Research Facilities
In addition to our research platforms, we have a range of research facilities that offer equipment, laboratory capabilities and services to internal and external researchers.
List of facilities currently available
La Trobe's Research Infrastructure Expo 2024 showcased La Trobe’s research support capabilities, including its state-of-the-art equipment in its Research Platforms and other research facilities, both at La Trobe and its partner organisations. You can download the presentation slides by clicking here (La Trobe login required).
CMSS operates open access analytical facilities hosting world class surface analysis and X-ray tomography instrumentation. CMSS hosts the Nanocharacterisation Activity Hub of the ANFF-Victoria node.
Gait lab allows the study of movement, key features include the Vicon 3D motion analysis system for kinematic (motion) and kinetic (force) evaluation, GAITRite walkway, 3D foot scanner and plantar pressure analysis equipment (Matscan, Pedar and Emed).
Featuring a neuroplasticity research lab, a clinical trials lab and facilities for ultrasound tissue characterisation.
The Centre for Freshwater Ecosystems (CFE) has equipment, laboratory capabilities and expertise unique within the Albury–Wodonga and Mildura regions, including:
- fieldwork expertise in ecosystem monitoring and sampling across a broad range of habitats and biota
- analytical chemistry laboratory for routine water quality and more detailed chemical analyses
- taxonomic laboratories and expertise in the identification of vegetation, fish, macroinvertebrates and zooplankton
- biochemical laboratory for the study of linked microbial-geochemical processes in aquatic ecosystems
- ecotoxicology laboratory for determination of risks associated with contaminants and stressors
- aquarium facilities and eco-physiology laboratory for studying fish and invertebrate behavioural and physiological responses to environmental stressors
- molecular laboratory to support taxonomy, population genetics, metabarcoding and environmental deoxyribonucleic acid (eDNA) studies.
The ARC PC Hub is based in AgriBio Building on La Trobe's Bundoora campus. A range of state-of-the-art physical and intellectual infrastructure are available, including
- Transformation and gene editing for crop species
- Extensive Growth Facilities: Glasshouses, CERs (PC2/QC2)
- Mineral and chemical analyses of soil, plant and seeds
- Bioinformatics and complex statistical analysis
- Big Data integration and analysis
- Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS)
- Phenomics (2D, 3D, hyperspectral, fluorescence, RGB, cloud-based analytics) for optimising growth conditions and product yield
- and more capabilities.
The APPN Node at La Trobe University in Melbourne offers access to a range of precision-controlled growth environments and sophisticated phenotyping technologies.
The mission of PSBA is to transform agriculture and biomanufacturing through plant synthetic biology. They provide infrastructure and expertise for research providers, government and industry institutions as fee-for-service as well as providing incubation space for the start-up community and opportunities to collaborate.
Centre for Technology Infusion works with local and international partners to research, develop and test next generation technology solutions.
Core capabilities include:
- Problem diagnosis
- Designing and developing a solution
- Conducting field trials and assessing impact of solution
- Product concept realisation as a market ready solution.
By applying AI-empowered Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, the centre works with internal research and industry partners to deliver solutions in areas such as:
- Smart health and agriculture
- Digital health
- Digital agriculture
- Industry 4.0
- smart manufacturing
- smart cities
- smart transportation.
Featuring
- a dedicated purpose built research unit with a suite of research rooms
- digital audio and video recording
- eye-tracking and physiological recording equipment
- office space to house research personnel for data entry and behavioural coding
- data assets that inform our work.
The collection in the La Trobe University Herbarium (LTB) consists of more than 25,000 vascular plant specimens, mostly from Victoria, as well as a significant collection of algal specimens. The Herbarium's flowering plant collection is particularly diverse, with specimens that reflect research strengths of past and present staff members and research students.
Research facilities within Schools and Departments
The facilities in our Schools and Departments are also available to all researchers.