AIBN And US Researchers Join Forces, Australia

Main Category: Pharma Industry / Biotech Industry
Article Date: 17 Jul 2009 - 7:00 PDT

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A UQ institute has joined forces with a leading American university to work on research to change the way we live.

The University of Queensland's Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and the Nanobiotechnology Center (NBTC) at Cornell University in the United States are working together to develop new products and techniques that will promote new medicines, develop the next generation of biofuels and improve human health and quality of life.

By signing a Memorandum of Understanding, both organisations stand to enhance their mutual interests in biomolecular devices and analysis, cell and tissue engineering, cell surface interaction and nanomaterials.

AIBN Director, Professor Peter Gray said that together AIBN and NBTC would increase the pace of discovery and development of new products and processes.

"AIBN and NBTC are both highly interdisciplinary research environments and the combination of biology, nanotechnology and engineering in these organisations has the potential to change our lives," Professor Gray said.

"For example, the scientific breakthroughs which are occurring in the fields of stem cells and tissue regeneration are opening up many new opportunities for treating disease but for the potential to be realised, we need to learn how to target the new treatments to just the right part of the body, and how to grow very complex cells in a controlled fashion.

"This MOU will establish new partnerships, enable joint funding opportunities and promote the sharing of ideas, techniques and skills, as well as develop new research directions.

"I look forward to working with NBCT Director Professor Harold Craighead to grow this relationship in the future," he said.

"The NBTC and AIBN have allied missions and I believe that by combining our expertise and efforts we can work even more effectively to address important issues in our society," Professor Craighead said.

"Our research into single molecule biochemistry using nanostructured devices, is suggesting new approaches for early diagnosis of disease and delivery of individually tailored treatments," he said.

Professor Craighead is currently visiting the Institute as part of the AIBN Symposium, an important fixture on the AIBN Calendar where staff and students gather to discuss some of the many research projects being undertaken.

Source
The University of Queensland

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