Research
LIMS researchers are primarily concerned with understanding the fundamental processes in cell and molecular science and developing their potential applications in medicine, nanotechnology and biotechnology.
Specific areas of focus include cancer and apoptosis; mitochondria in health and disease; protein targeting, quality control and cell stress; malaria drug and vaccine development; insect resistance in plants and biotechnology; biomedicinal, pharmaceutical and sensor chemistry; and genetics and differentiation.
Our researchers are working on biomolecular knowledge that can be developed into vaccines, drugs, biotechnology products, sensors and scalable environmental solutions for government and industry. We are generating intellectual property in improved antibodies and medical diagnostics, the development of plants with improved pest resistance, and products to enhance environmental management through industrial process.
Recent highlights
The 2012 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) report shows that La Trobe University continues to be ranked as one of the leading universities in Australia for research in Biochemistry and Cell Biology, both of which are housed within LIMS.
Funding
Researchers at LIMS have a strong record of successfully attracting competitive grant funding, with annual research income exceeding A$12 million. Funding sources include the Australian Research Council (ARC), the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), and grants from International sources.
Collaboration
LIMS provides infrastructure for collaborative projects with partners both internal and external to La Trobe University, including the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Biomarker Translation, the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Coherent X-ray Science, and AgriBio, the Centre for AgriBioscience, and start-up companies such as Hexima and AdAlta.
LIMS works to enhance the research capacity of its partner institutions through the sharing of equipment and facilities, and combined sponsorship and organisation of workshops, training and public outreach programs.
Post-doctoral research opportunities
A key focus for LIMS is the provision of opportunities for training of laboratory heads. This enables capacity building by targeting researchers who have completed one or two post-doctoral appointments and need experience that will prepare them for positions laboratory heads or managers. The project also addresses the immediate critical shortage of bioscientists.
Research Specialisations
Find out more about our key areas of research in biochemistry, chemistry, genetics and pharmacy.
