Melbourne University, Bio21 Institute and Thermo Fisher Scientific Australia Sign Collaboration Agreement

The University of Melbourne’s Bio21 Institute - renowned for cutting edge research and innovation and strong academia-industry partnerships - announced a major collaborative agreement with Thermo Fisher Scientific, the world leader in serving science, through development and provision of cutting-edge technology. This agreement focuses on developing a proof of concept laboratory that will allow researchers to benchmark the latest mass spectrometric and UHPLC technologies, software, methodologies and workflows. This agreement will expand current mass spectrometry, proteomics and newly developed lipidomics capabilities within the largest biomedical research precinct in the southern hemisphere.
 
"Our shared vision is to provide a suite of services to nurture tomorrow’s scientists” said Rod Minett, Director of Analytical Instruments for Australia and New Zealand, Thermo Fisher. “The coming together of Thermo Fisher and the University of Melbourne’s Bio21 Institute allows us to draw from the considerable collective expertise that resides across both teams resulting in comprehensive solutions to complex research and pharmaceutical application challenges for our customers.  We are very excited about the full potential of this relationship as it grows in the near future” said Amit Agarwal, Managing Director of Thermo Fisher Scientific, ANZ.

“This collaboration represents an excellent opportunity to build capacity and ensure that University researchers have access to the latest mass spectrometry instrumentation and proteomics workflows in this fast evolving field,” said Professor Malcolm McConville, Director, Bio21 Institute.  “The close collaboration between academic researchers working at the forefront of their respective fields and Thermo Fisher will result in the development of exciting new applications and informatics tools".

“Bio21 is delivering a world class research facility for Australia and this important university-industry partnership builds on existing investments the University has made in these platforms. It will enable greater knowledge and technology transfer, and ensure Australian research is translated into positive health outcomes in the future” said University of Melbourne’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor James McCluskey.

About the University of Melbourne, Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology

The University of Melbourne has a strong tradition of excellence in teaching and research and is consistently ranked among the world's top universities. It is at the forefront of research across many disciplines in science, biomedicine and engineering. The Bio21 Institute was opened in 2005 and is now one of largest molecular science and biotechnology research centres in Australia, accommodating more 550 researchers. The Bio21 Institute hosts a range of enabling platform technology facilities, and houses interdisciplinary research groups specializing in biochemistry, cell biology, chemistry, nanomaterials and other life sciences as well as key industry partners.

The Bio21 Institute Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility (MSPF) provides more than 300 researchers from across the University and neighboring Medical Research Institutes with access to high end proteomics expertise and infrastructure. The MSPF is equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation including UHPLC (Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography), MALDI (Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization), low resolution and ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry, for proteomic and chemical analysis.

About Thermo Fisher Scientific Australia

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with revenues of $17 billion and more than 50,000 employees in 50 countries. Our mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We help our customers accelerate life sciences research, solve complex analytical challenges, improve patient diagnostics and increase laboratory productivity. Through our premier brands – Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific and Unity Lab Services – we offer an unmatched combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and comprehensive support. For more information, please visit www.thermofisher.com.