The Andrews Labor Government will help secure one of Australia’s most powerful microscopes to revolutionise critical medical research, as part of a raft of projects funded in a significant collaboration with multiple Victorian universities and the CSIRO.
Minister for Higher Education Gayle Tierney today announced an investment of more than $17 million in a raft of projects that will help Victorian universities expand research facilities and secure cutting-edge equipment across 12 sites, including in the Transmission Electron Microscope.
The Transmission Electron Microscope will allow researchers to explore how antibody and small molecule drugs bind to targets, including cancer and infectious disease patients, as well as provide vaccine and medicine quality control.
As part of the funding package, the Labor Government has invested in an upgrade of research facilities that will deliver more effective personalised medicine drug treatment therapies. The investment will also enhance access for small and medium enterprises in life sciences, human health and agriculture.
A new acoustic ejection mass spectrometer will increase the analysis of research data, particularly in the development of new treatments for cancer, infectious and metabolic diseases and neurodegenerative disorders.
The Government has also invested in critical upgrades to the largest open-access cleanroom in the southern hemisphere, used to research advanced materials like a carbon fibre and diamond product that might reduce the use of drug therapy in the treatment of epilepsy, Parkinson’s’ disease and migraines.
The projects will support more than 1200 student learning opportunities, more than 52 jobs in construction, research and manufacturing.
The Labor Government has invested in these projects which are a collaboration with CSIRO, Deakin University, La Trobe University, Monash University, Victoria University, RMIT University, Swinburne University of Technology and the University of Melbourne.
This was one of many pitches from universities to the $350 million Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund, supporting universities with capital works, research infrastructure projects and applied research focused on boosting Victoria’s productivity and economy as the state recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Higher Education Gayle Tierney
“This is one of our most significant collaborations as part of the Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund, bringing together multiple universities and industry to work on solutions that benefit Victorians.”
“Our $17 million investment across these projects will keep Victoria at the cutting edge of research and help experts fight cancer, advanced material manufacturing and more - while creating job and learning opportunities right now.”
Quote attributable to Monash University President and Vice Chancellor Professor Margaret Gardner AC
“These significant research capabilities and facilities will support an inclusive post-COVID-19 economy, generate new industry opportunities and jobs, and support the ongoing improvement of communities worldwide.”
Reviewed 05 April 2022