The La Trobe University in Australia has started work on the construction of an A$ 350 million world-class Institute of Molecular Science (LIMS) and the AgriBio, the Centre for AgriBioscience, to take science research, education and training to a new high.

While new ways of understanding cancer will be a significant focus of the newly established LIMS, the institute will also be

the central point for research programs to do with protein structure and function, genetics, medical chemistry and parasitology, among others.

"Acting as a cutting-edge scientific research and development hub, LIMS will provide undergraduate, postgraduate and postdoctoral scientists the opportunity to not only pursue re

search, but also successfully translate the findings into commercial products for the treatment of cancer, malaria and auto-immune disease amongst others," says Professor Nick Hoogenraad, Head, School of Molecular Sciences and LIMS’ Executive Director.

The Institute has been established with the aim of increasing employment opportunities for early to mid-career researchers, as was the Australian

Research Council (ARC) Future Fellows program.

"They need to learn how to run their own laboratories, train doctoral students and manage research budgets", he said. Five members of LIMS obtained the prestigious ARC Future Fellowships valued at about A$1 50,000 per annum each.

The new facilities, to be completed by 2012, via a public private partnership, will significantly enhance La Trobe’s leadership in science, attracting 700 more researchers, and through its outreach program inspiring school students to pursue careers in science.

"This is a real leap forward. The A$ 230 million AgriBio will attract leading scientists, providing researchers and students with access to

the most advanced technologies. Initial research will focus on soil management and developing new genotypes of varieties of crops and pasture plants that will better adapt to changing climate and water use," says Associate Professor Peter W. G. Sale at the Department at Agricultural Science.

"Finding sustainable solutions to improve productivity, fight disease and reduce environmental impact will be a win for countries across the world. Our job-ready graduates will be able to make a difference in their own countries as well", he noted.

The AgriBio will bring the Victorian Department of Primary Industries, the state’s largest agricultural R&D organisation, together with La

Trobe to strengthen Victoria’s international reputation for agricultural research and diagnostics.