La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science

Coordinates: 37°43′12″S 145°02′51″E / 37.7199°S 145.0475°E / -37.7199; 145.0475

La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science
LIMS logo
Abbreviation LIMS
Formation 2009
Purpose Translatable Molecular Discoveries
Location
  • Bundoora, Melbourne, Australia
Director
 Professor Rob Pike
Parent organization
 La Trobe University
Website http://www.latrobe.edu.au/lims
La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS)
LIMS1 building featuring 'Murri Totems' by Reko Rennie
Molecular-inspired windows
X and Y chromosomes are part of the genetics of the LIMS1 building

The La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS) is an Australian research institute based at La Trobe University in Melbourne. It contains research groups in life sciences (biochemistry and genetics), physical sciences (chemistry and physics), and applied sciences (pharmacy) and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in these areas through the School of Molecular Sciences.[1] It also contains two biotech companies: Hexima[2] and AdAlta.[3] The institute is housed in three buildings: LIMS1 and LIMS2 on La Trobe University’s main campus in Bundoora, and the Applied Science building on the Bendigo campus.

History

LIMS was launched in 2009 as an institute dedicated to the study of molecular structures and processes fundamental to life.[4] The institute was established with a A$100 million in building funds from the Australian Government and La Trobe University.[5][6] In 2015 the institute released its new stated vision to conduct multidisciplinary research in six key areas of research strength: cancer, infection and immunity, neurobiology, molecular design, molecular imaging and molecular sensing.[7] Professor Nick Hoogenraad served as the institute's Director from its founding in 2009 until his retirement in 2014, when the LIMS1 Auditorium was named after him.[8] Professor Robert Pike joined La Trobe as Director of LIMS in 2015.[9][10]

LIMS1 building

The institute's newest building, LIMS1, was designed by Lyons Architects, who were appointed following a design competition sponsored by the Australian Institute of Architects.[11] Construction began in August 2011, with an official sod turning presided by the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr.[12][13] The building was officially opened in February 2013 by the Parliamentary Secretary for Higher Education and Skills, Ms Sharon Bird MP.[14][15]

The LIMS1 building is a 11,000 square metre, six-storey, molecular sciences research hub containing 34 laboratories, with research, support and teaching facilities. It is interconnected with the LIMS2 building, an existing adjacent building, allowing co-location of research and support staff. The building's lower levels accommodate undergraduate learning spaces, with open, flexible laboratories (accommodating up to 160 students) connected to “dry” teaching rooms. The top three levels of the building contain large interdisciplinary laboratories shared by multiple research teams. The cellular facade features chromosomal design features that reflect the molecular research undertaken within the building, and is surrounded by landscaped courtyards.[11][16] The LIMS1 building has achieved formal certification for 5 Star Green Star (Design) using the Education Tool Version 1 through the Green Building Council of Australia.[17] Melbourne-based Indigenous artist Reko Rennie was awarded a A$200,000 commission to create 'Murri Totems', an installation located at the entrance of the LIMS building.[18] The artwork consists of four 4.5 metre vertical structures incorporating the five platonic forms – icosahedron, octahedron, star tetrahedron, hexahedron and dodecahedron – and painted with Mr Rennie’s traditional pattern.[13]

Research

Research in the institute is organised into six strategic themes, each with an appointed leader who oversees research.[7][10]

Cancer

Headed by Dr Belinda Parker, research includes metastasis, cell crosstalk, anti-tumour immunity, and therapeutic resistance and sensitivity.

Infection and Immunity

Headed by Professor Weisan Chen and Dr Begona Heras, research includes development of antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-autoimmune compounds.

Neurobiology

Headed by Professor Andrew Hill, research includes Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, and prions.

Molecular Design

Headed by Dr Jason Dutton, research includes protein-drug interaction, molecular synthesis, and surface and material science.

Molecular Sensing

Headed by Dr Conor Hogan, research includes medical diagnostics, environmental sensing, food testing, and remote atmospheric sensing.

Molecular Imaging

Headed by Dr Brian Abbey, research includes X-ray crystallography, NMR, spectroscopy, and microscopy.

Facilities

The institute has in-house facilities for bioinformatics, flow cytometry, microscopy, genomics, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and mass spectrometry, each with dedicated support staff.[19] It additionally houses inductively coupled plasma (ICP) equipment, atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS), X-Ray diffractometer, crystallography, and laser research. La Trobe University's Biochemistry and Cell Biology research was ranked equal top with just one other University in the Australian Research Council's 2012 ERA report.[20]

Research groups in the institute have multiple collaborations and links to industry,[21] and the institute hosts two biotechnology companies: AdAlta Pty Ltd and Hexima Ltd. AdAlta develops single-domain antibodies for use as therapeutics and diagnostics.[22][23] Hexima focusses on commercialising plant-derived proteins and peptides for crop genetic engineering and human antimicrobial and anti-cancer therapeutics.[2][24]

Education

LIMS1 Hoogenraad Auditorium

The research groups in LIMS teach undergraduate and graduate courses for La Trobe University through the School of Molecular Sciences.[1] Teaching is organised into three departments: Biochemistry and Genetics, Chemistry and Physics, and Pharmacy and Applied Science. The first three floors of the LIMS1 building contain teaching laboratories, preparation and support rooms, and a 200-seat auditorium. Additional teaching facilities are spread through the other institute buildings. In addition, LIMS is committed to stimulating an interest in science amongst secondary school students through outreach programs.[21][25]

Undergraduate

LIMS collaborates with other La Trobe University departments to teach subjects in several 3-year bachelor's degrees, each with the option of a further 1-year research honours degree.

Postgraduate

The institute also runs 2-year master's degree courses.

Doctor of Philosophy degrees are also available through the research laboratories housed in LIMS.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "LIMS study". www.latrobe.edu.au. Retrieved 2015.
  2. 1 2 "Melbourne Australia: life sciences capital of the Asia-Pacific" (PDF). www.business.vic.gov.au (Life Science CLUSTERS Magazine). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013. Retrieved 2015.
  3. ↑ LIMS 2011 Research Report (PDF). www.latrobe.edu.au (Report). Retrieved 2015.
  4. ↑ Annual report (PDF). www.latrobe.edu.au (Report). 2013. Retrieved 2015.
  5. ↑ "Education Investment Fund". www.education.gov.au. Department of Education and Training. Retrieved 2015.
  6. ↑ "A new beginning of biochemistry at La Trobe" (PDF). www.latrobe.edu.au (Press release). Synergy. 2011-01-20. Retrieved 2015.
  7. 1 2 "LIMS Strategic Plan". www.latrobe.edu.au. 2015-08-03. Retrieved 2015.
  8. ↑ Prof. Hoogenraad, Nick (2010-11-25). Professor Nick Hoogenraad, biochemist. Interview with Prof. David Vaux. Australian Academy of Science. Retrieved 2015.
  9. ↑ "LIMS Staff". www.latrobe.edu.au. Retrieved 2015.
  10. 1 2 "LIMS take La Trobe into a new era of research excellence". www.forgemag.com.au (Press release). Forge magazine. 2015-08-11. Retrieved 2015.
  11. 1 2 "La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science - Lyons". www.archdaily.com. 2013-04-05. Retrieved 2015.
  12. ↑ Carr, Kim (2009-11-02). La Trobe Institute For Molecular Science opening (Speech). LIMS. Retrieved 2015.
  13. 1 2 "LIMS construction begins at La Trobe". www.latrobe.edu.au (Press release). 2011-08-30. Retrieved 2015.
  14. ↑ Bird, Sharon (2013-02-15). La Trobe Molecular Scientists to benefit from new $100 million building (Speech). LIMS. Retrieved 2015.
  15. ↑ "LIMS official opening". www.latrobe.edu.au (Press release). Synergy. 2013-10-24. Retrieved 2015.
  16. ↑ "La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS) - Norman Disney & Young". www.ndy.com. Retrieved 2015.
  17. ↑ "La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science". www.architectureau.com. 2013-04-23. Retrieved 2015.
  18. ↑ "Murri Totems mash street art with science". www.latrobe.edu.au. 2013. Retrieved 2015.
  19. ↑ "LIMS Facilities". www.latrobe.edu.au. Retrieved 2015.
  20. ↑ "4". Excellence in Research for Australia National Report (PDF). archive.arc.gov.au (Report) (Australian Research Council). 2012. p. 314. Retrieved 2015.
  21. 1 2 "LIMS Industry and Community Connections". www.latrobe.edu.au. Retrieved 2015.
  22. ↑ AdAlta and Roche sign agreement to evaluate shark antibody technology. www.adalta.com.au (Report). 2012-01-01. Retrieved 2015.
  23. ↑ AdAlta collaborates with Crossbeta to find i-body for Alzheimer's disease. www.adalta.com.au (Report). 2013-12-01. Retrieved 2015.
  24. ↑ Letter to Shareholders (PDF). www.hexima.com.au (Report). 2015-08-25. Retrieved 2015.
  25. ↑ Ensor, David (2011-05-06). Inquiry into liveability options in outer suburban Melbourne (PDF) (Report). Retrieved 2015.

External links

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