Biosciences Research Centre
The Biosciences Research Centre (BRC) will be a $230 million world-class facility for agricultural biosciences research and development.
To be located at La Trobe's Bundoora campus, the project is a joint venture between La Trobe University and the Victorian Government, through the Department of Primary Industries (DPI).
The facility will enhance Victoria's capacity for preparedness, rapid detection, response and management of plant and animal pest and disease outbreaks, to protect the State's $8.4 billion agricultural sector.
The BRC will have a major impact on the quality of scientific research to be conducted in Victoria through enhanced science programs, collaboration, increased research capability and attraction of world-leading scientists and collaborators.
It will strengthen Victoria's international reputation for plant, animal and microbial biosciences and bioprotection research and diagnostics.
Construction is expected to commence in late 2009, with the facility fully operational by April 2012.
La Trobe University - Melbourne (Bundoora) campus
Enhancing and strengthening La Trobe research
La Trobe prides itself on the delivery of high quality and high impact research, and the Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering in particular has an outstanding record of research achievement.
It is envisaged that these achievements will be further strengthened through integrating and collaborating at the new BRC. The project will create a critical mass for La Trobe's existing biosciences activities, including plant and animal genomics, plant pathology, animal health, and agricultural sustainability.
La Trobe staff will have increased opportunities to undertake research with leading-edge technology and associated expertise. They will gain access to high-cost equipment including NMR, mass spectrometers, gene analysis and e science facilities.
The School of Life Sciences will provide the major group of researchers working within the BRC, with others selected from the School of Molecular Sciences and possibly the School of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences.
Collaborating for better science outcomes
A key objective of the BRC is to facilitate science collaboration between La Trobe's staff and students and DPI, leading to better science outcomes for the benefit of Victoria. Initial collaborations will include animal, plant, soil and microbial biosciences, and ecology and biodiversity. Joint BRC 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 weeds and plant & animal pests and diseases of importance to Victoria and Australia;
- physiology and genetics related to plant and animal bioactives and health; and
- developing sustainable systems of animal and plant production.
Research will span the spectrum from strategic to applied science. Potential collaborations may include materials science, forensic science, nanotechnology, electronic engineering / sensor technology, bioinformatics, e-science and chemistry.
In the future, collaboration between La Trobe and DPI scientists will extend beyond the confines of the BRC building, and will also involve at least the Faculties of Law and Management, and Humanities and Social Sciences.
Students can make a difference
La Trobe's students from the 2009 undergraduate intake onwards will have access to the 'BRC option' on completion of their studies.
From 2012, honours and postgraduate students will have the opportunity to train in a first-rate facility, one of the best biosciences facilities in the world.
The research undertaken at the BRC, which students will work on, will significantly contribute to the protection of agriculture from disease threats, improve primary industries competitiveness and sustainability, and focus efforts on addressing current challenges including climate change and drought.
Further information
For BRC project and research program enquiries, contact the project team
E: biosciencesresearchcentre@latrobe.edu.au
For information about the Centre's impact on La Trobe University's science programs and student opportunities, please contact Dr Mark Sandeman
E: M.Sandeman@latrobe.edu.au or T: +61 (0)3 9479 2164