting company by Dr Stephanie Smith. The company was founded on her expertise in organic chemistry and her competence in project management gained at UniQuest Limited.

The prospect of providing synthetic compounds for clients involved in research for therapeutic agents arose in the mid-nineties. Research Directions then provided several compounds to various clients by utilizing the services of organic chemists at the University of Queensland. This activity continued until larger orders from veterinary pharmaceutical companies required a more concentrated effort and a laboratory was leased at the Queensland University of Technology in the heart of Brisbane.