Making a real impact in
Bio Innovation

At La Trobe, we believe that real impact happens with real action. Our bio innovation researchers are working with Australian and global industry, community, government, and academic partners to tackle the key challenges of our times.

La Trobe is a leader in biotechnology research and education, with expertise in immunology, genetic engineering, microbiology, structural biology, seed biology and nutritional bioengineering.

Stories of impact

Uncovering clues to cell life with a ‘Footprint of Death’

Uncovering clues to cell life with a ‘Footprint of Death’

Discovering a previously unknown way viruses spread around the body, paving the way for more effective drug development.

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Boosting clinical mRNA manufacturing capability

Boosting clinical mRNA manufacturing capability

BioNTech has officially opened a research and development mRNA manufacturing facility at La Trobe to support research that could create medical breakthroughs.

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A microscope slide that detects cancer earlier and more accurately

A microscope slide that detects cancer earlier and more accurately

Turning a microscope slide into a mini chemistry lab, enabling rapid and accurate detection of abnormal cells like cancer.

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Revolutionising  smart tech with invisible materials

Revolutionising  smart tech with invisible materials

Producing a new, powerful electricity-conducting material, which could revolutionise smartphones and wearable technologies.

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Molecular biosensors for people and places

Molecular biosensors for people and places

MOBIUS is accelerating the growth of Australia's molecular biosensors sector, bridging the gap between academia and industry.

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Advancing biotech across borders

Advancing biotech across borders

Our Bio Innovation Corridor gives access and opportunities to entrepreneurs, startups, and researchers from India and Australia.

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Accelerating the future of immunotherapy with ACAMI

Accelerating the future of immunotherapy with ACAMI

Artificial intelligence promises to unlock new cures for cancer and other diseases by revolutionising the speed, cost and availability of personally designed drugs.

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Investing in start-ups to pioneer new disease treatments

Investing in start-ups to pioneer new disease treatments

A new treatment that could potentially reverse or stop progression of traumatic brain injury will be developed at La Trobe’s Bio Innovation Hub.

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Our thinkers and innovators

Professor Brian Abbey

Deputy Director of the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science. NanoMslide co-inventor, AlleSense,
La Trobe University
Academic Profile

Professor Begoña Heras

Head of the Structural Biology and Bacterial Pathogenesis laboratory,
La Trobe University
Academic Profile

Professor Ivan Poon

NHMRC Chief Investigator Director, Research Centre for Extracellular Vesicles,
La Trobe University
Academic Profile

Dr Erinna Lee

Theme Lead, Understanding & Preventing Disease,
La Trobe University
Academic Profile

Dr Saimon Moraes Silva

Director of the Biomedical & Environmental Sensor Technology (BEST) Centre,
La Trobe University
Academic Profile

Professor Conor Hogan

Director, ARC Research Hub for Molecular Biosensors at Point-of-Use (MOBIUS),
La Trobe University
Academic Profile

Dr Lesley Cheng Sim

Laboratory Head, Neurodegeneration EV Biomarker and Biology Group,
La Trobe University
Academic Profile

Dr Ing Kong

Associate Professor, Manufacturing Engineering,
La Trobe University
Academic Profile

Working together with industry

From start-ups to large enterprises, La Trobe partners with global industry to collaborate on research and development, workforce development and entrepreneurial exploration. We have a proud history of co-location in our facilities, supporting industry partners to build capacity and grow.

Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute

The Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute is a leading medical research institute, bringing together researchers and clinicians to develop therapies that are more effective, tolerable and accessible.

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VivaZome

VivaZome, based in La Trobe’s BioInnovation Hub, is developing innovative EV-based therapies for neuroinflammatory conditions, including traumatic brain injury, reflecting our shared commitment to improving patient outcomes.

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AdAlta

AdAlta, an ASX listed biotech company closely linked to the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS), are developing a unique class of antibodies called i-bodies (discovered at LIMS) to fight fibrotic diseases and malaria and also developing cell therapies for cancer.

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Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute

The Baker Department brings together world-class researchers in cardiovascular disease, diabetes and public health from La Trobe University and the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute.

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Research with impact

We’re committed to maximising the contribution our research makes to the economy, society, environment and culture, beyond the contribution to academic research.

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