NEWS
Catch up on the news and updates driving change and inspiring discovery across our fields.
New genomic resource strengthens Australia’s biosecurity defences
A new genomic resource is helping strengthen Australia’s ability to detect and respond to viral threats to agriculture, aquaculture and native biodiversity. The Australian Biosecurity Genomic Database, developed by the BioCommons team in collaboration with Agriculture...
Making genetic quality control faster and more accessible
Plant Synbio Australia – University of Western Australia has launched a new whole plasmid sequencing service to make quality assurance of genetic constructs faster, more accessible and more affordable for researchers across Australia. Plasmids are fundamental tools in...
Engineering duckweed for the future of space exploration
Researchers at PSBA Adelaide University are developing a new genetic transformation system for duckweed that could open up applications in sustainable biomanufacturing and space exploration. The project, led in partnership with Professor Matthew Tucker at the...
Rewriting evolution to transform therapeutic drug production
The Australian Genome Foundry (AGF) is developing a novel approach to improve the production of psilocybin, an emerging therapeutic compound being investigated for conditions including treatment-resistant depression, substance dependence and end-of-life anxiety....
Developing wheat that can withstand a warmer climate
Wheat is Australia’s leading cereal crop and a major contributor to the national economy, with $10.1 billion in farm gate value in 2024 to 2025. However, rising temperatures and more frequent and prolonged heatwaves pose a growing threat to wheat production, with...
Understanding how seed potatoes age could help growers improve crop performance
The quality of seed potatoes plays an important role in crop establishment, yield and profitability. However, while growers know that seed potatoes change physiologically during storage, there is currently no reliable way to measure this ageing process or predict how...
How lettuce adapts to life in space
As space agencies prepare for longer missions to the Moon and Mars, growing fresh food in space will be essential for supporting astronaut health and wellbeing. Lettuce, already grown aboard the International Space Station, is helping researchers understand how plants...
How genomics and AI helped develop a personalised cancer vaccine for Rosie
When Rosie, a seven-year-old rescue dog, was diagnosed with an aggressive and incurable form of mast cell cancer, her owner turned to genomics in search of another option. Working with the Ramaciotti Centre for Genomics at UNSW Sydney, Rosie's tumour and healthy DNA...
Decoding the harmful algal bloom: sequencing the genome of Karenia mikimotoi
Harmful algal blooms are an increasing threat to marine ecosystems, fisheries, aquaculture and coastal communities. The recent bloom along South Australia’s coastline has highlighted how much remains unknown about the organisms responsible and the factors driving...
Pipeline Accelerator 2026-27 Round 1 voucher scheme now open for applications
Bioplatforms Australia is proud to partner with Therapeutic Innovation Australia (TIA), Microscopy Australia, Phenomics Australia, and ANSTO’s National Deuteration Facility (NDF) to support translational medical research through the Pipeline Accelerator voucher...
Proteomics International secures Australian patent for innovative endometriosis diagnostic
Proteomics International has reached a major milestone in the development and commercialisation of PromarkerEndo, receiving a notice of acceptance from IP Australia for a patent covering its proprietary blood test for the diagnosis of endometriosis. The Australian...
Australian Functional Fungi Initiative– Request for Partnership 2026
The Australian Functional Fungi Initiative is now seeking partnerships to create foundational biomolecular data resources to fast-track knowledge and innovation of Australian Fungi. NOTE: Due to Bioplatforms Australia’s prior investment in the Plant Pathogen Omics...
Invasive Plants and Animals Initiative – Request for Partnership 2026
REQUEST FOR PARTNERSHIP GUIDELINES Background and AimsInvasive species are one of the most significant and persistent threats to Australia’s environment, economy and biodiversity. They are the leading driver of species decline, impacting 82% of Australia’s threatened...
Mapping the Great Barrier Reef microbiome reveals a hidden world of microbial diversity
Scientists have mapped the microbiome of the Great Barrier Reef, uncovering hundreds of thousands of previously unknown viral genomes and more than 500 bacterial species new to science. Published in Nature, the study was led by researchers from the...
NCRIS Synthetic Biology voucher scheme 2026-27 (Round 2)
Key Points 1. The aim of this Voucher Scheme is to enable projects addressing significant scientific challenges using synthetic biology capabilities at NCRIS SynBio and NCRIS Partner facilities. 2. Applications for a Primary Voucher will include a Lead Provider from...
Genomics for Forest Resilience Initiative – Request for Partnership 2026
REQUEST FOR PARTNERSHIP GUIDELINES Background and Aims Australia’s forests are facing increasing pressures from climate change, invasive pests and habitat fragmentation. These ecosystems are home to ecologically important species and their long-term resilience is...
Australia contributes to the global tree of life for flowering plants: Celebrating the completion of the Fungal Trees of Life Project (PAFTOL)
The Genomics for Australian Plants Framework Initiative (GAP) consortium, formed by Bioplatforms Australia in partnership with researchers from the Australian State and National Herbaria and Botanic Gardens is a major partner and collaborator with the Royal...
Animal Disease Genomics Initiative – Request for Partnership 2026
REQUEST FOR PARTNERSHIP GUIDELINES BACKGROUND Animal diseases continue to pose a growing threat to Australia’s agriculture, biosecurity, and public health. Climate change, land use change, global trade, and increased movement of people, livestock, and wildlife are...
AI and genomics combine to create personalised cancer vaccine for dog
A Sydney tech entrepreneur has used artificial intelligence and genomics to develop a personalised mRNA cancer vaccine for his rescue dog, Rosie, offering hope for both veterinary and human cancer treatments. When Rosie was diagnosed with advanced mast cell cancer,...
Australian Avian Genomics Initiative – Request for Partnership guidelines
BACKGROUND Australia is home to approximately 830 species of birds, of which 43% are endemics that are only found here. There have been substantial efforts, particularly internationally, in avian genomics and phylogenomics. However, central gaps remain in the...