The Bio21 Institute's research capabilities and activities are focussed on exploring interdisciplinary opportunities in health-related biotechnology. With in-depth capability in protein and gene technology, analytical and synthetic chemistry, nanomaterials science and engineering and biological test systems, as well as access to key platform technologies across the Bio21 Cluster, researchers have the opportunities to develop interdisciplinary research programs offering synergies and the potential to contribute critical mass in strategically important areas of biotechnology.

Three broad areas of focus are:

• Therapeutics and pesticide discovery

The aim is to discover candidate drug/pesticide targets

• Molecular diagnostics and related biomarker technology

The aim is to investigate and characterise biomarkers for health, disease and environmental adaptations.

• Nanomaterials science

The aim is to develop new materials for applications in energy generation and nanobiotechnology.

In addition, Institute-based researchers continue to pursue  their own research programs and develop links that add potential to the three key interdisciplinary programs.  Researchers at the Bio21 Institute have current interests in the following areas:

• Drug discovery and Medicinal Chemistry
• Nanobiotechnology
• Dental Biotechnology - Oral health sciences
• Environmental and Agricultural biotechnology such as safe pesticides
• Free radical research
• Health Sciences including immunity, and cancer ageing
• Anti-infectives - infectious diseases
• Neurosciences including neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimers

Our Fact Sheets provide more information on research topics and research groups involved.