Faculty news
Plenary Research wins tender for Biosciences Research Centre
- 27 May 2009
On 27 May 2009, the Premier announced Plenary Research as the successful tenderer, following an extensive tendering and evaluation process. Plenary Research, consisting of Plenary Group, Grocon Constructors, and Honeywell Services, will finance, design, construct, and provide facility management services required for the operation of the BRC over a 25-year period.
For more information or to view an artist's impression of the Centre, visit Biosciences Research Centre.
The Centre is a joint initiative between Victorian Government, through its Department of Primary Industries (DPI), and La Trobe University. It will be built on the Bundoora campus. A major new research facility for agricultural biosciences, it aims to deliver internationally recognised research and development science for the benefit of Victoria.
This world-class facility will accommodate up to 400 scientists from DPI, La Trobe and the private sector. All of DPI's metropolitan based Biosciences Research division staff will relocate to the Centre. La Trobe's existing biosciences staff and activities in the plant and animal sciences, in sustainability, in bioinformatics and in 'E' science will also relocate. The Centre's scientific programs will include:
- world-leading gene discovery and functional genomics in major plant and animal species of importance to Victoria and Australia
- molecular breeding for disease resistance, drought tolerance, bioenergy and health
- molecular diagnostics, biological control and other management strategies for plant and animal pests, weeds and diseases of importance to Victoria and Australia
- physiology and genetics related to plant and animal bioactives and health
- developing sustainable systems of animal and plant production.