Slide 1

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 2

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 3

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 4

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 5

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 6

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 7

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 8

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 9

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 10

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 11

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 12

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 13

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 14

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 15

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 16

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 17

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 18

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 19

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 20

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 21

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 22

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 23

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 24

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 25

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 26

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 27

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 28

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 29

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 30

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 31

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 32

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 33

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 34

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 35

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 36

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 37

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 38

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 39

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 40

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 41

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 42

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 43

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 44

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 45

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 46

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 47

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 48

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 49

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 50

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 51

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 52

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 53

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 54

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 55

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 56

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 57

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 58

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au


Slide 59

SCIENCE
THE UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND
International Agents 2008

UQ Quick Facts
• Research & Teaching staff
•
•
•

Academics
Research Fellows
Graduate Students

(UQ)

(BACS)

2,191
767
9,832

152
167
624

37,500
6,670

3,384
536

•

• Undergraduate Students
•
•

All students
International

(Top 3 – Singapore, China, U.S.A)

•

•
• Annual Income – 2008

~$1 billion (AUD)

• Other
•
•
•

13 libraries (2 million + volumes)
18,000 + computers
1,955 Laboratories and teaching rooms

$151 million (AUD)

UQ Facilities & Locations
Low Isles

Low Isles Research Station

Heron Island

Heron Island Research
Station

Idalia National Park

Moreton Bay Research
Station

University of Queensland

Brisbane

Idalia National Park

Lamington National Park

Sydney
MBRS

Melbourne

Lamington National Park

Research

Research Institutes
•

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

•

Queensland Brain Institute

•

Australian Institute for Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

•

Sustainable Minerals Institute

•

The Diamantina Institute for Cancer

Institute for Molecular Bioscience

Institute for Molecular Bioscience
•
•
•

Largest purpose - built biotechnology complex in Australia
Opened May, 2001
750 scientists from
–

UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience

–

Commonwealth Scientific & Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
Division of Livestock Industries

•

–

CSIRO Plant Industry & Sustainable Ecosystems

–

Queensland Department of Primary Industries

IMB was funded by an Irish/American philanthropist, UQ, Queensland
Government, Australian Government and CSIRO.

Queensland Brain Institute

Queensland Brain Institute
• Established in 2003
• An AUD$60 million neuroscience research institute
• Developing new molecular, genetic and imaging technologies to drive discovery
in the neurosciences
• Opened December 2007 and will house around 240 scientists
• Aims to gain a thorough understanding of brain function at the cellular and
molecular level
• Will use this knowledge to further the R&D of therapeutics to enhance cognition
during ageing, and to treat major brain diseases like stroke, dementia
(Alzheimer’s Disease), spinal cord injury and anxiety disorders

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology

Australian Institute for
Bioengineering & Nanotechnology
• AUD$70 million research institute Established in 2002
• Integrated biotechnology-based institute merges the skills of the

engineer, chemist, biologist and computational scientist.
• Research strengths in:
Nanotechnology, Cell and Tissue Engineering Systems Biotechnology,
Nanobiomaterials and Devices
• AIBN is made up of 14 core research groups, 250 research scientists
and PhD students.

Research
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Research Themes

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Chemical Biology
Infectious Diseases
Ion Transport & Cell Signaling
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
Molecular Design & Synthesis
Developmental Biology
Ecology Genetics & Evolution

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Insects Parasites & Interactions
Marine Science
Microbiology
Molecular Plant Sciences
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Plant Sciences/Biotechnology

Chemistry
World class chemistry facilities. – refurbishment of $14.5m of Chemistry Building

Chemistry
Molecular Design and Synthesis
Peptide and Carbohydrate Chemistry - drug and vaccine
delivery
Centre for Organo-Photonics and Electronics – new
generation LEDs and solar cells
Biodiscovery and Chemical Ecology – isolation,
characterization and synthesis of natural products
ARC Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials

Molecular Biology,
Biotechnology & Nanotechnology
Dr Lindsay Sly discussing with students the properties of bacterial cultures

Biochemistry
Structural Biology – X-ray crystallography, NMR,
structural bioinformatics, drug and inhibitor design
Molecular Genetics – breast and skin cancer, plant
developmental genetics, fungal pathogens
Cell Metabolism – neurochemistry, enzymology,
bacterial diversity and biotechnology

Microbiology, Infectious Diseases
Molecular virology – focus on flaviviruses including Dengue,
Japanese encephalitis and West Nile
Bacterial Pathogenicity – focus on mucosal pathogens
including uropathogenic E. coli, Neisseria meningitidis,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Biotechnology – vaccines, diagnostics, anti-infectives

Biomedical Sciences
UQ’s gross anatomy facilities.

Biomedical Science
Over $10 million in competitive grants annually
Over 50 research academic staff

State-of-the-art equipment and laboratory infrastructure
Research areas in:
Neuroscience

Pharmacology

Functional Biology

Developmental Biology

Cell Physiology and Biophysics

Life Sciences, Environment &
Marine Science
Students on location at the Great Barrier Reef investigating our unique biodiversity

Genetics & Evolution

Genetics & Evolution
 16 researchers who apply new genomic technologies

to non-model organism systems.
 Total research funding of $14.66M, and 51 PhD students
in the period 2001-2006.
 Of the 190 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, 86
(45%) had an author resident at an international institution.
 Highlight: An international consortium of researchers
from 5 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Australia
and the United States) lead by Prof Scott O’Neill and funded
by a $10M Gates Foundation grant, to develop
Wolbachia as a biological control agent for mosquito borne disease.

Ecology & Conservation
Insert caption here

Ecology & Conservation

24 researchers who conduct both applied and pure ecological
studies
 Total research funding of $43M in the period 2001-2006.
 The 464 peer-reviewed publications in the period 2001-2006, had
collaborations with researchers spread across 33 countries.
 Highlight: The development of a systematic conservation planning
tool – MARXAN – by Prof Possingham that is the most widely used
conservation planning tool in the world and is used by all the major
conservation NGOs and many governments.


Molecular Plant Sciences

Molecular Plant Sciences
12 researchers focusing on fundamental and applied aspects of limits to
plant productivity, gene discovery and applications in plant improvement
 Two national research centres: the ARC Centre of Excellence in
Integrative Legume Research (Director, Prof Gresshoff) and the CRC for
Tropical Plant Protection (Director, Prof Irwin),




Total research funding of $58M in the period 2001-2006.



Highlight: The cloning of the super-nodulation gene in soybean which
regulates nodule numbers by Prof Greshoff



Highlight: The development by Professor Birch of genetic technology
resulting in high sucrose yielding sugarcane to underpin a value-added
sugarcane industry. Higher sucrose yield is a key to sustainable export
profitability, and it makes the development of renewable biofuels from
sugarcane more feasible.

Entomology

Research
Centre for Marine Studies

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Aquaculture and Aquatic Animal Health - Dr Andy Barnes
Coastal Resource Management - Associate Professor Ron Johnstone
Coastal Plant Communities - Dr Cath Lovelock
Coastal Ecosystems and Climate Change - Professor Ove HoeghGuldberg
Marine Biology and Biodiscovery - Dr Ian Tibbets
Marine Botany - Dr Norm Duke
Palaeoecology of Benthic Ecosystems - Associate Professor John
Pandolfi
Photobiology & Symbiosis - Dr Sophie Dove

Research Funding Highlights
MARINE STUDIES – Coral Reef Targeted Research and Capacity
Building for Management Project (CRTR)
•

Multinational research effort - more than 70 scientists and four Centres of Excellence in
Australia, Mexico, Philippines and Tanzania

•

Project Funds in excess of AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from
Global Environment Fund, World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management jct Funds in excess of
AUD$20 million in cash and $70m in-kind support – from Global Environment Fund,
World Bank, Queensland Government and UQ

•

UQ is the Project Executing Agent – 15 year project of research to provide practical
information and management tools to coral reef management

Research
Centre for Microscopy & Microanalysis
Provide centralised access and training for characterisation
instrumentation for all research disciplines at UQ

•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

5 locations
8 Transmission electron microscopes
7 Scanning electron microscopes
3 X-ray diffractometers
1 X-ray photoelectron spectrometer
2 High level mass spectrometers for isotope radiogenic studies
400 clients
Comprehensive training programs
Part of a national network

Commercialisation

UniQuest Pty Limited
The main technology transfer company for The University of Queensland
• 1,400 patents and patent applications
• $30 - 50 million revenues annually
• 80 staff
• Over 50 technology spinoffs and startups
• 200 international aid projects completed in 40 countries
• Australia’s largest technology commercialiser

• Research Commercialisation Workshop and R3 Network

of seminars and networking events for PhD students

UniQuest Licensed Companies
Akers International AB
Ampal Inc
Amrad Operations Pty Ltd
Analytica Ltd
Australian Biopesticide Company Pty
Ltd
Australian National Airlines Commission
AWA Microelectronics
Bruker Analytische Messtechnik
Buckland House Securities Pty Ltd
Bundaberg Sugar Company Ltd
Bureau of Sugar Experiment
Stations
Cognitech Pty Ltd
Colgate Palmolive
CSL Ltd
Currumbin Sand and Gravel Pty Ltd

DataCraft Australia Pty Ltd
Enya Systems Ltd
Ersis Australia
Flux Industries Pty Ltd
Fungi-Gulp Pty Ltd
Fujitsu Australia Ltd
Glaxo Smith Kline Beecham
General Electric Company
Golden Circle
Hewer Electronics Pty Ltd
Ice T Multimedia Pty Ltd
Impedimed Pty Ltd
Inderlec Australia Pty Ltd
Jacaranda Wiley Ltd
Laser Dynamics Ltd
Leucseeds Pty Ltd
Logical Business Machines
Lynx Project
Medica Holdings Ltd

Mine Remediation Services Pty Ltd
Nanochem Ltd
NMR Holdings No. 2 Pty Ltd
OPCOM Pty Ltd
Organotin Chemie
Paravax Inc
Promics Pty Ltd
Qcom Pty Ltd
Research Corporation Technologies
Inc
Resolve Engineering Pty Ltd
Siemens AG
Sigma Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
Stockyard Industries Pty Ltd
The Director-General Department of
Transport
The Wellcome Foundation Ltd
Xenome Ltd

Examples of a successful licence



Licence of HPV vaccine to CSL/Merck for
Gardisal



MRI technology used in 60% of worlds
MRI machines from 1997 (licensed to GE
& Siemens)



Licence of Triple PPP (Positive Parenting
Program) copyright, now utilised in more
than 15 countries

Biotech Commercialisation
• Staff & student inventors share ‘profit’ with UQ
• Bio-business training for staff + students
• Innovation & Commercialisation Manager in each faculty
• UniQuest www.uniquest.com.au
54 spin-off companies so far
7 spinoff companies in one year
e.g. bananas as energy source; salmonella vaccine for cattle
Australian Best Practice Award for commercialisation
• IMBCom
IP protection + commercialisation embedded in laboratories
11 new biotech companies in first 5 years

Our People

Internationally recognised research excellence
Professor Scott O’Neill
• recently awarded $10million from the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation Grand Challenges in
Global Health initiative
• research on the naturally-occurring bacteria
called Wolbachia that passes from one
generation of mosquito to the next

• could halve the adult mosquito lifespan, halting
the spread of dengue fever.

Structure & function of flavivirus
Dr Roy Hall
• role of non-structural proteins in cellular
infection, pathogenesis, viral replication and
induction of immune responses
• development of new diagnostic tests + viral
vaccine
• ecology and epidemiology of viruses that are
spread by insects
• monitoring the distribution and spread of new
viruses isolated from mosquitoes
• Awarded most outstanding paper by Science
in 2002
• Commercialised a new West Nile virus
vaccine technology in 2008

Artificial Arteries
Professor Julie Campbell
• Vascular cell biologist
• Stem cell biology to bioengineer
new blood vessels for
transplantation
• Cellular & molecular mechanisms of
blood vessel disease
• Cell plasticity: alternative cellular
sources to create an artery wall
• Grows artificial blood vessels in the
patient’s own peritoneal cavity

Director: Centre for Functional Nanomaterials, AIBN
• 230 papers in international refereed journals + 5
patents
• Clean energy production/utilisation gas to liquid
conversion, hydrogen production & storage, fuel
cells,
• high energy density batteries
• Environmental technologies photo-catalytic
reduction of pollutants, economic removal &
recovery of
• organic vapours, greenhouse gas reduction and
utilisation
• Health care
• orthopaedic and cardiovascular biomaterials

Australian Award – Teaching Excellence
Professor Peter O’Donoghue
Joint winner of the 2002
Prime Minister’s Australian Award for
Individual University Teacher of the Year.
Peter teaches animal biology, veterinary
science students; medical parasitology,
marine parasitology, wildlife and
veterinary parasitology, and foundations
of medicine

2006 Australian of The Year
Professor Ian Frazer
“developed world’s first cervical cancer vaccine”

UQ Diamantina Institute for Cancer, Immunology
and Metabolic Medicine
• World-class research organisation of over 100
research scientists and students
• New state-of-the-art facilities being built - to be
opened in 2010
• Eleven research teams in three major research
programs:
The Cancer Cell Biology Program
The Immunology Program
Metabolic medicine

Our Students

Suria Ramli - Malaysia
PhD Candidate

Molecular Design and Synthesis:
properties of interfaces..
“I am impressed by the range of excellent
facilities provided for students from
laboratories, libraries to student support
and sport.
UQ also promotes world class research
and a wide range of multi-collaboration.”

Yi & Yin San Leong - Malaysia
Bachelor of Biotechnology

“What I like about my program is that it
has given me chance to work in a
research laboratory to gain experience
working as a scientist," Yin San

“The best thing about my program is
that it involves both science and
business, which suits my needs,” Yi San

Ben Kay
Marine Biologist & Science Instructor,
Santa Monica High School, California (USA)

“I enjoyed the program and the amazing
Australian marine ecology so much, that
I later returned to Down Under and UQ
to do my Master’s Degree in Marine
Biology.”

Aditya Angadi – India
Master of Biotechnology

“The amount of experience you gain is
tremendous and highly valuable. To get into
(Intellectual Property) you should have project
management skills, interpersonal skills,
commercial acumen with a great eye for
detail, creativity, adaptability, networking
ability and decision making skills, all of which
my Master of Biotechnology helped provide”

Studying Science

Why choose UQ for Science?
• Largest science program in Queensland & top 3 in Australia
• World class research and teaching facilities
• Internationally recognised research excellence
• Extensive academic advice & support throughout degree
• Student focussed learning
• Teaching informed by Research
• Teaching excellence
• Extensive industry and government support

Programs
Bachelors Degree
Science
Biomedical Science
Biotechnology
Marine Studies
Environmental Science

Masters Degree (inc Grad Dip & Cert)
Biotechnology
Molecular Biology
Entomology
Science (Conservation Biology)
Graduate Research
MPhil
PhD

Majors
Bachelor of Science

Dual Majors

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Biomedical Science
Chemistry
Computer Science
Ecology
Genetics
Geographical Science
Geological Sciences
Marine Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Plant Sciences
Psychology
Statistics
Zoology

Biophysics
Bioinformatics
Chemical Sciences
Computational Science
Extended Majors

Biomedical Science
Computer Science
Mathematics
Physics
Psychology

Majors (4 year degrees)
Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Bachelor of Environmental Science

Developmental Biology
Human Genetics
Immunology & Infectious Disease
Molecular & Cellular Biology
Neuroscience
Pharmacology & Toxicology
Physiology

Earth Resources
Ecology
Molecular & Microbial Science
Natural Resource Science

Bachelor of Biotechnology

Bachelor of Marine Studies

Bioinformatics
Chemical Biotechnology
Drug Design & Development
Microbial Biotechnology
Nanotechnology
Plant Biotechnology
Process Technology

Aquaculture & Marine Biotechnology
Coastal Management
Marine Biology & Ecology
Marine Geology & Coastal Processes

Study & Employment Path
Bachelor of Marine
Studies
Bachelor of
Biotechnology
Bachelor of
Environmental
Science
Bachelor of
Biomedical
Science

Bachelor of
Science

Bachelor of
Science
(Honours)

3 years

Technician

1 year

(Government, research
institute, universities,
hospitals etc)

B.Biotech

Master of Business
(Entrepreneurship)
1 year

Doctor of
Philosophy
(PhD)
(Research)

Research Assistant

3 - 4 years

Independent
Researcher

Masters by Coursework
Biotechnology, Entomology, Molecular Biology and Science (Conservation Biology)

Graduate Certificate
#8 Units (1 Semester)

Entry with or without bachelor degree

Graduate Diploma
#16 units (2 Semesters)
(or #8 units + articulated #8 units credit
from Graduate Certificate)

Master

#24 (3 Semesters)

(or #8 units + articulated #16 units credit
from Graduate Diploma)

Master of Biotechnology
(Advanced) #32 (4 Semesters)

Entry with prior bachelor degree, or
completion of Graduate Certificate

Entry with prior bachelor degree,
honours degree or completion of
Graduate Diploma

Entry with Master of Biotechnology #24

(optional semester for additional research)

Masters
#16 units (2 Semesters or 1 year)

Entry with relevant four year bachelor
degree (including honours)

Support Programs
• Extensive Academic Advice
• Buddy Program for new students
• Peer Assisted Study Sessions (PASS)
• Society for Undergraduate Science Students (SUSS)
• Travel Scholarships (Postgraduates)

Scholarships
- International Undergraduate
(Malaysia and UQ Foundation Year graduates)

- International Honours
(in Biological & Chemical Sciences)

- International Postgraduate Coursework
(India, Vietnam, Thailand)
- PhD Conference Support

Important Websites
Faculty website

www.bacs.uq.edu.au

Study Science Website

www.uq.edu.au/science

Science scholarships

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/scholarships

PASS Program

www.bacs.uq.edu.au/undergraduate

Thank you
Further Information:
Faculty of Biological & Chemical Sciences

Phone: +61 7 3365 1888
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bacs.uq.edu.au