La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS)
La Trobe University has established itself as a world-class research leader in the areas of molecular science, biotechnology and nanotechnology. The University is now establishing a new $97.9 million La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS) that will contribute to:
LIMS, along with partners in the broader Northern Melbourne Science Precinct, will train the next generation of scientists with skills to facilitate the development of a robust biotechnology industry. The Institute will support, expand and extend the teaching and research work of the School of Molecular Sciences at La Trobe University. Different disciplines (biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, plant biology, physiology, physics, molecular archaeology) will intermingle in shared work-space to achieve aims that would not be possible in traditional academic settings. Postgraduate and postdoctoral scientists will work in an environment in which basic research findings are pursued, but also successfully translated into commercial products, such as therapeutic and diagnostic reagents for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune disease.
Acting as a hub, LIMS will provide infrastructure for collaborative projects involving partners that include the CRCs for Biomarker Translation and Cancer Therapeutics, the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coherent X-ray Science, the NHMRC Program Grant on Apoptosis and AgriBio - the Centre for AgriBioscience.
LIMS will also work to expose secondary school students to University research and higher education, to provoke their interest in science, and to inspire them to consider careers in science.
Students can make a difference
LIMS is a multi-million dollar investment in students' education and futures.
The training of scientists will begin at the pre-University level, through dedicated outreach programs to School, and it will continue at the undergraduate, postgraduate and postdoctoral levels within the supported environs of a single entity.
La Trobe's undergraduate students will have access to the LIMS facilities during their studies and to the 'LIMS research option' for Honours projects.
Postgraduate and postdoctoral students will have the opportunity to train in a first-rate facility, one of the best molecular sciences environments in the world, and to collaborate with world-leading researchers.
LIMS will place students in an environment in which basic research findings are pursued, but also successfully translated into commercial products, such as therapeutic and diagnostic reagents for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune disease.
