Research in the Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry
The Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry is recognised nationally and internationally for its research.
Our research focuses on some of today’s biggest challenges in biomedicine and biotechnology, including improved treatments to combat cancer, rare and infectious diseases, cardiovascular disease and neurodegenerative disease; and new approaches to develop chemicals and biosensors.
Our academic staff specialise in synthetic, organic, inorganic and analytical chemistry; functional genomics; molecular, cellular and structural biology; fundamental and applied biochemistry in the study of microbes, plants and animals; and biomedical applications in human health and disease.
We are passionate about translating our discoveries into new diagnostics and treatments, with strong industry engagement and embedded biotechnology companies, including Imunexus Therapeutics Ltd.
The Department is a founding member of the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science and our research aligns with its areas of research strength.
Our research aligns with La Trobe University’s research themes: Understanding and preventing disease, Digital technology and transformation and Sustainable food and agriculture.
To find out more about our individual research groups, please take a look at our research booklet.
Research Areas
Our research is grouped into two key areas:
Biochemistry underpins the fundamental functioning of all life. Our researchers are working to understand key cellular processes in health and disease.
Our cancer researchers, for example, investigate the molecular basis of cancer initiation and progression, how cancer cells communicate with their surrounding environment and the discovery of new therapeutic approaches to combat the disease. Our aim is to produce new diagnostics and therapies to treat cancer.
And, our infection and immunity researchers study the molecules used by viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi to infect humans, animals and plants, and the immune response associated with these processes. Our aim is to produce more effective treatments for infections.
Our researchers are experts in fundamental and translational chemistry including inorganic, organic and theoretical chemistry.
They specialise in the discovery of new reactivity and bonding; luminescent materials and their properties; bioimaging and synthesis; characterisation of new metal-containing compounds for use as diagnostic imaging agents (radiopharmaceuticals); and fluorescent probes for imaging and sensor applications.
Our molecular design researchers, for example, create new molecules and study the structure and properties of molecules, and the energetics of chemical reactions.
And our nanoscience researchers use a broad range of methods to characterise molecular structure and function, and identify and quantitate key chemical and biochemical species in the environment and in the human body.
To find out more about our individual research groups, please take a look at our research booklet.
Graduate research
The Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry delivers high-quality training to its graduate researchers.
We offer Masters and PhD opportunities, where candidates conduct high impact projects under the direction of experts in their field. PhD candidates also have the option of collaborating with government, industry or the not-for-profit sector in our industry PhD program.
Our graduate researchers are well supported by teams of at least two supervisors, Progress Committees and a carefully tailored milestone program.
They enjoy a vibrant research culture with discipline-specific seminar programs, thesis writing and scientific presentation workshops, laboratory skills-based workshops, career development events, an annual 3 Minute Thesis competition and Higher Degree by Research symposia/conferences.
Many of our PhD students also undertake casual teaching in the Department, preparing them for careers in academia.
All graduate researchers are part of La Trobe’s Graduate Research School, which upskills researchers through the Research Education and Development (RED) team. The RED team run workshops on topics from preparing literature reviews through to data manipulation and visualisation; and run initiatives including Shut Up and Write!, and 3-Minute Thesis.
Find out more about graduate research opportunities at La Trobe, or contact the Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry's Graduate Research Coordinator, Dr Lakshmi Wijeyewickrema.
Research Centres and Institute
Our research is grouped into two key areas:
Chemical sensors and biosensors provide essential information about our chemical and biological environment. They enable better quality of life through accurate and personalised medical diagnoses, efficient energy use, better industrial processes, safer and more ethical food and a cleaner environment.
The Biomedical and Environmental Sensor Technology Research Centre is developing the next generation of sensor technology, from health and disease diagnosis, to sensing for transport and energy networks.
Find out more about the Centre.
Extracellular vesicles are cell membrane-derived particles that are produced by cells and play key roles in cell-to-cell communication in physiological and pathological settings.
The Centre for Extracellular Vesicles explores extracellular vesicles and their critical role in cell and tissue communication. It is a unique hub for national and international collaborators and industry partners to undertake research, learning and engagement.
Find out more about the Centre.
Researchers at the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science are solving some of the world’s more critical problems at the interface of health and science. Co-located in world-class facilities at La Trobe’s Bundoora campus, scientists specialise in four areas of research strength: Cancer, infection and immunity, molecular design and nanoscience. A dedicated fellowship program ensures the Institute supports early career researchers with outstanding potential.
Find out more about the Institute.