New biomedical training centre opens doors to brighter future

A new training centre dedicated to developing the next generation of skilled workers in the Australian life sciences industry has been launched at The University of Western Australia.

The ARC Training Centre for Next Gen Technologies in Biomedical Analysis will be led by Associate Professor Swaminatha-Iyer, from UWA’s School of Molecular Sciences, supported by chief investigators Professor Donna Geddes, Professor Charles Bond, Associate Professor Brendan Kennedy, Dr Nicole Smith, Dr Haibo Jiang, Associate Professor Keith Stubbs and Dr Nicolas Taylor.

Image: Dr Tracey Wilkinson, Professor Amit Chakma, Judi Zielke, Hon. Sue Lines, Associate Professor Swaminatha-Iyer, Sally Holder and Dr Nic Taylor.

UWA’s Professor Fiona Wood and Adjunct Associate Professor Alka Saxena are partner investigators.

UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Amit Chakma said the centre was an important addition to advancing research and knowledge in the life sciences industry.

“It will help train the next generation as well as providing a platform for the development of new technologies,” Professor Chakma said. 

“Advancements in the pharmaceutical and diagnostic industry are integral to our future.” 

Associate Professor Swaminatha-Iyer said the centre’s commitment to adopting transformative technologies such as automation, big data analytics and artificial intelligence would enhance the current supply chain capabilities for the pharmaceutical and diagnostic industry. 

“We’ll achieve this by fostering an Industry 4.0 culture in research training, creating opportunities for the development of Australian small and medium-sized enterprises, attracting investment into Australia and advancing manufacturing and business development,” he said.

The centre’s ultimate vision is to empower the Australian life sciences industry through innovation and skilled workforce development. 

“We’ll achieve this by providing research and training opportunities to students and postdoctoral researchers, who will become the future leaders of the industry,” Associate Professor Swaminatha-Iyer said.

“By investing in the next generation of skilled workers, we will position the Australian life sciences industry for growth and success. With its focus on innovation, skills development, and collaboration with industry partners, the ARC Training Centre will be a game-changer for the industry in Australia.”

The ARC Training Centre for Next-Gen Technologies in Biomedical Analysis centre was awarded more than $3.9 million over four years in funding from the Australian Research Council Industrial Transformation Training Centres scheme. 

The scheme fosters close partnerships between university-based researchers and other research end-users to provide innovative higher degree by research and postdoctoral training, for research industries that are vital to Australia’s future.