La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science
La Trobe University is establishing a new Institute for Molecular Science.
La Trobe has established itself as a world-class research leader in the areas of molecular science, biotechnology and nanotechnology. In the Federal Budget La Trobe University was the recipient of $64.1 million of funds through the Education Investment Fund, which will used to establish the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS).
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 Victorian AgriBioscience Centre, the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coherent X-ray Science, and the Biosciences Research Centre.
LIMS will be vertically integrated and will 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. It will integrate undergraduate and postgraduate teaching together with research using the same space and equipment. A key focus will be the provision of opportunities for training of laboratory heads. This will enable capacity building by targeting researchers who have completed one or two post-doctoral appointments, and need experience that will prepare them for independent positions as academic and research laboratory heads or managers. The project will address the immediate critical shortage of bioscientists.
For more information, please contact:
Professor Nick Hoogenraad
Head
School of Molecular Sciences
- T: +61 (0)3 9479 2196
- F: +61 (0)3 9479 2467
- E: n.hoogenraad@latrobe.edu.au