WA’S first integrated biomedical research institute has received a $1 million kick start from the WA Government.
The WA Biomedical Research Institute will draw together a number of the state’s top research bodies to undertake cutting edge research.
It will be jointly operated by Curtin and Murdoch universities and will seek solutions to problems within the health care, medical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
Commerce and Trade Minister Hendy Cowan said the institute would address issues such as the need for more efficient and effective drugs against antibiotic-resistant disease strains, infectious diseases such as malaria and the needs of an ageing population.
“The institute is a very good investment for this state, providing a foundation for WA’s future in biomedical technology, molecular diagnostics and improved health care for the 21st century,” Mr Cowan said.
“The institute will also bring opportunities for other industries such as pharmaceutical production, agriculture – in fields such as genetic diversity, conservation genetics and parasite resistance – and food processing in the identification and treatment of contamination,” he said.