– ABOUT
Australian Venom Innovation and Discovery Initiative
Australia is home to one of the world’s most diverse arrays of venomous species, yet the vast majority remain poorly characterised at the molecular level. The Australian Venom Innovation and Discovery (AVID) Initiative is a national collaborative effort to generate foundational genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data for venomous and toxin-producing organisms of ecological, medical, agricultural, and strategic significance.
AVID will advance understanding of venom evolution, gene regulation, and functional diversity, while supporting research into the ecological roles of venomous species and their responses to environmental change. This initiative brings together experts in ecology, toxinology, genomics, and translational science to coordinate research, develop interoperable molecular datasets, and strengthen Australia’s capacity to respond to challenges across environment, agriculture, health, and national security.
By generating high-quality data for venomous and toxin-producing species, the initiative will improve our understanding of venom systems, support evidence-based conservation and biosecurity planning, and provide the molecular foundations needed for innovation in pest management, clinical care, and threat preparedness. Through this effort, AVID will help transform a uniquely Australian biological asset into an integrated national resource for science and resilience.
OBJECTIVES
The Australian Venom Innovation and Discovery Initiative aims to generate the high-quality molecular data and research infrastructure needed to characterise the diversity, function, and translational potential of venomous and toxin-producing organisms in Australia.
The initiative has three core objectives:
- Advance the genomic and transcriptomic characterisation of venomous and toxin-producing species to explore venom evolution, gene regulation, and functional diversity.
- Profile venom proteomes by analysing venom composition and bioactivity to support evolutionary research and the discovery of novel compounds.
- Support translation and innovation by enabling therapeutic, agricultural, and diagnostic applications through accessible molecular datasets and collaborative research partnerships.
PROJECTS
| Species name | Project Summary | Data Strategy | Project Lead | Partners |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oxyuranus microlepidotus (Inland Taipan) and Demansia psammophis (Yellow-faced whipsnake) | This project will decode how normal blood-clotting proteins became venom toxins in Australian elapid snakes by generating chromosome-scale genomes for the Inland Taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus) and the Yellow-faced Whipsnake (Demansia psammophis). We will map Factor X and Factor V loci, identify venom paralogues, and integrate venom-gland transcriptomics and proteomics from both species. Use cases include delivering evolution-ready and clinic-ready resources to explain venom function and to guide diagnostics, targeted inhibitors, and antivenom evaluation. Expected outcomes include open-access reference genomes, annotated FXa and FVa toxin families, validated protein isoforms, and a comparative framework that pinpoints when and how these toxins evolved across elapid lineages. | Reference genomes (PacBio HiFi, HiC), transcriptomes (Illumina short read RNA), and venom proteomes | Bryan Fry | University of Queensland, University of Sydney, Technical University of Munich (Germany), Venom Supplies Pty Ltd |
| Brachyurophis australis (Australian coral snake) and Acanthophis hawkei (Barkly Tableland death adder) | The projects intends to profile the venom diversity of one of the World's most spectacular venomous radiations, the Hydrophiines or Australasian elapid snakes. These include the world's most venomous snakes such as brown snakes and taipans, but also features a very rich radiation of fully marine snakes, burrowing snakes, and everything in between. | Reference genomes (PacBio HiFi, HiC), transcriptomes (Illumina short read RNA), and venom proteomes | Damien Esquerre | University of Wollongong University of Melbourne Adelaide University CSIRO, Venom Supplies, The Australian National University |
| Bathytoshia brevicaudata (Smooth stingray), Himentura australis (Australian whipray), and Mylobatis australis (Southern Eagle Ray) | Due to increases in anthropogenic stresses, many Australian stingrays are becoming ‘under threat’ species and understanding how venom has evolved and shaped the biodiversity of Australian stingrays is more pressing than ever. The project will provide an unparalleled dataset to characterise their venom composition. This will lead to bioactivity screening to better recognise venom functionality and the bioprospecting of molecules, as well as better medical treatments for sting. Further, understanding the evolution of stingray venoms will expand upon theories regarding the evolution of fish venoms, and why stingray venom systems differ greatly from that of other fishes. These outcomes might also allow for greater conservation of these species along with better medical treatments of stings as we still have much to learn regarding their biology, ecology and evolution. | Reference genomes of Smooth stingray and Australian whipray (PacBio HiFi, HiC), transcriptomes (Illumina short read RNA), and venom proteomes | Richard Harris | Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Centre for Bioinnovation – University of the Sunshine Coast, Southern Shark Ecology Group (SSEG) - Flinders University |
| Urodacus novaehollandiae (Southwest Australian burrowing scorpion) and Isometroides sp. (Spider hunting scorpion) | This project aims to compare the genomes, transcriptomes and proteomes of two endemic scorpion species in Australia. Although Australia has the most lethal venomous species to humans in the world in the majority of venomous groups, the Australian scorpions are quite benign compared to over seas species. This project aims to elucidate possible reasons for that difference | Reference genomes (PacBio HiFi, HiC), transcriptomes (Illumina short read RNA), and venom proteomes | Jamie Seymour | Western Australian Museum, Dept. Terrestrial Zoology; Murdoch University, Harry Butler Institute, Flinders University; Western Australian Museum |
| Synanceia horrida (Estuarine stonefish), Pterois volitans (Red lionfish), Dendrochirus zebra (Zebra lionfish), Notesthes robusta (Bullrout) | This project will establish the complete toxin repertoire of four closely related species of Australian venomous fishes: Estuarine stonefish, Red Lionfish, Zebra Lionfish, and Bullrout. This knowledge will facilitate an improved understanding of toxin ecology of these species, specifically, the natural functions and bioactivities of the components, as well as the ecological factors responsible for compositional variation between venomous fish species, as well as within species between, for example, geographically isolated populations, sexes, or at different ontogenetic stages. An improved understanding of the toxin ecology of Australian venomous fish species will be used to elucidate the practical applications of their toxin components (i.e., as novel medicines, or industrial products), as well as potentially improve treatment for victims of envenomation. | Reference genomes (PacBio HiFi, HiC), transcriptomes (Illumina short read RNA), and venom proteomes | Jamie Seymour | Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University |
| Aulactinia veratra (green sea anemone) | This project will generate a comprehensive, multi-omic catalogue of venom peptides from Aulactinia veratra and previously collected data from related sea anemones to understand their composition and the mechanisms driving their evolution. By integrating evolutionary analyses with structural and pharmacological characterization of novel peptides, the work will uncover new peptide structures and functional activities. Together, these outcomes will position A. veratra as a powerful model for venom biology and lay the groundwork for future biomedical and biotechnological applications. | Reference genome (PacBio HiFi, HiC), transcriptome (Illumina short read RNA), and venom proteome | Peter Prentis | Monash University, Women's and Children's Hospital Adelaide |
| Ixodes cornuatus (southern paralysis tick), Ixodes hirsti (Hirst's paralysis tick), Ixodes trichosuri (possum tick), Ixodes confusus (northern paralysis tick), and Ixodes mymecobi (WA paralysis tick) | Blood-feeding ticks cause terrible problem for human and animal health in Australia by causing tick paralysis, anaphylaxis, mammalian meat allergy, and by spreading disease. These are enabled by toxins in tick saliva/venom, but little is known about the venom composition of Australia's ticks. This project will massively expand our understanding of venoms produced by Australia's ticks and provide resources to manage their impact in future. | Reference genomes of southern paralysis tick and Hirst's paralysis tick (PacBio HiFi, HiC), transcriptomes (Illumina short read RNA), and venom proteomes | Andrew Walker | The University of Queensland |
| Asthenosoma varium (Fire urchin) | This project aims to sequence the genome and analyze the venom proteome of Asthenosoma varium, a coral reef sea urchin known for its venomous spines. By identifying and characterizing novel bioactive peptides, the research will shed light on the molecular basis of its ecological roles and unique defenses. The outcomes are expected to advance understanding of reef biodiversity and foster biodiscovery with applications in biotechnology and medicine. | Reference genome (PacBio HiFi, HiC), transcriptomes (Illumina short read RNA), and venom proteomes | Norelle Daly | James Cook University, University of Sunshine Coast |
| Varroa destructor (Varroa mite) | Generating a high-quality genome and venom proteome of Varroa destructor will provide the first comprehensive molecular reference for this globally significant honeybee parasite. The project will enable detailed characterisation of venom-associated components involved in host manipulation, immune suppression, and virus transmission, supporting comparative and functional studies across parasitic arthropods. These datasets will enhance the AVID resource and provide insights into the evolution and adaptation of venom for parasitic purposes. Furthermore, it will enable new avenues for the treatment of parasitic varroa mites. | Reference genome (PacBio HiFi, HiC), transcriptomes (Illumina short read RNA), and venom proteomes | Irina Vetter | James Cook University, University of Sunshine Coast |
| Pristhesancus plagipennis, Gminatus australis, Ptilocnemus lemur (Assassin Bugs) and Oechalia schellenbergii (Schellenberg's soldier bug) | This project will generate genomic and venom data for several predatory Australian Hemiptera, including assassin bugs (Reduviidae) and the shield bug Oechalia schellenbergii, an important Asopinae biological-control species. By analysing these species, we aim to uncover how venom genes have evolved across different feeding strategies and to characterise predatory saliva and venom systems, providing the first genomic and venom data for O. schellenbergii. This work will reveal whether predatory venoms arose independently within Hemiptera, identify unique toxin families linked to insect prey specialisation, and highlight novel bioactive compounds with insecticidal potential. The resulting reference genomes and venom profiles will provide valuable resources for understanding Australia’s biodiversity and exploring natural solutions for pest control in both agricultural and environmental contexts. | Reference genomes (PacBio HiFi, HiC), transcriptomes (Illumina short read RNA), and venom proteomes | Andreas Bachler | University of Queensland, CSIRO |
| Ochrogaster lunifer (Australian processionary caterpillar/Australian bag moth) | The Australian processionary caterpillar/bag moth is of medical and veterinary importance, being the causative agent of a horse disease called equine amnionitis and foetal loss, and causing inflammation to exposed humans. However, little is known about the toxins that underlie these effects or how they are produced and have evolved. Sequencing the genome of the Australian processionary caterpillar will allow us to address these questions in much greater detail, potentially informing future efforts to minimise the adverse effects of this species on humans and livestock. | Reference genome (PacBio HiFi, HiC), transcriptomes (Illumina short read RNA), and venom proteomes | Andrew Walker | The University of Queensland |
| Myrmecia nigrocincta (Jumping jack ant) and Myrmecia brevinoda (Giant bulldog ant) | This project examines the molecular and ecological mechanisms of venom evolution in two species of endemic Australian Myrmecia ants. With varying chromosome numbers and diverse ecologies and behaviours, we aim to examine if the venom composition varies between these species, and determine if this is associated with ecological selection or underlying molecular architecture. This will shed insight into the evolutionary mechanisms of venom systems. | Reference genomes (PacBio HiFi, HiC), transcriptomes (Illumina short read RNA), and venom proteomes | Sally Potter | Macquarie University, University of Queensland |
| Pareledone turqueti (Antarctic octopus) | Over 98% of well-characterised toxic proteins and the majority of pharmaceutical discoveries are made from snakes, spiders and cone-snails. Yet cephalopod venoms show a high potential for biodiscovery. This project will identify all of the key functional components of Antarctic octopod venom using evidence from differential expression, homology and comparative genomics. We will also discover the mechanisms generating evolutionary novelty of venom components. Through a combination of evolutionary analyses, proteomics and peptidomics across octopod species in this study will map the venom landscape of this taxonomic group. | Reference genomes (PacBio HiFi, HiC), transcriptomes (Illumina short read RNA), and venom proteomes | Jan Strugnell | James Cook University, University of Western Australia |
| Atrax robustus (Sydney funnel-web spider) and Euoplos schmidti (Golden Trapdoor Spider) | Australia is renowned for its highly venomous spiders, particularly the iconic and deadly Sydney funnel-web (Atrax robustus). Despite their fearsome reputation, several Australian mygalomorph spiders are threatened, their richly complex venoms are understudied and virtually no genomic resources exist. This project will generate the first reference genome for Atrax robustus, and a Golden Trapdoor Spider (Euoplos schmidti) as a representative for threatened mygalomorphs. By integrating genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics, this study will reveal the full complexity of the venom and genome of these spiders, elucidate toxin evolution, establish genomic resources for conservation, and identify venom compounds with biomedical and agricultural application. | Reference genomes (PacBio HiFi, HiC), transcriptomes (Illumina short read RNA), and venom proteomes | Samantha Nixon and Ethan Briggs | Australian Museum Research Institute, The University of Queensland, University of Oslo, Queensland Museum, Western Australian Museum |
| Malo maxima, Copula sivickisi, Carukia barnesi, and Chiropsella bronzie (Irukanji) | This project aims to determine the molecular mechanisms that drive venom evolution in Australian cubozoans by integrating genome, transcriptome and proteome data from key jellyfish species that cause Irukandji syndrome, and their closely related relatives. Integrating new data from two species causing Irukandji syndrome, two related species that do not cause the syndrome, and existing data from the world’s most venomous box jellyfish, this project will establish a robust comparative framework to uncover how jellyfish venoms have evolved. Expected outcomes will enhance our understanding of how venomous jellyfish have diversified, their ecological impact, and risks of their venoms to human health. | Reference genomes (PacBio HiFi, HiC), transcriptomes (Illumina short read RNA), and venom proteomes | Cheong Xin Chan | The University of Queensland, James Cook University, Griffith University |
| Ophionotus victoriae (Antarctic brittle star) | Neurotoxin has never been reported in the class Ophuroidea (brittle stars). However, the brittle star Ophionotus victoriae has been observed to pierce and paralyse large mobile prey in seconds. This project will characterise the toxin repertoire in Ophionotus, enabling confirmation of neurotoxins in this class. The genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data will advance our understanding of venom evolution across the brittle star tree of life. | Reference genomes (PacBio HiFi, HiC), transcriptomes (Illumina short read RNA), and venom proteomes | Sally Lau | James Cook University, University of Western Australia |
| Diamma bicolor (Blue ant) | Hymenopterans are one of the most diverse orders of life on the planet and they are all venomous. Much research has been devoted to the venoms of social species like honeybees and hornets, but they are vastly outnumbered by the solitary and parasitic wasps. Our research into just one family of solitary wasps turned up dozens of previously unknown toxin families. By exploring other unstudied families of wasps we will discover similar treasure troves of unique toxins and untangle their evolutionary origins. | Reference genomes (PacBio HiFi, HiC), transcriptomes (Illumina short read RNA), and venom proteomes | Daniel Dashevsky | CSIRO |
PARTNERS
hide
advisory committee members
| Glenn King (Chair) | University of Queensland and Chief Scientific Officer of Infensa Bioscience |
| Sally Potter (Deputy Chair) | Macquarie University |
| Ray Norton | Monash University |
| Jamie Seymour | James Cook University |
| Richard Lipscombe | WA Proteomics International |
| Kate Shields | Defence Science and Technology Group |
| Juanita Rodriguez Arrieta | Australian National Insect Collection, CSIRO |
| Patrick Thomas | Defence Science and Technology Group |
| Sarah Richmond | Bioplatforms Australia |
KEY INFORMATION
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT INFORMATION
Bioplatforms Initiative DOI: https://doi.org/10.25953/d5am-kb88
Umbrella Bioproject ID: PRJNA1288674
Please use this ID when submitting any derived data to a database that is a member of the International Nucleotide Sequence Database Collaboration (INSDC), such as GenBank/NCBI, ENA or DDBJ.
⸻
Citation Guidelines
To cite the general initiative:
Australian Venom Innovation and Discovery Initiative, 2025, https://doi.org/10.25953/d5am-kb88
To cite a specific dataset:
The Australian Venom Innovation and Discovery Initiative, 2025, https://doi.org/10.25953/d5am-kb88, [year-of-data-download], [full dataset title], [dataset-access-URL], accessed [date-of-access].
⸻
Acknowledgement Statement
We would like to acknowledge the contribution of the Australian Venom Innovation and Discovery Initiative Consortium in the generation of data used in this publication. The Initiative is supported by funding from Bioplatforms Australia, enabled by the Commonwealth Government National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS).
If relevant, also credit other organisations involved in the collection of the particular dataset you are using, as listed in the ‘project_lead’ and ‘project_collaborators’ in the metadata record.
CONTACT US
Project Manager
Aude Touffu – Bioplatforms Australia
atouffu@bioplatforms.com
General Manager
Sarah Richmond – Bioplatforms Australia
srichmond@bioplatforms.com
Scientific Lead
Prof Glenn King – The Unievrsity of Queensland
glenn.king@imb.uq.edu.au
DATA AND COLLABORATION POLICY
Data generated through this initiative is subject to the Data and Collaboration policy. Please review it here.