International consortium chosen to build landmark Victorian cancer centre
Construction starting on the Victoria”s A$1 billion new Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC) is one step closer with the Plenary Health consortium appointed to the project..
The lead parties within the Plenary Health consortium are:
- The Plenary Group as sponsor and investor;
- Grocon and PCL (Canadian based) as the builder in a joint venture; and
- Honeywell (US based) as the facilities/ maintenance manager.
Once built, the VCCC will be a world-class cancer center that accelerates the translation of research into new and innovative treatment, trains Victoria’s cancer specialists and provides a center of excellence for all Victorians affected by cancer.
The new VCCC, which will become a prominent landmark in Melbourne’s bio-medical Parkville precinct, will accommodate the following clinical facilities:
- 160 overnight inpatient cancer beds
- 42-bed Intensive Care Unit
- 110 same day beds
- A dedicated Clinical Trials Unit with 24 treatment places
- 8 medihotel beds, with additional space for Country Patient overnight accommodation
- 8 operating theatres and two procedure rooms
- 8 radiation therapy bunkers
The VCCC will be based in the heart of Melbourne’s Parkville precinct, a world renowned cluster of medical and biotechnology research, education and healthcare delivery. The VCCC will become the new home for the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and will also link with existing cancer services at Parkville, including at The Royal Melbourne Hospital, , The Royal Children’s Hospital and St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne. Other member organizations at the VCCC include the University of Melbourne and the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research.
Collaboration to drive innovation within the Precinct is vital to its ongoing status as a world-class biomedical precinct, and its contribution to high levels of health, social and economic benefits.
The VCCC is intended to be a center of excellence that facilitates the rapid translation of ground-breaking discoveries from ‘bench to bedside’, attracting the best and brightest researchers and clinicians from around the world and drawing international investment and research collaborations.
The next key milestone in the project, contract signing, is expected to be achieved in late November 2011 and is due for completion in late 2015.
Researchers at Monash University and the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) in Melbourne have won a A$1 million Ramaciotti Biomedical Research Award to establish Victoria’s first structural cryo-electron microscopy center, which will drive drug development and discovery.
The Clive and Vera Ramaciotti Centre for Structural Cryo-Electron Microscopy will be built at Monash University in Melbourne, Victoria. The center will be led by Professors James Whisstock and Ian Smith from Monash University, and Associate Professor Mike Lawrence from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute.
The center will also include collaborators from other Melbourne-based research institutions: The University of Melbourne, La Trobe University, Burnet Institute and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
Some of the research already scheduled to take place at the center includes looking at how unwanted immune activity can cause disease, how bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, how certain cell signalling events drive the development of cancer, and how transport systems move protein and other cargoes across cell membranes.
Professor Whisstock said that the work done there will significantly enhance understanding of protein interactions and so lead to the development of new treatments for a range of medical conditions, and new strategies for drug delivery.
“Structural biology reveals the shape and molecular function, and dysfunction, of proteins – the molecules of life,” Professor Whisstock said. “The center will allow researchers to create powerful images of nature’s tiny machines, in order to develop therapeutics for diseases such as cancer, diabetes and immune disorders.”
Associate Professor Lawrence said cryo-electron microscopy was a technique that could be used to reveal the shape, interactions and structural changes of large, complex proteins.
“Many of the proteins that are central to life require complex interactions or undergo dramatic changes in shape to deliver their biological function. Understanding such events in exquisite detail drives our ability to design and develop treatments to correct aberrant protein function in human disease,” he said.
Professor Whisstock said the center would boost the competitiveness of the Melbourne biomedical community and attract international interest.
“Australia, and Victoria in particular, has an international reputation in structural biology, however there is currently no widely-accessible, dedicated major national centre for structural cryo-electron microscopy and this is a major deficit. The Clive and Vera Ramaciotti Centre will fill a key technological gap.”
Victorian biotechnology innovations fill our everyday lives – everything from flu medication, vaccines, biodegradable plastics, plasma products, skin care and sunscreens to numerous specialist diagnostic tests.
The transformative capacity of biotechnology offers endless exciting prospects for it to revolutionize many Victorian industry sectors.
The Victorian Government’s recently released Victorian Technology Plan for the Future – Biotechnology provides the blueprint to help the sector realize this potential.
The Plan strategically invests A$55 million on the next stage of growth for the sector and positions biotechnology as a critical enabler for innovation and a driver of state-wide productivity.
Convergence will underpin the sector’s future innovation – creating unprecedented opportunities to generate new ideas and discoveries and a vast range of new goods and services.
Convergence of biotechnology with ICT, small technologies and other disciplines offers the opportunity for biotechnology to play a critical role in addressing diverse applications – from health to environmental and industrial challenges facing the globe.
Convergence is already at play with many Victorian biotechnology companies adopting small technologies and ICT in the development of novel solutions and products. Leading the way are Victorian companies such as Global Kinetics with its micro electro wristband for people with Parkinson’s disease and Starpharma’s dendrimer technology for enhanced agrochemicals use.
Industrial applications are also rapidly emerging for biotechnology, particularly in response to diverse environmental issues. New rapid diagnostic devices are already in use to detect the presence of pathogenic organisms such as Gardia and E.Coli – offering wide industrial applications from food to utilities.
Biotechnology in Victoria is most definitely the next big thing and this latest Victorian Government investment will enable us to get there.
Michelle Gallaher
CEO of BioMelbourne Network
Victoria has proved its mettle as Australia’s leading state for medical research, winning the lion’s share of national research funding.
The National Health and Medical Research Council made the single largest investment in grants for health and medical research in Australian history, a total of A$673.7 million, with A$278.2 million earmarked for 472 grants in Victoria.
The grants are intended to support Australia’s research community to continue to make cutting-edge discoveries that improve the diagnosis, treatment and cure of illnesses.
Victoria’s Murdoch Children’s Research Institute received the greatest amount of funding, with A$29.2 million for 39 grants. The grants will support research into areas as diverse as the potential public health impact of promoting antiretroviral treatment (ART) use on the HIV epidemic, improving burn wound healing in children investigating the effect of omega-2 dietary supplements, like fish oil, in pregnancy.
These grants will further strengthen Victoria’s international reputation in biotechnology research and development. Annual spending in this area is greater than any other Australian state, exceeding A$1 billion, including more than A$630 million of private R&D in 2010. This collaborative research capability is underpinned by a network of nine universities, seven major teaching hospitals, and 13 independent medical research institutes.
It is expected that international collaboration will be strengthened through nine Australian-European Union Collaborative Research Grants, for a total value of A$5.6 million.
Melbourne scientists have completed research into the kangaroo genome which could yield a vaccine to protect the Tasmanian devil against the facial tumor disease that is threatening them with extinction.
The kangaroo genome, or more specifically the small tammar wallaby genome, was initially sequenced in 2008 but has now been extensively mapped and studied. It establishes a “model” that can be used to fill in gaps in the genetic make-up of other Australian marsupials such as the Tasmanian devil and the koala, especially their immune systems.
The analysis, carried out at the University of Melbourne and the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) and published earlier this month in the journal Genome Biology, could also eventually yield new medical treatments.
Kangaroo milk is highly resistant to bacterial infection to protect joeys in a dirty pouch, WEHI scientists have been able to replicate the bacteria-killing power of kangaroo milk to create a synthetic protein that can kill even antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
The kangaroo’s extensive similarities with the human genome are also telling scientists more about us. The human genome was sequenced about 10 years ago, but the tammar wallaby analysis has helped uncover a previously unknown human gene that the researchers suspect may be involved in early human development.
The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI) has a scientific and support staff of over 600 and a research expenditure of around A$70 million, mostly derived from competitive national and international grants. Eight research divisions, housing around 50 laboratories, continue a strong tradition of collaboration and interdisciplinary programs. In addition to its longstanding strengths in cellular and molecular biology, the Institute has embraced genomics, bioinformatics, structural biology and medicinal chemistry. Its scientific publication citation rate is the highest of any Australian research organization.
Construction on Victoria’s new home of agricultural science, the A$288 million Centre for AgriBioscience, is running ahead of schedule and is set to become one of most sophisticated facilities of its kind when it opens in Melbourne early next year.
With more than 70 controlled environment rooms capable of simulating real-world conditions for plant and pest research, AgriBio will be a tremendous asset for researchers and cement Victoria’s reputation as a leader in agricultural science.
AgriBio is a joint initiative by the Victorian Government, through the Department of Primary Industries, and La Trobe University and will provide a new research home for up to 400 scientists and students from both organizations. Visiting the site, La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Johnson said the new facility will foster opportunities for collaboration and enhanced education outcomes.
“I am delighted to see the progress of this beautiful new building as it signifies the growth of new opportunities for science and collaboration between La Trobe researchers and world-leading scientists,” Professor Johnson said.
The building includes one of Australia’s largest physical containment level three suites. The pressurised ‘box within a box’ design of these suites will allow scientists to safely carry out industry-saving research on hazardous viruses. On top of this the AgrioBio facility has achieved a 5 Star Green Star design rating, which means it will offer value for money by reducing running and operational costs over the next 25 years.
The cutting edge research carried out at AgrioBio will focus on creating substantial productivity gains for Victoria’s food and fiber industries. AgriBio will give Victorian food and fiber producers a competitive edge in global markets by helping them harness the latest scientific and technological expertise to achieve new productivity gains on farm.
The centre will also lead the world in research on gene discovery in major plant and animal species, molecular breeding for drought tolerance and disease resistance and genetics related to plant and animal productivity and health.
With its thriving biotechnology industry,Victoria is a destination of choice for biotech professionals from around the globe.
Life scientist Dorothy Ugaddan is one of many biotechnology and life science professionals who have migrated to Victoria to take advantage of the opportunities in this hub of research and innovation.
After migrating from the Philippines to Australia in 2007 with her husband Rhesmar, Dorothy quickly found a senior position in Melbourne with clinical research company PPD. Her work involves conducting clinical trials and research for some of the world’s largest pharmaceuticals companies.
Dorothy had access to opportunities all over the globe but chose to live in Melbourne for the career opportunities, and to create a better life for her children. “I like my job and everyone is very supportive. I have flexible work hours and the conditions are good.”
Better career opportunities in Victoria
Victoria is the hub of Australia’s life sciences and biotechnology industry. The state’s vibrant biotechnology and life science sector is growing rapidly with opportunities for highly skilled biotechnology professionals across many disciplines.
Almost half of all Australian biotechnology activity takes place here, with almost 150 biotechnology companies, including world-leading companies such as CSL. Annual spending on biotechnology-related R&D inVictoria exceeds A$1 billion, supported by an extensive network of universities, teaching hospitals, and independent medical research institutes.
“Like many people from Asia we thought all the jobs and opportunities were in the United States. But then a friend went to Australia and returned saying there were many opportunities here and that the lifestyle in Australia was better,” Dorothy said.
A friendly place for families
In April 2009, Dorothy and her family became permanent residents after two years inAustralia. They love their new life and have strong friendships with local people as well as many other ex-pats.
Dorothy and Rhesmar hope their daughter Nikki, 17, will study at one of Victoria’s leading universities and Rhesmar plans to study nursing once Joshua, 5, starts school.
“We saw right away that Victoria is a great place. We feel very comfortable here as it is very multicultural. People are very friendly and have been very kind to us.”
For further information:
- More about Dorothy’s story
- Other migrant stories
- Information about employer sponsored permanent residency skilled migration visas
- Information about state sponsored permanent residency skilled migration visas
- Working in Victoria – A Guide for Biotechnology Professionals (Download pdf)
- Information about living and working in Victoria
- Information about finding work in Victoria
- Biotech Portal
Using technology first developed for the bionic ear, Melbourne researchers have invented a breakthrough in hearing aid development. The new small, smart, self-managed hearing aid outperforms most conventional hearing aids and does so at less than half the price.
It is estimated that the new technology could bring costs down to between A$1,000 and A$1500, or less than A$3000 for a pair. This is possible due the how simple the hearing aids are to set up, most users can buy one over the internet and fit it themselves.
The bionic ear, which was itself developed in Melbourne, has already brought hearing to hundreds of thousands of deaf children and adults worldwide. Now, this technology will bring better hearing the millions of people with hearing loss around the world, who have been put off by the cost, complexity and stigma of conventional hearing aids.
The new hearing aids are the culmination of nearly twelve years of research and development supported at key stages by the Australian government.
Dr Peter Blamey, founder of Australia Hears and Deputy Director of the Bionic Ear Institute explains, “In 1998 we created digital technology for the bionic ear that allows the user to boost or reduce key frequencies so that all the important sound frequencies for hearing are at a comfortable level. We realized that this technology (known as ADRO) could help not only people who are deaf, but anyone with hearing loss.”
The hearing aid is easy to purchase online – it comes out of the box already adjusted, based on a hearing test or by six simple questions answered online. Then, if you want, you can play with your hearing aid – fine-tuning it and even creating settings for the pub, the family visit or work.
“This is the hearing aid for the iTunes generation. It’s small, smart and it works.” says Australian Hears co-founder and audiologist Elaine Saunders. “We have a generation of middle-aged Australians whose quality of life has already been affected by hearing loss due to loud music or occupational noise,” she says. “You may not think you need a hearing aid, but ask your partner or friends.”
Now, with the help of a Victorian government grant, Dr Blamey and his colleagues are designing the next version which will be prototyped using an advanced manufacturing facility at RMIT and later be made in Melbourne.
Melbourne scientists have innovative wound treatment all wrapped up in a fiber smart bandage
Melbourne scientists have invented an innovative heat-sensitive ‘smart’ bandage made with fiber technology that changes color in response to temperature changes – even changes of less than half a degree.
Louise van der Werff, a materials scientist with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and a Monash University doctoral student, said she hopes the new bandages will lead to more rapid and effective treatment of chronic wounds, such as leg ulcers and bed sores – good news for sufferers as well as health providers.
“If problems are not quickly identified and treated, wounds can persist for months or years. The bandage will help patients and clinicians with early detection, so they can treat any complications before they become serious,” she added.
Currently, worldwide chronic wounds represent a major health burden.
“Aside from sufferers’ pain and reduced quality of life, there’s also the crippling cost of treatment,” Ms van der Werff said.
In the U.S. alone, approximately 1% of the general population and 3.5% of 65 have venous leg ulcers, and 70% of these will recur. In fact, chronic wounds affect three to six million Americans with treatment costing up to US$10 billion. In fact, chronic wounds affect three to six million Americans with treatment costing up to US$10 billion.
“Changes in temperature can indicate inflammation or suggest problems with blood supply, which can lead to infection. Patients and clinicians will be able to match the color of the bandage fibers with a calibrated chart showing the health of the wound,” Ms van der Werff said.
Ms van der Werff is one of 16 early-career scientists recently chosen to present their research to the public through the Melbourne-based Fresh Science project, now a national program sponsored by the Australian Government.
Melbourne fosters research and development within its medical and science fraternities and is fast becoming known as a global hub for innovation in the life sciences sector.
Melbourne’s thriving biotechnology industry showcased at the Bio International Convention
Delegation highlights biotech innovation in the State of Victoria, Australia; NICTA researchers unveil significant advancements for the bionic eye, breakthrough software developments
The Australian State of Victoria, the Asia-Pacific leader in the biotechnology industry, today concluded a showcase of its scientists, innovative companies, projects and technology at the 2011 BIO International Convention, held in Washington, D.C. at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The delegation included scientists, researchers and executives from Victoria’s successful biotechnology and life sciences industry.
As part of the delegation, Melbourne-based National ICT Australia Ltd (NICTA), an information and communications technology research center, showcased its breakthrough research, including:
- A major milestone for the bionic eye: A team of researchers led by NICTA’s Professor Stan Skafidas announced that it has developed a microchip for the second generation bionic eye, as part of its work with Bionic Vision Australia. Testing of the microchip is progressing well and results are encouraging. The team will now focus on developing a version of the chip with 1,000 stimulation channels and wireless transfer of data and power. The bionic eye works by sending data directly from a camera mounted on glasses to a retinal implant at the back of the eye. Researchers aim to develop the technology so people can recognize faces and objects. Patient tests for the second generation bionic eye are set to commence in 2014.
- Gossamer genome assembler: NICTA’s de novo genome assembler, demonstrated for BIO attendees in the Australian Pavilion (booths 2537 and 2637) throughout the course of the show, enables researchers to assemble DNA fragments using a commodity computer instead of having to depend on large-scale, complex computing infrastructures. Now available to be trialled for non-commercial use, Gossamer allows for complex analytics to be completed on personal computers, significantly expediting the research process and significantly decreasing the cost of genome assembly.
- TrackAssist software for enhanced cell proliferation data analysis: TrackAssist, also demonstrated at the Australian Pavilion during the course of the event, is an advanced software tool that automates microscopic image data analysis for the extraction of biologically relevant information from video sequences of live cells. The software, which was developed in collaboration with the Immunology Lab at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI), decreases the time it takes to analyze these video images from as much as 9-12 months down to just hours. In addition to saving significant time, TrackAssist also is able to extract additional cell data, such as size, intensities and lineage, which provide detailed insight into the workings of cells.
Melbourne and the State of Victoria have long been a hotbed for biotech innovation down under. Home to life sciences companies that have developed everything from the swine flu vaccine to the bionic ear,Victoria boasts more than 13 major medical research institutes.
Victorian biotech companies benefit from the state’s cutting-edge infrastructure, including the Parkville Comprehensive Cancer Centre, the world’s most powerful life sciences supercomputer, financial stability and a supportive state government – the Victorian government has invested nearly A$4 billion in science and innovation during the last 10 years.
Earlier this month, the Australian government announced an A$1.8 million R&D tax credit that further established Melbourne as the world’s most attractive tax environment for R&D, according to KPMG, the U.S.-based audit, tax and advisory services firm. Under the new broad-based system, which will begin on July 1, 2011, companies in industries such as biotechnology with turnover of less than A$20 million will be eligible for a 45 percent refundable tax credit. Additionally, KPMG’s biennial Competitive Alternatives study found that companies benefited from an 88 percent lesser tax burden for R&D activities carried out in Melbourne than in the United States.
“Now, the incentives for companies to establish operations in the State of Victoria are greater than ever,” said Victor Perton, Commissioner to the Americas for the State Government of Victoria. At the Convention, my team has met with a large number of U.S. corporations interested in doing more in R&D and investing in Australian know-how and ingenuity. They like our can-do manner and healthy optimism.
“We look forward to welcoming more innovative biotechnology and life sciences companies that are eager to take advantage of this tax credit,” continued Perton. “American companies are keen to tap into our tens of thousands of researchers, top-flight research schools, skilled workforce, sophisticated infrastructure and the world’s best lifestyle, which attracts a global pool of talent.”
