Bioplatforms Australia provides services and scientific infrastructure in the specialist fields of genomics, proteomics, metabolomics and bioinformatics. It supports Australian life science research with crucial investments in state-of-the-art technologies and cutting edge expertise.  Investment funding has been provided by the Commonwealth Government’s National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) and the 2009 Super Science initiative.  Co-investments have also been made by State Governments, research institutes and commercial entities.

Infrastructure investments are hosted by an Australia-wide network of universities, research institutions and biotech companies.  Our partners boast the nation’s best capabilities in biomolecular research and offer world class 'omic services to all life science researchers.  Bioplatforms Australia manages the network and investment strategy and works with government and industry to advance Australia's 'omics research sector.  Our mission is to:

• promote innovation and world class research
• advance the emerging field of systems biology
• ensure broad access to state-of-the-art infrastructure
• increase scientific collaboration

The Bioplatforms Australia network includes four platform consortiums that offer state-of-the-art facilities and deliver world class expertise:

Genomics Australia – high throughput gene sequencing, transcript analysis, epigenetics, bioinformatics
Proteomics Australia – protein separation, mass spectrometry, monoclonal antibody development, protein chemistry
Metabolomics Australia – small molecule analysis, sample preparation, metabolite profiling, mass spectrometry, lipodomics
Australian Bioinformatics Facility – cutting edge computational tools, bioinformatics strategies, data acquisition, data analysis, data reporting

Industries particularly supported by our platform technologies include:

• Plant Research
• Agriculture
• Food & Wine
• Biomedical
• Pharmaceuticals
• Diagnostics
• Environment & Sustainability

Advocacy

Bioplatforms Australia broadly canvases issues that impact bioscience research in Australia.  Our consultations provide important information and policy advice to all levels of government and we work hard to identify and deliver opportunities to support scientific innovation and commercialisation.

History

Bioplatforms Australia was established by the Australian Government in 2007 to help achieve a more co-ordinated and strategic approach to supporting research infrastructure in Australia.  We operate as a non-profit company with a specific mission to build a national research infrastructure network and promote increased collaboration and integration between scientists particularly where this supports a systems biology approach.  Around $158 million of total funding was allocated through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) together with cash and in-kind contributions from State Governments and our research and commercial partners. In 2009, a further $50 million was allocated under the Commonwealth Government’s Education Investment Fund Super Science initiative.

Our objectives:

• build a national research infrastructure network for life science research
• enhance access to state-of-the-art research technology
• increase collaboration between 'omics platforms, 'omics researchers and the broader scientific community
• integrate genomics, proteomics and metabolomics with the bioinformatics capabilities required for systems biology
• promote systems biology in Australia
• enable Australian scientists to remain competitive on an international level
• provide advice and advocacy on all public policy matters relevant to life science research
• foster world class research