Bioplatforms Australia is pleased to announce a significant boost to its capabilities and resources, thanks to a substantial investment from the Australian Government Department of Education through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) program. This substantial support, as outlined in the 2023 Guidelines, will further enhance the landscape of ‘omics technologies in Australia, including genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics.
‘Omics, including genomics (DNA, RNA), proteomics (proteins), and metabolomics (small molecules), all supported with advanced digital capabilities (bioinformatics), plays a pivotal role in various domains such as human health, agriculture, and the environment, contributing to approximately 30% of Australian research efforts.
The NCRIS support also provided for step change investment in a national Synthetic Biology capability, accelerating the development and deployment of high throughput systems in fermentation, plant science and integrate closely with medical applications.
The funding secured from the NCRIS program will enable Bioplatforms Australia to actively pursue essential strategic actions and initiatives, all set to deliver a significant impact. These activities include:
- Enhancing the national research infrastructure laboratories for genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics to offer frictionless access to cutting-edge technology. This initiative ensures up-to-date technology, bolsters national capacity, and promotes seamless system connectivity, ultimately fostering innovation aligned with Australia’s research priorities;
- Elevating bioinformatics to be “life-science ready”, encompassing the provision of integrated computational environments, software, data resources, and workforce training;
- Creating nationwide programs that encourage cooperative deployment of ‘omics capability to effectively tackle national challenges in biodiversity, agriculture, and human health;
- Undertaking a transformative effort focused on establishing a national translation human genomics data resource known as GUARDIANS. This activity brings together global platforms, data repositories, federated data sharing capabilities, and advanced analytics in support of precision medicine;
- Accelerating the description of Australia’s biodiversity using genomics and enhancing access to data, analytical capabilities, and reporting, with a special focus on the application of genomics in decision-making; and
- Expanding Australia’s Advanced Synthetic Biology capabilities into plant and medical science.
Bioplatforms Australia is deeply grateful for the support of the NCRIS program and is excited about the possibilities and impact that this funding will have in addressing critical national challenges.
