Research

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:

  • Structural Biology, which provides an understanding of the organisation of complex biological systems and molecular processes that underpin normal cellular development and disease
  • Chemical Biology, the small molecules that impact on biological systems and environmental ecosystems or can be used to manipulate biological processes to provide the basis of novel therapeutics and insect control agents
  • Nanobiotechnology that brings together the physical and life sciences with engineering, working at the sub-nano scale, to provide a new level of health, agricultural and environmental research.

Associate directors have been appointed to steer research within each theme. For more information please go to the Research Groups page. 

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