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| The Institute was designed by ], who were appointed following a design competition sponsored by the ].<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|title = La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science - Lyons|url = http://www.archdaily.com/355680/la-trobe-institute-for-molecular-science-lyons|accessdate = 2015|website = www.archdaily.com|date = 2013-04-05}}</ref> The LIMS1 building is designed around the university’s specific model for creating a pathway for students in science; an environment where students can develop into student researchers and ultimately into lead researchers. Its lower levels accommodate first- to third-year undergraduate learning spaces – with large open flexible labs (accommodating teaching cohorts for 160 students) connected with “dry” learning spaces. At ground level, these learning spaces break out to new landscaped spaces, extending the idea of placing students at the centre of outside social and learning areas.The upper three levels of the building are research focused with large open flexible laboratories where teams are able to work together. The cellular facade is derived from ideas about expressing the molecular research that is being undertaken within the building.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|title = La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science / Lyons|url = http://www.archdaily.com/355680/la-trobe-institute-for-molecular-science-lyons|accessdate = 2015|website = archdaily|date = 2013-04-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title = La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS) - Norman Disney & Young|url = http://www.ndy.com/projects/la-trobe-institute-molecular-science-lims|website = www.ndy.com|accessdate = 2015}}</ref> The LIMS1 building has achieved formal certification for ] (Design) using the Education Tool Version 1 through the ].<ref>{{Cite news|title = La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science|url = http://www.architectureau.com/articles/la-trobe-institute-for-molecular-science/|accessdate = 2015|date = 2013-04-23|website = www.architectureau.com}}</ref> Melbourne-based Indigenous artist Mr Reko Rennie was awarded a A$200,000 commission to create a standout installation ('Murri Totems') for the entrance of the LIMS building.<ref>{{Cite news|title = Murri Totems mash street art with science|url = http://www.latrobe.edu.au/luma/sculpture-park/murri-totems-mash-street-art-with-science/|accessdate = 2015|date = 2013|website = www.latrobe.edu.au}}</ref> The artwork consists of four 4.5 metre vertical structures, which look like modern day ceremonial poles. Each vertical structure has been designed utilising the five platonic forms – icosahedron, octahedron, star tetrahedron, hexahedron and dodecahedron – and painted with Mr Rennie’s traditional pattern.<ref name=":0">{{Cite press release|title = LIMS construction begins at La Trobe|url = http://www.latrobe.edu.au/news/articles/2011/article/lims-construction-begins-at-la-trobe|website = www.latrobe.edu.au|accessdate = 2015|first = |last = |date = 2011-08-30}}</ref> | The Institute was designed by ], who were appointed following a design competition sponsored by the ].<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|title = La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science - Lyons|url = http://www.archdaily.com/355680/la-trobe-institute-for-molecular-science-lyons|accessdate = 2015|website = www.archdaily.com|date = 2013-04-05}}</ref> The LIMS1 building is designed around the university’s specific model for creating a pathway for students in science; an environment where students can develop into student researchers and ultimately into lead researchers. Its lower levels accommodate first- to third-year undergraduate learning spaces – with large open flexible labs (accommodating teaching cohorts for 160 students) connected with “dry” learning spaces. At ground level, these learning spaces break out to new landscaped spaces, extending the idea of placing students at the centre of outside social and learning areas.The upper three levels of the building are research focused with large open flexible laboratories where teams are able to work together. The cellular facade is derived from ideas about expressing the molecular research that is being undertaken within the building.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|title = La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science / Lyons|url = http://www.archdaily.com/355680/la-trobe-institute-for-molecular-science-lyons|accessdate = 2015|website = archdaily|date = 2013-04-05}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title = La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS) - Norman Disney & Young|url = http://www.ndy.com/projects/la-trobe-institute-molecular-science-lims|website = www.ndy.com|accessdate = 2015}}</ref> The LIMS1 building has achieved formal certification for ] (Design) using the Education Tool Version 1 through the ].<ref>{{Cite news|title = La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science|url = http://www.architectureau.com/articles/la-trobe-institute-for-molecular-science/|accessdate = 2015|date = 2013-04-23|website = www.architectureau.com}}</ref> Melbourne-based Indigenous artist Mr Reko Rennie was awarded a A$200,000 commission to create a standout installation ('Murri Totems') for the entrance of the LIMS building.<ref>{{Cite news|title = Murri Totems mash street art with science|url = http://www.latrobe.edu.au/luma/sculpture-park/murri-totems-mash-street-art-with-science/|accessdate = 2015|date = 2013|website = www.latrobe.edu.au}}</ref> The artwork consists of four 4.5 metre vertical structures, which look like modern day ceremonial poles. Each vertical structure has been designed utilising the five platonic forms – icosahedron, octahedron, star tetrahedron, hexahedron and dodecahedron – and painted with Mr Rennie’s traditional pattern.<ref name=":0">{{Cite press release|title = LIMS construction begins at La Trobe|url = http://www.latrobe.edu.au/news/articles/2011/article/lims-construction-begins-at-la-trobe|website = www.latrobe.edu.au|accessdate = 2015|first = |last = |date = 2011-08-30}}</ref> | ||
| In 2015 Prof. Robert Pike was appointed as the Director of LIMS, following Prof. Hoogenraad's retirement. | In 2015 Prof. Robert Pike was appointed as the Director of LIMS, following Prof. Hoogenraad's retirement.{{Cn}} | ||
| ==Research== | ==Research== | ||
Revision as of 10:27, 4 October 2015
37°43′12″S 145°02′51″E / 37.7199°S 145.0475°E / -37.7199; 145.0475
| LIMS logo | |
| Abbreviation | LIMS |
|---|---|
| Formation | 2009 |
| Purpose | Translatable Molecular Discoveries |
| Location |
|
| Director | Professor Rob Pike |
| Parent organization | La Trobe University |
| Website | http://www.latrobe.edu.au/lims |
The La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS) is an Australian research institute based at La Trobe University in Melbourne. It contains a combination of research groups in biochemistry, genetics, chemistry, pharmacy, and physics and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in those areas through the School of Molecular Sciences. Additionally, it contains two biotech companies: Hexima and AdAlta. The institute is housed in three buildings: LIMS1 and LIMS2 in the centre of La Trobe University’s main campus in Bundoora, and the Applied Science building in the Bendigo campus.
History
LIMS was launched in 2009 to be a multidisciplinary, collaborative science institute to drive innovation and produce translatable research outcomes. The stated vision for the institute is to research and understand fundamental processes in biochemistry, cell biology, genetics and chemistry, as well as to explore ways to realise their potential applications in medicine and biotechnology.
The institute was founded with a A$100 million in building funds from Commonwealth Government and La Trobe University overseen by its first director, Prof. Nick Hoogenraad. Construction of the LIMS1 building began in August 2011, with an official sod turning presided by the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr. The building was officially opened in February 2013 by the La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Dewar, and the Parliamentary Secretary for Higher Education and Skills, Ms Sharon Bird MP. The LIMS1 building is a 11,000 square metre, six-storey, molecular sciences research hub containing 34 laboratories, with research, support and teaching facilities. It is interconnected with LIMS2 building, which was a refurbishment of an existing adjacent building, allowing co-location of research and support staff.
The Institute was designed by Lyons Architects, who were appointed following a design competition sponsored by the Australian Institute of Architects. The LIMS1 building is designed around the university’s specific model for creating a pathway for students in science; an environment where students can develop into student researchers and ultimately into lead researchers. Its lower levels accommodate first- to third-year undergraduate learning spaces – with large open flexible labs (accommodating teaching cohorts for 160 students) connected with “dry” learning spaces. At ground level, these learning spaces break out to new landscaped spaces, extending the idea of placing students at the centre of outside social and learning areas.The upper three levels of the building are research focused with large open flexible laboratories where teams are able to work together. The cellular facade is derived from ideas about expressing the molecular research that is being undertaken within the building. The LIMS1 building has achieved formal certification for 5 Star Green Star (Design) using the Education Tool Version 1 through the Green Building Council of Australia. Melbourne-based Indigenous artist Mr Reko Rennie was awarded a A$200,000 commission to create a standout installation ('Murri Totems') for the entrance of the LIMS building. The artwork consists of four 4.5 metre vertical structures, which look like modern day ceremonial poles. Each vertical structure has been designed utilising the five platonic forms – icosahedron, octahedron, star tetrahedron, hexahedron and dodecahedron – and painted with Mr Rennie’s traditional pattern.
In 2015 Prof. Robert Pike was appointed as the Director of LIMS, following Prof. Hoogenraad's retirement.
Research
LIMS is organised into three research departments: Biochemistry and Genetics, Chemistry and Physics, and Pharmacy and Applied Science. La Trobe university was the top ranked institution in the nation for research in Microbiology and equal top with just one other University in Biochemistry and Cell Biology in the Australian Research Council's 2012 ERA report.
Within LIMS, research is organised into six strategic themes, with the stated objective of "translatable molecular discoveries". Each theme has an appointed leader who oversees research.
- Cancer (Dr Belinda Parker)
- Infection and Immunity (Professors Rob Pike & Weisan Chen)
- Neurobiology (Professor Andy Hill)
- Molecular Design (Dr Jason Dutton)
- Molecular Sensing (Dr Conor Hogan)
- Molecular Imaging (Dr Brian Abbey)
The institute has in-house facilities for bioinformatics, flow cytometry, microscopy, genomics, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and mass spectrometry, each with dedicated support staff. It additionally houses inductively coupled plasma (ICP) equipment, atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS), X-Ray diffractometer, crystallography, and laser research.
In addition to multiple collaborations and links to industry, the institute hosts two biotechnology companies: AdAlta and Hexima. AdAlta develops single-domain antibodies for use as therapeutics and diagnostics. Hexima focusses on commercialising plant-derived proteins and peptides for crop genetic engineering and human antimicrobial and anti-cancer therapeutics.
Education
LIMS teaches undergraduate and graduate courses through its School of Molecular Sciences. The school is mainly based on the first two floors of the LIMS1 building which contains teaching laboratories, preparation and support rooms, and a 200-seat auditorium. In addition, LIMS is committed to training Australian scientists by stimulating an interest in science amongst secondary school students through Outreach programs.
Undergraduate
LIMS collaborates with other La Trobe University departments to teach modules in several 3-year bachelor degrees, each with the option of a further 1-year research honours degree.
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Biological Sciences
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science
- Bachelor of Science and Society
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (Department of Pharmacy and Applied Science; Bendigo campus)
Postgraduate
The institute also runs 2-year masters degree courses.
- Masters of Nanotechnology
- Masters of Chemical Sciences
- Masters of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
Doctor of philosophy degrees are also available through the research labs housed in LIMS.
References
- ^ "LIMS study". www.latrobe.edu.au. Retrieved 2015.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ "Melbourne Australia: life sciences capital of the Asia-Pacific" (PDF). www.business.vic.gov.au. Life Science CLUSTERS Magazine (PDF). Retrieved 2015.
{{cite news}}: Check|archiveurl=value (help); Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - LIMS 2011 Research Report (PDF). www.latrobe.edu.au (Report). Retrieved 2015.
{{cite report}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - "Education Investment Fund". www.education.gov.au. Department of Education and Training. Retrieved 2015.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - "A new beginning of biochemistry at La Trobe" (PDF). www.latrobe.edu.au (Press release). Synergy. 2011-01-20. Retrieved 2015.
{{cite press release}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - Prof. Hoogenraad, Nick (2010-11-25). "Professor Nick Hoogenraad, biochemist" (Interview). Interviewed by Prof. David Vaux. Retrieved 2015.
{{cite interview}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Unknown parameter|program=ignored (help) - Carr, Kim (2009-11-02). La Trobe Institute For Molecular Science opening (Speech). LIMS. Retrieved 2015.
{{cite speech}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ "LIMS construction begins at La Trobe". www.latrobe.edu.au (Press release). 2011-08-30. Retrieved 2015.
{{cite press release}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) Cite error: The named reference ":0" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page). - Bird, Sharon (2013-02-15). La Trobe Molecular Scientists to benefit from new $100 million building (Speech). LIMS. Retrieved 2015.
{{cite speech}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - "LIMS official opening". www.latrobe.edu.au (Press release). Synergy. 2013-10-24. Retrieved 2015.
{{cite press release}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ "La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science - Lyons". www.archdaily.com. 2013-04-05. Retrieved 2015.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) Cite error: The named reference ":2" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page). - "La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS) - Norman Disney & Young". www.ndy.com. Retrieved 2015.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - "La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science". www.architectureau.com. 2013-04-23. Retrieved 2015.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - "Murri Totems mash street art with science". www.latrobe.edu.au. 2013. Retrieved 2015.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - "LIMS staff". www.latrobe.edu.au. Retrieved 2015.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - "Excellence in Research for Australia National Report" (PDF). archive.arc.gov.au. Australian Research Council. 2012. Retrieved 2015.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - "LIMS Strategic Plan". www.latrobe.edu.au. 2015-08-03. Retrieved 2015.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - "LIMS Facilities". www.latrobe.edu.au. Retrieved 2015.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - ^ "LIMS Industry and Community Connections". www.latrobe.edu.au. Retrieved 2015.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - AdAlta and Roche sign agreement to evaluate shark antibody technology. www.adalta.com.au (Report). 2012-01-01. Retrieved 2015.
{{cite report}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - AdAlta collaborates with Crossbeta to find i-body for Alzheimer's disease. www.adalta.com.au (Report). 2013-12-01. Retrieved 2015.
{{cite report}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - Letter to Shareholders (PDF). www.hexima.com.au (Report). 2015-08-25. Retrieved 2015.
{{cite report}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help) - Ensor, David (2011-05-06). Inquiry into liveability options in outer suburban Melbourne (PDF) (Report). Retrieved 2015.
{{cite report}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help)