Research
Biochemistry and molecular genetics
A leading destination for research and study
Biochemistry and molecular genetics are revolutionising our understanding of the mechanisms of life. At UWA, innovative research and strong industry collaboration is enabling us to create new therapeutics and biotechnological tools, transforming medicine, improving agriculture and advancing our understanding of evolutionary biology. Researchers in the School engage in readily translatable, interdisciplinary research in a variety of fields including structural biology, metabolomics, proteomics, redox regulation and signalling, RNA biology, genomics and epigenomics, synthetic biology, plant genetics, organelle biogenesis, chemical biology, drug design, bionanotechnology, enzymology and computational biology.
As part of the School of Molecular Sciences, our scientists work closely with other schools, research centres and departments within the University and across the world to answer complex biological and chemical problems, allowing UWA to provide a vibrant, international environment with far-reaching research potential.
The Bayliss Building offers cutting-edge facilities for biomolecular analysis and makes the School as a leading destination for research and study.
Key contacts
View the full list of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics staff in our Contact Directory.
Projects
Collaborations and research partners
Biochemistry and molecular genetics at UWA are linked to global research networks, including the Matariki Network of Universities, whilst also supporting collaborative programs, exchanges and collaborative research projects with institutions across the world. The impact of our work is elevated by close relationships with industry, philanthropic and consumer partners. In many cases, our industry colleagues are embedded in the Bayliss Building, giving them close access to our cutting-edge facilities and highly-regarded expertise.
Our industry partners include:
- Medela
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Medela is a global leader in the development and production of breast milk feeding products and solutions.
Founded in 1961 by Olle Larsson and headquartered in Switzerland, Medela is today led by his son Michael Larsson and consists of 18 subsidiaries located throughout Europe, North America and Asia.
As a research-based company Medela invests in basic and exploratory research in partnership with leading scientists, medical professionals and universities around the world, and uses these research results in the development of its breastfeeding products and solutions.
Since 1996 Medela has fostered a rewarding research partnership with Emeritus Professor Peter Hartmann and Associate Professor Donna Geddes from our School.
- Pharmaxis
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Pharmaxis is a publicly listed Australian pharmaceutical research company with a portfolio including two respiratory products approved in various world markets and an established research pipeline focused on areas of high unmet clinical need in inflammatory and fibrotic diseases.
Pharmaxis collaborates with UWA’s School of Molecular Sciences and School of Biological Sciences on neuroinflammation. The project combines Pharmaxis' knowledge in developing anti-inflammatory drugs with UWA's experience in in vitro and in vivo models of neuroinflammation.
- Proteomics International
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Proteomics International is a medical technology company focused on proteomics – the industrial scale study of the structure and function of proteins.
Established in 2001, the company received the world’s first ISO 17025 laboratory accreditation for proteomics services, and operates from state-of-the art facilities at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research in Perth.Proteomics International operates in three integrated areas unified by its proprietary proteomics-based technology platform: Diagnostics, Peptide drug discovery and Analytical services (specialising in biosimilars and biologics).
Strategic collaborations are also in place between the company and UWA to encourage the translation of scientific research into industry, and maximise the capacity of technology and facilities.
Related courses
Centres and groups
We work with leading researchers from nationally recognised organisations.
- The Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology
- The Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology is a cutting-edge research centre focused on better understanding the way in which plants interconvert forms of chemical energy in response to environmental change.
- Hartmann Human Lactation Research Group
- This large research group combines a number of modalities including biochemistry, metabolomics, molecular biology, physiological measurements and ultrasound imaging to understand milk synthesis, milk removal from the breast, the effect of milk composition on both term and preterm infant gastric emptying, breastfeeding behaviour, appetite control and body composition.
