Max Westwood
A bio innovation hub to support the development of world-leading biotechnology has opened at La Trobe University.
The $8 million facility was funded by the Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund (VHESIF).
The hub was welcomed in by state government minister, Colin Brooks who was there representing the Training and Skills Minister, Gayle Tierney, and La Trobe vice-chancellor, Professor Theo Farrell.
Mr Brooks outlined how the new establishment will benefit students now and how it will help in the state in the future.
“This new hub at La Trobe University will empower students to gain invaluable industry knowledge and experience – preparing them to contribute to Victoria’s thriving $40 billion biotech sector,” he said.
The facility becomes only a handful of PC2 “wet” laboratories in the state which means they contain world-class equipment to help businesses commercialise their research discoveries.
Professor Farrell said the hub will be integral to the growing research and innovation precinct in Melbourne’s north.
“The bio innovation hub will connect La Trobe’s world-class research capabilities in biotechnology, molecular sciences and agriculture with some of Australia’s most pioneering industries, creating a catalyst for growth and innovation,” he said.
“La Trobe students will also benefit from the hub’s state-of-the-art facilities, gaining real-world research experience that will lead to future career opportunities.”
The first inhabitants of the hub will include La Trobe spin-out company, AlleSense, regenerative and preventative medicine company Aeterna Health, and VivaZome Therapeutics Pty Ltd.
