Annual Report 2018 The Bio21 Molecular Science and Director Associate Director – Platform Biotechnology Institute Professor Michael W. Parker Infrastructure University of Melbourne DPhil (Oxon) FAA FAHMS Professor Malcolm McConville PhD 30 Flemington Road Deputy Director Associate Director – Commercialisation Parkville Victoria 3010 Professor Frances Separovic AO Professor Spencer Williams PhD Telephone: (03) 8344 2220 PhD FAA www.bio21.unimelb.edu.au Associate Director – Engagement @Bio21Institute Professor Sally Gras PhD @Bio21Institute Scientific Research Manager Dr David Keizer

Produced by the Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Communications andb Bio21 Engagement Institute Advisor Annual Report 2018 Contents

Our Mission 2 Our Vision 2 About the Institute 3 Director’s Message 4 Bio21 Leadership 8 Deputy Director, Professor Emeritus Frances Separovic AO 8 Associate Director Engagement – Professor Sally Gras 10 Associate Director Commercialisation – Professor Spencer Williams 12 Associate Director Platform Infrastructure – Professor Malcolm McConville 13 Impacts of Research 15 Enabling Platform Technologies 24 Women of Bio21 27 Industry Engagement and Commercialisation 30 New BioMedical Research Facility Secures Victoria’s Place as World Class Research Destination 32 New Bio21 Building Recognises Pioneering Women 34 External Relations, Communications and Engagement 36 Public and School Engagement 38 Bio21 Institute Community Events and Engagement 40 Bio21 Hosted Events 41 Graduate Research Students and Early Career Researchers 43 Institute Members Honoured 44 Grant Successes 45 Philanthropic Support 46 Governance 48 OHS Report 51 Bio21 People 52 Institute in Numbers 58 Bio21 Institute Theses submitted in 2018 59 Industry partners 62

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 1 Our Mission The Bio21 Institute seeks to improve human health and the environment through innovation in molecular life sciences and biotechnology, driven by collaborative research and dynamic interactions with industry.

Our Vision

Research Excellence Shared Resources Industry Engagement Science Education To be leaders in world-class To provide Core Platform and Innovation To assist secondary schools multidisciplinary molecular Technology Facilities to To nurture Australia’s through the partnership science research and academic and industry biotechnology sector with the Elizabeth Blackburn research training researchers Sciences

2 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 About the Institute The University of Melbourne’s Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute (Bio21 Institute), is a multidisciplinary research centre specialising in medical, agricultural and environmental biotechnology. Accommodating more than 600 research scientists, students and industry participants, the Bio21 Institute is one of the largest biotechnology research centres in Australia.

The Bio21 Institute seeks to improve human A home of research and discovery health and the environment through The Bio21 Institute was built on the premise innovation in molecular life sciences and that multidisciplinary ventures between life biotechnology, driven by collaborative sciences, physical sciences and engineering research and dynamic interactions with disciplines, including harnessing genomics industry. knowledge in medical and other biomedical The commitment to establish the Bio21 areas of biotechnology, are fundamental Institute was the University of Melbourne’s to translating biological discoveries into original contribution to the Bio21 Cluster biotechnology outcomes. The Institute project, now known as Biomedical Research also embraces commercialisation as a Victoria. facilitator for scientific advancement, skills development and economic outcomes. Established in 2002, the Bio21 Institute The Institute’s commitment to intellectual was officially launched on 8 June 2005 by property protection, technology transfer Victorian Premier Mr Steve Bracks, joined and business incubation are key drivers of by University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor this innovation. Professor Glyn Davis, Innovation Minister Mr John Brumby and Health Minister Ms The Bio21 Institute now attracts outstanding Bronwyn Pike. scientists and technicians looking to use the purpose-built laboratories and state-of-the- In 2018 the Bio21 Institute was expanded art core platform technology facilities which with the opening of a new building named are accessible to these diverse scientific in honour of Nancy Millis to house the and industry communities investigating University of Melbourne’s Margaret Sheil various research themes. Included in this laboratories and the CSL Global Hub for community are the start-up companies Translational Research. supported through business incubation and entrepreneurship skills development, as well as students and early-career researchers.

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 3 Director’s Message Professor Michael Parker, Director of the Bio21 Institute

2018, a year of building research capacity and infrastructure and bringing industry groups into our community.

‘Bio-21’: is a creative and synthetic This Annual Report is an opportunity to combination of the Greek word ‘bios’ reflect on the year that was 2018 at the meaning life and ‘21’ as in the 21st century. Bio21 Institute. people – with CSL growing its scientific ‘Bios’ occurs in words such as biology, Building Research Infrastructure and workforce to 130 researchers – as well as biotechnology and biomedical, but also Capacity space for Metabolomics Australia and Mass biography; life story. We are 18 years into Spectrometry and Proteomics Facilities’ 2018 ended with a celebration: Friday, what will be defined as the ‘biological’ instruments. The new laboratories of the 14 December, Bio21 formally opened the century: 18 years old; practically an adult! Nancy Millis building are already a hive of Nancy Millis building and the Margaret activity and it is wonderful to see everyone Since the elucidation of the structure of Sheil laboratories. Two plaques were enjoying the light-filled, common areas for DNA (1953), we have been growing an unveiled by the Honourable John Brumby, their meetings and lunch breaks. increasingly versatile biological toolkit with Chairman and Director of Biocurate and which to discover, visualise, understand former Premier of Victoria. In 2005 the then Supported Research and Researchers and create the molecules of life, such Premier Steve Bracks with John Brumby, Despite the tight funding environment, it as genomic sequencing, molecular Treasurer and Innovation Minister and was encouraging to see that Bio21 Institute biology, mass spectrometry, proteomics, Bronwyn Pike, the Health Minister, officially researchers continued to have their metabolomics, magnetic resonance opened the Bio21 Institute David Penington research supported through government spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography building, so it was wonderful to have him grants. Australian Research Council and cryo-electron microscopy. continue to play a role in the Bio21 story. (ARC) grants were announced on the 27 When the words ‘Bio’ & ‘21’, were creatively It was also a great opportunity to honour November 2018. Sally Gras, Ary Hoffmann, combined to name the Institute, a new two trail-blazing women: Professors Craig Hutton, Justine Mintern, Gavin Reid, story began: a story dedicated to the study Nancy Millis and Margaret Sheil through Frances Separovic, David Stroud and Jose of life, harnessing molecular science, to the naming of the building and the Mass Villadangos received funds to pursue solve some of the biggest problems of Spectrometry facilities. important work in the areas of protein our time: the loss of biodiversity and food synthesis, mass spectrometry lipidomics, security as a result of climate change; The building has been made possible immune host defence, Wolbachia in making pesticides safer; combatting through a collaboration and joint funding Drosophila, nuclear magnetic resonance, infectious diseases and developing between CSL and the University of cell trafficking, improving species ability therapies and cures against cancer and Melbourne. The Nancy Millis building to adapt to environmental change and neurodegenerative diseases. has provided much needed space for synthetic biology.

4 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 Institute members Danny Hatters, Jose Research Foundation (ACRF) to fund three years to help run the new facility and Villadangos, Malcolm McConville, Justine a Facility for Innovative Cancer Drug particularly help drive outcomes in ovarian Mintern, Stuart Ralph, Kat Holt and Paul Discovery. I was honoured to officially cancer research. We really appreciate this Gleeson received NHMRC Research receive this grant from the Governor generous support. Fellowships and Project Grants, announced General, Sir Peter Cosgrove, at Admiralty The ACRF funding will make it possible on 12 December 2018, funding their House in Sydney. to create a facility that houses some of research into antigen presentation and David Ascher and I were the chief the most cutting-edge structural biology inflammation; neurodegenerative diseases; investigators on the grant from Bio21, instruments and technologies for the pathogen genomics; parasitic protozoa and together with Rick Pearson, Peter identification and development of drugs malaria. MacCallum Cancer Centre and John Silke for cancers. The Facility will be hosted by Australian Cancer Research Foundation of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, the Melbourne Protein Characterisation support representing some of Victoria’s major platform facility that is being established Philanthropic funding from individuals and cancer research institutions; an example of in the basement of the Bio21 Penington foundations also played an important role in the importance of working collaboratively. building. supporting research at Bio21 into particular In addition to this, Monday, 3rd December With the new Facility, we will be a key go-to areas of need in our society. 2018, the Ovarian Cancer Research service for the cancer research community On the 28 November 2018, Bio21 received Foundation officially announced that it in the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct and $2M funding from the Australian Cancer would provide funding for operators over beyond for structural biology-guided drug

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 5 discovery. Structural biology holds a key to developing innovative cancer drugs by providing detailed information about the shape of molecules that are involved in cancer-causing biological signalling pathways within cells of our bodies. Structural biology has played a key role in targeted molecular medicines including imatinib (Gleevec) to treat myeloid leukaemia, venetoclax for leukaemia and gefitinib for lung cancer. The grants awarded by the ACRF are made possible through the generosity of many donors who contribute to the foundation, often people who have personally been affected by a cancer diagnosis. Australian Wool Innovation Also a $2.5 million grant from Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) was awarded to Bio21’s Trent Perry, Batterham lab, along with Clare Anstead and Vern Bowles (Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences) and a research group in CSIRO for a vaccine project to tackle fly strike. As we receive these grants we recognise with gratitude the generosity of those who make our work possible through their contributions. Industry supported and embedded in the Institute Bio21 is co-located with industry tenants. In 2018, we welcomed Rhythm Biosciences (diagnostics), and SYNthesis med chem and Research (medical chemistry), two biotechnology companies, that moved into the Bio21 Business Incubator building (building 404). They joined CSL (biological

6 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 therapeutics), Circa Group (chemistry of that as power structures exist, through an incredible resource to the biomedical bio-derived products) and Alterity, formerly academic hierarchy, funding access and scientific community within the Melbourne Prana Biotech (medicinal chemistry applied visa restrictions, some members are more Biomedical Precinct. to neurodegenerative diseases) as industry vulnerable than others. The Women of Future directions research groups who are part of the Bio21 Bio21 committee, chaired by Diana community. Stojanovski, and our regular internal As a director, it would sometimes be nice if morning teas, are some of the ways it were possible to peer into a crystal ball; From the beginning, it has been one of in which we are attempting to create to know what the future holds and what Bio21’s goals to support translation and an inclusive, equitable, fair working direction we should steer the Bio21 ‘ship’. commercialisation of research and to environment, underpinned by a strong Not only for the next year or two; but to provide a supportive ‘incubator’ space for sense of respect for each other. set a path for the next decade and beyond. industry research, whether they be start- Identifying the health and environmental ups or more well established companies. Bio21 is growing needs of our society into the future, whilst Bio21 is an attractive location for industry As the ‘Stage 2B’/’Nancy Millis building’ continuing to provide the capacity and groups for many reasons: access to our project was completed in 2018, the infrastructure to support cutting edge platform technology facilities, being ‘Stage 2C’ development to house CryoEM research for scientists to address these embedded in a thriving academic research microscopes in the former Veterinary problems remains an ongoing challenge. Research Institute was commencing. Also, institute and in close proximity to other Within the pages of this annual report, we a new Melbourne Protein Characterisation University of Melbourne institutes and provide you with a snapshot and a taste of platform was being established. In faculties, medical research institutes and the academic and industry research taking this way, Bio21 continued to grow our hospitals in the Melbourne Biomedical place at the Bio21 Institute, as well as the already significant molecular science Precinct in Parkville. exciting infrastructure projects taking place. instrumentation capacity. A great place to ‘do science’ We hope to infect you with the excitement The Bio21 Institute is a wonderful for discovery, curiosity and learning that But, it is often the intangible factors such environment to undertake molecular is the life-blood of research, as well as the as a collegial, collaborative and welcoming science research, equipped with a suite of importance and respect for evidence, that research culture that then leads to the platform technology facilities. It is however, underpins our pursuit of knowledge and flourishing of industry and academic the combination of these complementary wisdom. research groups in the Institute, as well technologies: for example, metabolomics as the growth of opportunities for all. Michael W. Parker DPhil (Oxon) FAA using magnetic resonance and mass FAHMS The Bio21 Institute, reflecting the spectrometry; X-ray crystallography Director international nature of science, is a diverse in combination with cryoEM and Bio21 Molecular Science and community of academic and industry computational biology that often give Biotechnology Institute (Bio21 Institute) researchers and professional staff members us that extra insight, resolution, detail and at various stages of our careers, from data that allow us to solve the missing diverse cultural, ethnic backgrounds and pieces in our respective puzzles. genders. It is one of the reasons that Complementing each other, the instruments science institutions are such enriching housed in Bio21’s platform facilities provide places to work in, but it also means

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 7 Bio21 Leadership

Deputy Director’s Message Professor Emeritus Frances Separovic AO

In the spirit of diversity and inclusion, a personal highlight in 2018 was the announcement that I had been inducted alongside twenty other women into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women. I felt very proud to be considered amongst these women, who had achieved remarkable things against formidable odds and had come from very diverse backgrounds career, the humour often veils the hurt science, in a male-dominated profession, (e.g. Jess Gallagher, summer and winter and discrimination that I also have faced and that has allowed me to grow into an paralympic medallist). in the course of my career, e.g. the shock advocate for women in science. I tell my Based on my beginnings as a Croatian and disappointment I felt as a 20 year old story not as a deterrent, but to encourage migrant kid growing up in Broken Hill, this when I realised that I had been hired at young, passionate women to embark and award somehow made me feel that now I a public research institution primarily persevere in scientific careers. It’s worth it! really belonged: that I too was a true blue, due to my looks rather than (obvious) Despite the obstacles, I’ve had a wonderful dyed-in-the-wool Victorian! aptitude. Discrimination has often taken career and science has enriched my life in so many ways. In late 2017, the Me Too hashtag (#MeToo) the form of not being taken seriously went viral on social media with the stories because I was (am) a woman and my During 2018 I have spoken to the Women of thousands of women bringing to light talent and commitment being doubted in Science Network at the Faculty of the extent of harassment and abuse and undermined due to my gender. Science (WiSN), Balmain Public School, women have experienced across society As my academic career draws to an Girls in Physics Breakfast – Bendigo, Royal and in their workplaces. Unfortunately, end, I have been fortunate to have been Australian Chemical Institute Annual science has not been exempt from this recognised by several academic awards but Dinner, Australian and New Zealand type of behaviour. I tend to use humour the Victorian Honour Roll is a more public Association for the Advancement of when I tell my own story and, although recognition, which has launched me into a Science, Institute for Molecular Bioscience I feel myself fortunate to have had the series of speaking engagements, where I – Brisbane, Faculty of Veterinary and support of men in the course of my have been asked to reflect on my career in Agricultural Sciences – Melbourne and

8 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 Adelaide Protein Group on ‘my brilliant promoting women in science. In the past Engagement, and group leaders Professor career’. I find this very rewarding and year, as a Victorian Honour Roll of Women Karen Day, Dr Laura Edgington-Mitchell, am inspired by the enthusiasm of school Ambassador, I’ve discovered social media Dr Elizabeth Hinde, Dr Justine Mintern, children, particularly primary school and you can follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn Associate Professor Isabelle Rouiller, Dr students. and Facebook too! Diana Stojanovski, Professor Leann Tilley (ARC Laureate Fellow) and Professor Uta Exploring my next steps beyond As Deputy Director, Bio21 Institute, I am Wille. They are each forging ahead in their retirement, I applied to ‘Homeward Bound’ committed to supporting cultural change own disciplines, whilst fostering a diverse and was fortunate to be accepted to within the Institute. We can be proud of group of young scientists and future journey to Antarctica and receive intensive our female Institute leaders, including leaders. training in public engagement towards Professor Sally Gras, Associate Director

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 9 Bio21 Associate Directors

There are three Associate Directors of the Bio21 Institute: • Engagement – Professor Sally Gras • Commercialisation – Professor Spencer Williams • Platform Infrastructure – Professor Malcolm McConville

Science communication and engagement high tech industries in Europe. Many of integrates science and society, fulfilling Denmark’s museums also offer outstanding our social contract and maintaining trust examples of storytelling and engagement in in the scientific endeavour. In contrast, scientific research, such as the Moesgaard scientific jargon and a hesitancy to Museum in Aarhus. engage can present significant barriers to I have since been fortunate to connect communication, particularly when coupled with Professor Kirsten Drotner from The with a lack of public understanding of University of Southern Denmark, an expert the scientific method and the complexity on communications and international of scientific findings. Many highly skilled best practice for museums and interactive communicators have found creative and displays, with whom we hope to collaborate innovative ways of engaging with the public to develop Bio21’s engagement strategy. in scientific organisations and museums, My laboratory is also establishing scientific as well as through new initiatives such as collaborations with international firms ‘Science Gallery’, part of the Global Science based in Denmark who are world leaders Gallery Network hosted at The University in technology, to further our international of Melbourne that aims to engage 15–25 engagement. Associate Director Engagement – year olds in science. Professor Sally Gras Much of the research taking place at the For part of 2018, I had the privilege of Bio21 Institute on molecules and cells is not Engagement with the public, industry, taking a sabbatical at The Danish Technical visible to the eye. There is a great deal of government and other stakeholder groups University (DTU) in Denmark. As part of potential, however, to develop displays to is an important part of what we do as a my time in Denmark and whilst visiting visualise the unseen molecular world for scientific research community at the Bio21 collaborators and attending conferences, I visitors to the Institute, inspiring them with Institute; informing policy and debate, also took the opportunity to explore public the beauty, complexity and potential value educating the public, inspiring the next engagement and best practice within of the knowledge we gain through the generation and increasing the ways in Europe. I was particularly impressed by the study of these molecules. which our work can have an impact DTU High Tech Summit, an annual event on society. In an age of ‘fake news’ that in 2018 hosted 1,266 companies and My own engagement through The ARC communicating science in an engaging 266 startups in a program of 211 technical Dairy Hub includes diverse stakeholder way is more important than ever. talks that aimed to encourage discussion, groups of dairy manufacturers and the networking and further development of dairy industry. We also work with a number

10 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 of pharmaceutical companies on Australian by Paul McMillan, Biological Optical well as Savitribai Phule Pune University’s Research Council Linkage grants and other Microscopy Platform. affiliated Modern College of Arts, Science contracts. Many of our projects involve the and Commerce. A number of high school We hosted Bio21 ‘Big Picture’ Seminars, molecular scale but have an impact on the groups visited Bio21, including Geelong hearing from, among others, Professors industrial scale and broader societal impact College, Loreto Mandeville Hall and Paul Sanberg, Prof Koram, Ghana and through consumers and patients. Through University High School, Elizabeth Blackburn from the team at Biocurate. We brought this research I have learnt the importance Sciences. our community together and introduced of engaging with different groups in new members, including new industry Also, many of our members have appeared targeted ways, both through conversation, groups Rhythm Biosciences and SYNthesis in the media, communicating their research presentations and various media. Research and med chem at our regular or providing expert comment, on radio, in The Bio21 Institute celebrated many events Bio21 morning teas. print media and within online platforms, in 2018 and the year was significant for like The Conversation. Several large conferences and symposia communication, engagement and events, were hosted at Bio21, including AussieMit, Supporting our Communications and culminating in the opening of the Nancy the Australian Functional Genomics Engagement Advisor, Florienne Loder, much Millis Building on 14 December. Conference, the Georgina Sweet Awards of the engagement at the Institute is only As in previous years, we ran a one-week and the Victorian Mass Spectrometry possible through the efforts of volunteers work experience program for 14 Year 10 Symposium. Our platform groups hosted a who have run tours and activities, or shared students from schools across Victoria; series of ‘101 workshops’. their research with tour groups visiting opened our doors for the Open House the Institute and we thank them for the We were visited by international academic Melbourne Weekend (>500 visitors) important role they play towards our and government delegations from The and ran the ‘Life Magnified’ activity current and future engagement at Bio21. University of Birmingham and Padua, as during National Science Week organised

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 11 2018 marked a major achievement for commercialisation, the support provided the Institute with the commissioning by RIC, and the opportunities within of the Nancy Millis building, which has BioCurate. supported an expansion of the CSL Global Several drugs developed by University Research and Translational Medicine of Melbourne researchers, including , including the recruitment of new Hub those at the Bio21 Institute continue to researchers. The long-term commitment progress through human clinical trials of CSL to increase its presence at the Bio21 with commercial partners. One notable Institute will help drive collaboration within milestone has been achieved with the Biomedical Precinct and cements the Cu(-ATSM), a promising new treatment status of the Bio21 Institute as a significant for Motor Neurone Disease (MND), first player within the national biomedical discovered by University of Melbourne and innovation landscape. The increase in floor Bio21 Institute researchers Paul Donnelly space available through commissioning and Kevin Barnham, along with Anthony the Nancy Millis Building should allow White. A Phase I clinical trial sponsored new tenants to join the Bio21 Institute by Collaborative Medicinal Development, community in the future. Associate Director Commercialisation – who has licensed the technology, reported Professor Spencer Williams Also within the Nancy Millis building that 32 patients treated with the drug is office space shared by business showed significantly less decline in lung The Bio21 Institute has a mission to drive development staff from the University capacity. A larger, randomised, placebo- innovation in the Biotechnology sector of Melbourne Research Industry controlled double-blind Phase 2 trial is through dynamic engagement with Commercialisation (RIC) unit, and from planned to commence in 2019. industry. Such engagement takes many BioCurate, a joint University of Melbourne forms and is assisted by commercial Finally, we welcome the appointment of / Monash University ‘venture catalyst’ and entities that are located within the Bio21 the new University of Melbourne Vice technology accelerator. BioCurate’s head Institute Incubator. In this regard, two Chancellor, Duncan Maskell who has a office is adjacent to Monash Institute significant tenants joined the Bio21 Institute strong entrepreneurial background and of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MIPS) on Incubator in 2018: Rhythm Biosciences, an has made distinguished contributions Royal Parade and the establishment of a ASX-listed cancer diagnostics company, to research commercialisation in the footprint on the University of Melbourne and SYNthesis med chem, a privately- biotechnology sector in his career in campus will help drive engagement with owned Australian contract research the UK. In his new role Duncan seeks to University of Melbourne researchers and organisation with extensive laboratories further advance commercialisation and boost the development of new medicines in China that provide services in small applications of research discoveries at the and related technologies. During 2018, molecule drug development. These University of Melbourne, a place where Glenn Begley and Cathy Drinkwater from companies joined the Bio21 Institute the Bio21 Institute can and will continue BioCurate and Paul Barrett from RIC ran community because of tangible and to make significant contributions. a forum as part of the Bio21 Institute’s intangible benefits from colocation in ‘Big Picture’ lecture series in which they the Institute and the broader Melbourne discussed the barriers to research Biomedical Precinct.

12 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 mass in informatics, data storage and facility and metabolomics, and new opportunities management governance. for undertaking integrated multi-omic analyses of complex biological systems. Some key developments that occurred in The further expansion of these facilities 2018 include the following. in 2019 is guaranteed with major Federal The combined Mass Spectrometry- Government investment through the NCRIS Proteomics Facility (MSPF) and scheme and Philanthropic investments, Metabolomics Australia (MA) although keeping abreast of increased user The combined Mass Spectrometry- base and raising funds for new instruments Proteomics Facility (MSPF) and represents a significant challenge. Metabolomics Australia (MA) facilities Advanced Microscopy Facility moved to the new purpose built office Similar expansion also occurred in the and lab space (1000sqm) in the Nancy Advanced Microscopy Facility with the Millis Building (formally opened in Feb installation of the new 200keV Arctica 2019). The new labs, named after our Talos cryo-EM for structural biology in previous Provost Professor Margaret Shiel, April 2018, with support from CSL. Single accommodate over 30 advanced mass particle cryo-EM has revolutionised the field Associate Director Platform spectrometry instruments, supported by of protein structural biology, and this new Infrastructure – Professor Malcolm 15 research staff. This capability provides instrument was one of the first of its kind McConville complementary expertise in proteomics The Bio21 technology platform facilities underpin much of the research that occurs within the institute and are also widely used by academic and industry researchers from around the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct and beyond. The major Bio21 technology platform facilities provide critical mass and national leadership in magnetic resonance spectroscopy, proteomics and metabolomics, and advanced electron and fluorescence microscopy. There is increasing overlap in the capabilities of these platforms, which is leading to synergies, particularly around the characterisation of protein function using techniques such as single particle cryo-EM, mass spectrometry, X-ray crystallography and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Colocation also brings together critical

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 13 in the country. This investment as been Protein Characterisation access to high capacity protein expression linked to the recruitment of new structural A new Institute platform around Melbourne (insect, mammalian), purification and biology research groups to the institute Protein Characterisation was also characterisation. This facility brings (Rouiller, Parker labs), the recent purchase established in 2018. This platform brings together capability in various steps in of two more advanced cryo-EM systems (a together substantial investments made by the drug development pipelines. 300keV Titan Krios), and advanced plans Biochemistry and Chemistry Departments for a new 1000sqm building on the north- over the years into the newly renovated west corner of the Bio21 precinct. lab and office space in the Bio21 Basement ‘Goodbye’ and ‘Welcome’ Melbourne Magnetic Resonance (previously occupied by the proteomics New arrivals Departures and metabolomics facilities). Capabilities The Melbourne Magnetic Resonance facility Rhythm Mulvaney group include high-end analytical ultracentrifuges continues to be heavily used by researchers Biosciences Women’s Hospital (including a Beckman Optima AUC with from around the Parkville precinct with SYNthesis Infectious Disease multiple optical detection modes), the interests in protein structure, drug design Research research group new X-ray diffractometer, circular dichroism and metabolomics. The facility saw the SYNthesis med Holt Group spectroscopy, and calorimetry. This retirement of Dr Hamish Grant, who has chem new facility has been established by CAPIM group been a senior research officer in the facility Yan Hong Tan and will also provide a Biocurate Kronzucker Group for more than 10 years. one-stop-facility for researchers wanting

14 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 Impacts of Research

It is the goal of the Bio21 Institute to improve health and the environment through innovation in molecular science and biotechnology, driven by multi-disciplinary research and dynamic interactions with industry.

From improving the resilience of plants and animals, to the effects of global climate change and controlling mosquito populations that transmit dengue in Australia and abroad, to gaining an understanding of the impact of severe viral infection on our immune systems and developing compounds against Motor Neurone Disease – the impact of the research conducted at the Institute in the Schools of Biosciences, Chemistry and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Melbourne Dental School, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences in improving health and the environment is far-reaching.

Human Health The Environment Alzheimer’s Disease Species rescue (Eastern Barred Antimicrobial therapies Bandicoot; Mountain Pygmy Possum) Cancer Sustainable pesticides (sheep Dengue blow fly; cotton bollworm) Dental Health (Periodontitis) Sustainable energy (organic Huntington’s Disease solar cells) Inflammation Leishmaniasis Legionella Malaria Mitochondrial Disease Motor Neurone Disease Parkinson’s Disease Sepsis Toxoplasmosis

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 15 Impacts of Research: Human Health

Researchers have discovered that cancer treatments can help overcome growing resistance to a frontline antimalarial drug By Kathryn Powley, University of Melbourne

The battle to conquer the deadly It effectively reduces the parasite’s impact, malaria parasite could soon take but doesn’t kill off every parasite infecting an unexpected turn as University an individual. Hence artemisinin is always of Melbourne researchers bring used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs into the armoury. antimalarial drugs. But here comes the second catch; Leading malaria researcher Professor Leann resistance is rising to both artemisinin Tilley and her team have uncovered the and the partner drugs. mechanism of how frontline antimalarial drug, artemisinin, works and are now “The combination of artemisinin and various partner drugs reduces the patient’s working on a promising chemotherapy- working on malaria, and we are making symptoms and stops them from dying, but based compound to treat patients. progress, there’s a risk that we could go no longer cures them. A few weeks later backwards very quickly if resistance Artemisinin is derived from wormwood malaria comes back and the patient has spreads to Africa,” she says. and was developed in China during Mao to return for more treatment; but doctors Zedong’s rule. It has saved millions of lives, are running out of treatment options.” Understanding Artemisinin but scientists are engaged in a constant game of cat-and-mouse with malaria, Clearly there’s a degree of urgency. It’s surprisingly common not to know exactly how and why a drug works. searching for ways to beat the parasite’s “Although we have very good scientists growing resistance. Malaria claims the lives of about 440,000 people worldwide every year, the majority of whom are children under five years of age, and artemisinin resistance has developed in South-East Asia, with fears it will soon reach Africa. “If you’re going into a coma suffering very serious complications from malaria, you need immediate relief from the symptoms and this drug works very quickly,” Professor Tilley says. But there are at least two catches. First, artemisinin doesn’t work very well by itself.

16 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 For example, the modes of action of Working on a hunch, Professor Tilley tried for Malaria Venture to discover a new paracetamol, which is used to treat pain, hitting malaria parasites with proteasome parasite-specific proteasome inhibitor and lithium compounds, which are used inhibitors. that works in tandem with artemisinin, to treat bipolar disorder, are not clear. and advance it to clinical trials. The team discovered that artemisinin and But not knowing how artemisinin works the anti-cancer drugs can work together The Medicines for Malaria Venture has been a block to understanding the to knock out the proteasome and prevent can shepherd promising antimalarial growing resistance and to developing the parasite’s ‘shielding’ response. compounds through the pipeline from better treatments. Understanding the discovery to trial via a fast-tracked The results are promising, and have mechanism underpinning the drug’s action approvals process. led to Professor Tilley teaming up with has become mission critical for malaria Takeda of Japan and Swiss-based This is a shortened excerpt, first published researchers. non-profit research foundation Medicines in Pursuit. “What we have discovered is that artemisinin packs a double whammy,” says Professor Tilley. “When it gets inside the malaria parasite it goes off like a cluster bomb, damaging proteins. After the ‘explosion’, the parasite is desperately reliant on shredder enzymes, called proteasomes, to dispose of the excess waste. Artemisinin also targets this waste disposal system, further weakening the parasite.” Blockage of the proteasome causes an accumulation of proteins that are marked with a ‘kiss of death’ modification. When these damaged proteins build up, they stress the parasite and soon lead to cell death. Enter chemotherapy Here’s where chemotherapy comes in, because some cancer drugs are designed to attack proteasomes. They are called proteasome inhibitors. Professor Tilley explains that cancer cells grow at a gangbusters’ rate, creating so much waste they are more reliant on their proteasomes than regular cells.

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 17 The genes that turn malaria into a killer A small group of proteins are associated with the most severe strains of malarial infection and their discovery is a step towards a vaccine against the deadliest forms of the disease. By Dr Daryl Holland, University of Melbourne

Not all cases of malaria are the same. There “We think it’s an interplay of both. are thousands of different strains – some “What we think is that the immunologically parasites cause only mild symptoms, while naïve – that is, people who have never other more severe forms can cause disease previously been exposed – get infected and death. with these parasites and those parasites And not all people are the same. Some that cause severe disease dominate in people infected with malaria show no these early infections. Either you become obvious symptoms, while others succumb immune or you die.” An international research collaboration led to a severe and, ultimately, fatal disease. Dr Duffy believes the key to combating by Professor Karen Day, Dean of Science at All too often this second group includes the public health challenge of malaria is the University of Melbourne, has developed young children who have not yet had to focus on those people who are most a ‘fingerprinting’ technique to uniquely a chance to develop a strong immune susceptible to severe malaria – young identify different strains of malaria in a response to the malaria parasite. children – and focus on those malaria population based on the genes (called var “The great burden of mortality for malaria strains that are most likely to cause death. genes) that code for the surface protein is in children under five,” says Dr Michael PfEMP1. This protein plays a key role in But how can you tell a deadly malaria Duffy, a malaria researcher with the School the parasite’s ability to evade our immune strain from a more benign strain? of BioSciences and Bio21 Institute at the systems. University of Melbourne. The World Health Organization reported 429,000 malaria deaths in 2015, of which 70 per cent were children under the age of 5. Why are children at such high risk of death by malaria? And why do some die while others survive? The human/parasite interaction “We asked ourselves – is it something about the humans or the parasites that results in this difference?” says Dr Duffy.

18 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 Each malaria parasite contains around 60 from the blood of 44 adults in a location and what’s different between severe and versions of the var gene and when in the where malaria is endemic in the state of uncomplicated cases,” says Dr Duffy. bloodstream of a host, these genes will Papua in Indonesia. Twenty three of these Incredibly, all the proteins associated with be expressed one at a time, each time people had severe malaria. severe malaria in India and Africa were also building a new surface protein. The researchers then assembled 4662 upregulated (had a heightened response) “So you develop immunity to one protein pieces of var genes that were being in the severe cases in Papua, suggesting and you start to kill off the parasites expressed in these parasites and compared that this small group of deadly proteins is expressing it,” says Dr Duffy. the genes expressed in severe cases highly conserved around the world. With against those expressed in mild cases. their comprehensive screening technology, “And then it spontaneously switches to the research team also found many severe- another protein to which you have no They used advanced statistical processing malaria associated proteins that hadn’t immunity.” to show that a tiny subset of the thousands been identified elsewhere. of var genes that were present were being A few years ago, Dr Duffy and his expressed at a higher rate in patients The researchers are now looking to test collaborators, as well as other malaria with severe malaria than in those with children in malaria-endemic regions of researchers, concluded that there is uncomplicated malaria. Africa – the group by far the most at risk probably a particular set of PfEMP1 from malaria death – to see if the novel proteins that are causing severe disease. Other groups have tested patients in deadly proteins they found in Papua are India and Africa for known var genes “Once you are immune to them, you are also present there. and have similarly found an association immune to severe disease, but you can between the expression of certain genes This research was published in PLoS still be infected with uncomplicated malaria, and severe malaria. Biology, and was conducted by an or be asymptomatic,” says Dr Duffy. international team of researchers from “This is the first time anyone has taken To test this, Dr Duffy and his colleagues the Universities of Melbourne and Oxford, the genes that are expressed, sequenced used new sequencing and fingerprinting the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of everything that’s there and tried to technologies to sample parasites isolated Medical Research, the Eijkman Institute assemble them, to work out what’s present for Molecular Biology in Jakarta, Indonesia, the Timika Malaria Research Program, Papuan Health and Community Development Foundation, Indonesia, the Peter McCallum Cancer Centre and Charles Darwin University. This article was first published on Pursuit.

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 19 From decades to days: 3D modelling of tuberculosis 3D modelling of the mutations in TB means doctors around the world could soon tailor individual treatments for the disease in a matter of days, rather than years. By Dr Justin Denholm, University of Melbourne

While many of us may think of tuberculosis Even so, when a new mutation is found, (TB) as a historical disease, it actually understanding whether it can lead to drug remains one of the top ten causes of death resistance means seeing evidence both in worldwide. While it’s relatively uncommon laboratory testing and in clinical settings. in Australia, in 2016, around 10.4 million Clinicians and TB programs, then, may need people fell ill with TB globally and 1.7 million to treat people while there’s still uncertainty lost their lives as a result of the disease. about the meaning of these mutations. The 3D mutation modelling aims to But now innovative technology is providing support global programs starting to use us with a game changer for treatment – Dr David Ascher, headed the 3D modelling new therapies for TB. modelling mutating tuberculosis genes project of mutations in TB Part of the reason that TB remains such a in a matter of hours. difficult disease to manage is the long time it can take to establish what treatment is best for each patient. Traditional approaches to demonstrating that a specific medication will be effective against a strain of TB involve laboratories culturing the organism and checking whether the drug stops its growth. And because TB is very slow growing, this process can take weeks or even months; and that is long enough for resistance to develop. The end result is that those suffering may die before the right treatment can be started. In recent years, genomics has brought advances to TB diagnosis, including the ability to rapidly identify when strains have mutations likely to cause drug resistance.

20 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 Modelling mutations Scientists at the Victorian Infectious Suspecting that the mutation might be Our team has developed a computer- Diseases Reference Laboratory used causing resistance, Ms Karmakar was generated model that allows clinicians this cutting-edge genome sequencing quickly able to build a new 3D model to to tailor effective therapies for individual technology to look for drug-resistance investigate. What she found was that the patients with multidrug-resistant mutations to help tailor the patient’s mutation made one of the drugs being used tuberculosis (MDR-TB). therapy and identified a mutation completely ineffective. As a result, doctors that had never been reported before. swapped it for another, more effective drug. Researchers from The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity and This article was first published on Pursuit. University of Melbourne’s Bio21 Molecular Science & Biotechnology Institute, led by University of Melbourne PhD student Malancha Karmakar, have devised a 3D-computational approach to predicting the impact of mutations in TB. This work is aimed at supporting global programs that are starting to use new TB therapies, allowing them to be tailored to an individual as early as possible while also avoiding the use of ineffective and harmful treatments. While our research was underway, doctors Pyrazinamide in Melbourne were treating a patient with multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB who was experiencing significant side effects from the cocktail of medications they required. These problems with side effects are sadly common, as MDR-TB needs treatment for up to two years with medications that can themselves cause deafness, liver and thyroid damage, joint pain and other issues that add to the difficulty Mutation of completing therapy.

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 21 Impacts of Research: Environment

Tracking Climate Threat to Australia’s Unique Ecosystems Evidence of the impact of climate change on our country’s distinct flora and fauna is beginning to emerge, and we’re running out of time to record and preserve our extraordinary biodiversity. By Professor Ary Hoffmann, Nicholas Bell and Dr James Camac, University of Melbourne

How do we monitor the impacts of While this long-term monitoring is critical Nevertheless, the evidence is beginning climate change on Australia’s terrestrial for ensuring the endurance of species and to emerge. Our team, alongside other ecosystems? communities into the future, there are scientific colleagues, has collated eight It’s a complex issue. This is mainly because challenges. case studies of climate change impacts on Australian terrestrial ecosystems, of how variable the climate can be on land, For one, it is difficult to fund long-running published in the journal Austral Ecology. as well as the unpredictability of extreme research like this from research grants, events like drought, fire and flooding, which are typically short – usually three Several of these case studies highlight the which typically reoccur at decade scales. years or so. But then there’s also the clear link between recent climate change These extreme events are expected to need for highly specific expertise for and its effect on terrestrial biodiversity, have the largest impacts on our terrestrial accurate monitoring of animal and plant while others highlight the uncertainty in biodiversity. communities. climate change impacts and the need to collect more data to better understand As a result, detecting any climate-driven It’s an issue that has attracted global the current and future impacts of our changes in the frequency and intensity of attention – Sir David Attenborough has changing climate. these extreme events needs sets of data joined the call warning that time is running that only come from decades of long-term out to record and preserve Australia’s monitoring. unique biodiversity.

22 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 A once healthy cushion plant suffering from dieback. Photo: Dana Bergstrom. www.antarctica.gov.au/agazine/2011-2015/ issue-28-june-2015

Plants and a changing climate One of the simpler case studies involves cushion plants on Antarctic islands. These plants are ‘ecosystem engineers’, serving a keystone role in their ecosystem. As their habitat becomes drier, these plants, Time is of the essence Should we focus our attention on improving which were once common in the landscape, Monitoring and understanding the effects a species’ resilience to climate change? have become threatened in an extremely of climate change on biodiversity is only Should we focus efforts on identifying short period of time. the first step in forecasting and adapting climate refuges and prioritise these areas They are dying as a consequence of the natural environments to global change. for land acquisition? drier and more variable conditions, as well There are many important questions These are big questions. And there’re a lot as other environmental stresses including that need to be considered by both of them. But if we don’t act now, it may be pathogens. land managers and communities to help too late. Some trees and large animals have minimise the damage of climate change. Animals and the heat very slow generation times lasting several Meanwhile, animal populations are also For example, if a species is expected to decades and, for them, the timing is critical. become locally extinct due to changes being severely affected by recent changes There are no simple answers, but if we in climate, at what stage should we in climate. take early action and commit to detailed consider translocating it to areas of monitoring of areas where these changes For example, the Mountain Pygmy-possum higher suitability? is dependent on the annual migration of are happening, we will no doubt make Bogong Moths – its main food source – Should more tolerant species be mistakes, but we could also learn important which emerge hundreds of kilometres translocated to areas where a species is lessons for the future of our unique north of the possum’s alpine range. But expected to become locally extinct in order ecosystems. to maintain critical ecological and economic changing climate conditions and modern This is a shortened excerpt, first published farming practices are leading to a sharp functions of the environment, like timber in Pursuit. decline in moth numbers, which has dire production, pollination, carbon capture, consequences for the survival of the microclimate effects, and soil erosion possums over winter. control?

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 23 Enabling Platform Technologies

Platform Technology Facilities Metabolomics Australia electrophoresis coupled with mass supporting molecular science The Metabolomics Australia facility, also spectrometry. These analyses can be very The Bio21 research environment consists housed in the Margaret Sheil laboratories powerful for biomedical and environmental of well-resourced platform technology at Bio21, comprises the combination of research. facilities that house powerful research high-throughput analytical technologies Melbourne Magnetic Resonance for the detection and quantification of instruments. The Melbourne Magnetic Resonance metabolites in biological systems with the Some of our facilities represent the largest platform is home to nine magnetic application of sophisticated bioinformatic resonance spectrometers, with a tenth of their kind in Australia, with cutting edge tools for data mining and analysis. The one on the way for fragment-screening instruments and led by highly regarded most commonly used platforms for the purposes. This suite of instruments national experts in their respective detection and measurement of metabolites includes 400, 500, 600, 700 and 800 technologies. Much of the instrumentation involves the use of gas chromatography, MHz magnetic resonance spectrometers has been supported through government liquid chromatography, or capillary grants, such as the ARC LIEF grants. The Margaret Sheil laboratories in the Nancy Millis building house the Melbourne Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics platform and Metabolomics Australia platform, with a total of over 30 mass spectrometers. Melbourne Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Melbourne Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, with its fleet of eight mass spectrometers and seven HPLC instruments, as well as sample preparation instruments makes it possible to conduct proteomic, lipidomic and metabolomics analyses of samples, as a powerful way to identify biomarkers of diseases, as well as measure the impact of potential therapeutic candidates. A recent addition to the laboratories, through a collaboration with the Doherty Institute, is an ICP-mass spectrometer that can identify metal ions at very low concentrations in biological samples.

24 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 and a DNP solid-state dynamic nuclear polarization-enhanced NMR system to make increasingly sensitive measurements of samples from small molecules through to large proteins, in solution, but also as solids in more physiological conditions. Melbourne Advanced Microscopy The Melbourne Advanced Microscopy platform is bursting at the seams with high end electron microscopes. It is housing four Transmission Electron Microscopes (TEM), of which three are cryo TEMs. It is also equipped with two Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM) and a dual beam microscope.. The ThermoFisher FEI Talos Artica cryo EM has already led to a number of atomic resolution protein structures despite only being commissioned a year ago. The Bio21 Institute also has several high end optical microscopes with confocal microscopes and super resolution systems as well as sample preparation equipment as part of the University of Melbourne’s Biological Optical Microscopy Platform interactions as well as supporting the other UV-Vis absorbance spectrophotometers, (BOMP). platforms through the production of well isothermal titration calorimeters, circular With the ‘Stage 2C’ development to characterised proteins for further analysis. dichroism spectrometers, dynamic house CryoEM microscopes in the former The platform will be comprised of three light scattering zetasizer, biolayer Veterinary Research Institute and the facilities, to support protein discovery interferometer, microscale thermophoresis, newly established Melbourne Protein research: 1. Protein Production, 2. Protein and differential scanning calorimeter. The Characterisation platform facility, Bio21 is Characterisation and Interaction and facility will soon be complemented by a growing our already significant molecular 3. X-ray diffraction. Protein Production Biacore surface plasmon resonance with science instrumentation capacity. will focus on insect and mammalian cell funds from the recent successful ACRF protein expression and is so far equipped grant. The X-ray Diffraction lab has been Melbourne Protein Characterisation with a Biostat twin control tower with fitted out with a Rigaku Synergy-S X-ray Bio21’s Melbourne Protein Characterisation rocker and crossflow system. The Protein diffractometer for both protein and small Facility (MPC), which is currently being Characterisation and Interaction facility molecule studies and a PX Scanner. A suite established, will be a key resource within contains analytical ultracentrifuges, of protein crystallisation robots will be Bio21 for studying protein function and fluorescence spectrophotometers, added over the next year.

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 25 Systems and Computational Biology Platform The major Bio21 platforms are supported by the Bio21 Systems and Computational Biology Platform which has recently set up “Bio21 cluster 1”, a high performance cpu cluster with a total of 340 cpu core to support our platforms and researchers at Bio21.

ACRF Translational Proteomics Facility opened across VCCC partners The Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) Translational Proteomics Facility, funded by a $2,000,000 grant to the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC), was officially opened on Monday, 19 November 2018. The Facility consists of a suite of instruments distributed across two of the VCCC partner organisations, the University of Melbourne (Bio21 Institute) and the Peter McCallum Cancer Centre. Professor Gavin Reid toured with the official delegation from the ACRF and supporters through the Bio21 Institute’s Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, to showcase the mass spectrometer that was purchased with the support of the ACRF grant, before heading with the group to the VCCC for the official opening ceremony. The instrumentation purchased with the support of the ACRF is being used to conduct protein-based assays that will inform the treatment of cancer patients with targeted cancer therapies.

26 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 Women of Bio21 Committee Report

At the Bio21 Institute, I chair the “Women of Bio21” Committee, with the aim of identifying ways in which we can improve gender equity at the Institute. Dr Diana Stojanovski

One of our initiatives in 2018 has been The Bio21 Institute brings together to profile our women from across the research groups working with molecular Institute, at various stages of their career science technologies from from three and representing diverse roles and STEMM faculties, including the Faculty backgrounds. It has been a wonderful of Science (School of Chemistry, School initiative that has highlighted some of of BioSciences), Faculty of Medicine, the challenges our women face, but also Dentistry and Health Sciences (Department is a both a challenge and an opportunity how with support, encouragement and of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, for tackling barriers to gender inequality determination they continue to pursue Melbourne School of Dentistry) and at the Institute. the career they love. Some of the barriers the Melbourne School of Engineering and challenges that have been highlighted (Department of Chemical and Biomolecular The challenge is that some barriers can through the profiles include: Engineering). We also have a number only be addressed at a departmental level, “Having my children while establishing of industry groups within the building, so Bio21 can make recommendations, e.g. my independent laboratory.” including CSL Ltd, Alterity, formerly Prana relating to structural barriers relating to Biotech (2018), Circa Group, SYNthesis promotions and recruitment, but cannot “Being a first time mum with no family med chem and Research and Rhythm implement these changes. around, in particular since my post-doc Biosciences, as well as our contract was coming to an end and I had However, harnessing our diversity provides Platform Technology groups. to start looking for a new position.” women at Bio21 with opportunities, such This diversity of research groups, as mentoring initiatives for career paths, “It has been challenging at times to departments, schools and faculties, creating a supportive work environment maintain a sense of value and achievement platform technology facilities and industries and developing institute-specific funding. during my working life as I have worked part-time for most of my career and continued to work ‘at the bench’, which I enjoy.” “The transition into motherhood from fulltime work was very challenging, but the birth of my second child coincided with the dramatic decline of my frail elderly parents.” “Early in my PhD, I spent five months working in a large fly lab in Houston, Texas. I felt totally out of depth in such a fast-paced research environment.”

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 27 STEMM stats (2016): Bio21 group leaders in 2018: Level A, total of 6,038 junior academics: 11 female group leaders (of which 50.2% women 49.8% men 11 4 were Professors) female Level E, total of 4,007 senior professors: 25 male 20.6% 25 male group women 79.4% men leaders (of which Source: Department of Education and Training, 13 were Professors) SAGE website (August 2016)

A starting point for addressing inequalities in Australia with 11 female group leaders (of is to collect data on the numbers of women which 4 were Professors); 25 male group Diana Stojanovski chairs the ‘Women at each level of our organisation and also leaders (of which 13 were Professors). of Bio21’ Committee and heads the to ask people what barriers they face at Mitochondrial Biology group. Diana seeks Some of the hopes that our women have their respective stage of their career, be it to understand how mitochondrial proteins named for women in STEMM are: a graduate student, through to a Professor. are trafficked within cells and spends every This is one of the initiatives that the “... attitudinal change in leaders across spare minute with the most interesting little creatures of all, her children! Committee is pursuing. the academic community to provide generous and positive advocacy for women From data collected by the Department in STEMM, as well as practical assistance of Education and Training published on to women navigating career progression the SAGE website (last updated 16 August through childbearing years – such a short 2016), we know that women continue to period of time in the context of an entire be underrepresented across STEMM fields, career.” particularly at senior levels. “... more female lecturers and academics The difference becomes quite marked than I had, and to be surrounded by more as women progress in their academic females in leadership and management Louise Formby-Miller is passionate about careers, between junior academics (Level positions.” her kids and Bikram yoga. At Rhythm A) and senior academics (Level E): there Biosciences she develops immunoassays is a total of 6,038 junior academics in “The workforce and career imbalance that form the basis of a blood-based test STEMM: 3,029 are women (50.2%); 3,009 in general is not sustainable and I hope for colorectal cancer. are men (49.8%); Level E: there is a total of over time we achieve equality on a level 4,007 senior professors in STEMM: 825 are where gender isn’t even a factor. Also, women (20.6%); and 3,182 are men (79.4%). I hope to see an improvement in a way that ensures family versus career is no In 2018, Bio21 reflects the STEMM landscape longer a dilemma.”

28 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 Danielle Christesen is a PhD student in the Xu Li is a Research Fellow in the Gras Susann Wudkte is a research scientist in Batterham group, School of Biosciences. Group, Department of Chemical and the Molecular Biology team at CSL that is She enjoys dancing to the rhythm of Biomolecular Engineering. She is responsible for the design, generation and life and seeks to understand insecticide developing new semi-synthetic routes for optimisation of protein-based medicines. resistance and how neurons control fruit the manufacture of medicinal alkaloids. Susann loves being outdoors, exploring the fly development. She’s also a gourmet food fiend! beauty of Australia with her little family.

Jacqueline Heath is a Research Fellow Kirsty Turner is Bio21’s Research Support Dedreia Tull is the Manager of the in the Reynolds group, School of Dental Services Manager and a devoted mummy. Metabolomics Australia facility at Bio21. Science, interested in the immune Kirsty craves to throw on the scuba gear to Dee loves Latin dancing and applying her responses of the mouth’s mucosal epithelia get close to sharks, loves Formula 1 racing experimental knowledge to the challenge to ‘friendly’ and disease-causing bacteria. and discovering the world. of designing yummy, healthy recipes with Jacqueline is passionate about perfecting limited ingredients to manage her son’s her skills in Punjabi cuisine. allergies.

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 29 Industry Engagement and Commercialisation

From the beginning, it has been one of Bio21’s goals to support translation and commercialisation of research and to provide a supportive ‘incubator’ space for industry research, whether they be start-ups or more well established.

Bio21 is an attractive location for industry The SYNthesis med chem Group is a In addition, they are eager to play an groups for many reasons: access to our privately held group of companies that active part in university life such as platform technology facilities, being was founded in Melbourne in July 2007 by giving occasional lectures, collaborations, embedded in a thriving academic research Professor Andrew Wilks and Dr Xianyong partnership in grant applications, mentoring institute and in close proximity to other Bu. The Group employs over 180 staff and in commercialisation, student placements University of Melbourne institutes and currently consists of two companies: (1) and employment of graduates. A longer- faculties, medical research institutes and SYNthesis med chem which operates as term goal is to develop a portfolio of hospitals in the precinct. But it is often a medicinal chemistry contract research home-grown drug discovery companies. the intangible factors such as a collegial, organisation with subsidiaries in Australia, Professor Andrew Wilks said of the Bio21 collaborative and welcoming research China, USA and UK and (2) SYNthesis opportunity: culture that then leads to the flourishing Research which is a drug discovery and “By locating our team in Bio21, the of these groups in our Institute, as well research organisation with global research very epicentre of Melbourne’s world as the growth of opportunities for all. interests. class Parkville Precinct, we seek to take In the course of 2018, Rhythm Biosciences Following the tradition set by CSL at Bio21, advantage of the opportunities to translate and SYNthesis med chem moved into the SYNthesis sees location within the Bio21 the best research in Australia, while at Bio21 Business Incubator building (building Incubator as a strategic move and are the same time, alongside our academic 404). They join CSL, Circa Group and keen to interact and support academic colleagues, we are keen to help catalyse a Alterity, formerly Prana Biotech as industry researchers in areas of the company’s renaissance of the lost art of commercial research groups who are part of the Bio21 interest, particular in medicinal chemistry. medicinal chemistry.” community. In addition to the industry groups, we also have members from Research Innovation and Commercialisation (RIC), such as Martin Elhay, as well as BioCurate (Cathy Drinkwater) located in the Nancy Millis building. They are there to offer support to researchers seeking to translate and commercialise their discoveries and can provide introductions to our industry tenants. Glenn Begley, CEO of BioCurate introduced BioCurate and its objectives at the ‘Big Picture’ Seminar, 8 November 2018, that was followed by a moderated Q&A discussion with other BioCurate team members on a panel. Rhythm Biosciences Team

30 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 The vision of the Bio21 Institute’s business incubator is to provide opportunities for strategic alliances with established companies and to foster the growth of promising biotech start-ups.

RIC and BioCurate at Bio21 Members from Research Innovation & Commercialisation (RIC), such as Martin Elhay, as well as BioCurate’s Cathy Drinkwater are located in the Nancy The team from SYNthesis (Research and med chem) and Bio21 management team Millis building, neighbouring the Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility and Metabolomics Australia offices. Martin Elhay is a Senior Business Development Manager, RIC responsible for Life Sciences, in particular FVAS and Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences (MDHS) including Bio21. Martin has a PhD from The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research in Immuno- parasitology after which he worked for 7 years as an academic in the Faculty of Veterinary Science and the Statens Serum Institut Denmark, on host responses to parasites and vaccine Martin Elhay, RIC, Cathy Drinkwater, BioCurate and Bio21 Director, Michael Parker development. More recently he has worked in Industry (CSL/Pfizer Animal development, we are able to make a advice, mentoring and support delivered Health from 1998 – 2013) concentrating critical assessment of a project’s status, to successful projects is available for on novel adjuvant and delivery systems potential and trajectory that is meaningful those that are ultimately unsuccessful. and is responsible for several vaccines to potential industry partners. We work By focusing on the science and the scientist now on the market. closely with scientists before, during and with an industry lens we aim to foster a BioCurate is a joint venture of the after project selection, and our scientific deeper understanding of what it takes University of Melbourne and Monash partners maintain a strong intellectual and to make a life-changing medication from University whose focus is on research strategic connection with their projects. an academic discovery. translation and commercialisation. Our engagement process ensures that With our extensive industry experience high quality applications are put forward and a background in successful drug for funding, but also ensures that the same

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 31 New BioMedical Research Facility Secures Victoria’s Place as World Class Research Destination

The Honourable John Brumby AO formally opened the new ‘Nancy Millis’ building, an expansion of the Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology, University of Melbourne, incorporating CSL’s Global Hub for Research and Translational Medicine on 14 December 2018.

“This is an important industry-university partnership that will enable greater knowledge and technology transfer, drive innovation and ensure Australian research is translated into positive health outcomes around the world,” said Mr Brumby. The state-of-the-art, $46million research facility expands the footprint of the Bio21 Institute by 5000 square metres and will house the University of Melbourne’s Margaret Sheil Mass Spectrometry laboratories, CSL’s Global Hub for Research and Translational Medicine and shared meeting spaces. The Bio21 Institute is one of the University’s Australia’s innovation ecosystems. This organisations, including medical research flagship research institutes, and for more collaboration within a shared facility is a institutes and hospitals within the than a decade has played an important great example of the kind of partnerships Melbourne Biomedical Precinct. role in positioning Victoria and Australia we want to encourage,” said Mr Brumby. as a leading destination for life sciences “The new facility will help researchers to and biotechnology research. The building will enable the expansion of develop diagnostics and treatments for major technology platforms that underpin cancer, infectious, metabolic, autoimmune, CSL is the largest investor in biomedical personalised medicine and the development neurodegenerative and other diseases. Research and Development in Australia. of new diagnostics. In FY2017-18, the company invested more “The co-location of a large multi- than US$702 million (~A$900 million) “Bio21 is delivering a world-class research national company with the University is a globally in R&D, backed by an R&D facility for Australia that will play an fundamental aspect to the facility’s success workforce of approximately 1700 people important part in advancing biomedical and will generate an environment in which worldwide. With the opening of the new research knowledge and the development other start-ups and small businesses can facility, CSL expects to more than double of new therapies,” said University of thrive,” said Professor Duncan Maskell. the presence of its research scientists at Melbourne Vice Chancellor, Duncan Maskell. Mr Paul Perreault, CEO and Managing Bio21, from 75 to around 150. “It provides a concentration of key Director, CSL Limited said, “Our investment “Universities, government and industry are infrastructure for researchers from in an expanded research presence is crucial partners in building and enhancing the University and from neighbouring informed by our commitment to deliver

32 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 on our promise to patients. We know from national and international partnerships,” experience that the cross-cultivation of said Mr Perreault. ideas from academia to industry helps The building is named in honour of translate science into life-saving medicines Professor Emeritus Nancy Millis AC, who that improve the quality of life for people was one of the first women to be appointed with rare and serious diseases.” a professor at the University of Melbourne. “CSL is working to maintain a strong Prof. Millis introduced fermentation pipeline of prospective products in technologies to Australia and created the various stages of development. Our first applied microbiology course taught in collaborations with the medical research an Australian university. The Bio21 Institute community in Australia are critical to this has dedicated its laboratories to Professor success. We envisage an increased presence Margaret Sheil AO – an Australian academic at Bio21 will facilitate collaborations with and Vice Chancellor of Queensland research institutes and hospitals and University of Technology. provide an expanded base for new

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 33 New Bio21 building recognises pioneering women The University of Melbourne has honoured two if its most revered scientists at the opening of the expanded Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology on Friday, 14 December.

The state-of-the-art, $46million research Nancy co-wrote a text book in 1965 for Nancy also served as a member of the facility expands the footprint of the Bio21 biochemical engineers called ‘Biochemical Gene Technology Technical Advisory Institute by 5000 square metres. Engineering’. The book pioneered the Committee (GTTAC) 2001-2003. These The new building has been named after application of Biochemical Engineering roles had significant interface with industry, Nancy Millis, one of the University’s first principles in the fields of pharmaceuticals, science and government. chemicals, food processing and female professors, while the Margaret Sheil Margaret Sheil, University of Melbourne microbiology. The book was used as a Mass Spectrometry laboratories recognise Provost from 2012 to 2017, commenced as reference for students and industry alike Australia’s first female chemistry professor. Vice-Chancellor of Queensland University for decades afterwards. CSL’s Global Hub for Research and of Technology in February 2018. Margaret Translational Medicine is also located Nancy was the Chair of the Recombinant is a Fellow of the Royal Australian Chemical in the new building. DNA Monitoring Committee (RDMC, Institute and the Academy of Technological Nancy Millis graduated from the 1980-1987) and the Genetic Manipulation Sciences and Engineering. She is a Fellow University with an undergraduate degree Advisory Committee (GMAC, 1988-2001). and Morrison Medallist of the Australian in Agricultural Science and a Master of She led and developed the scheme and New Zealand Society for Mass Science. She completed a Doctorate of voluntary oversight of Australian Spectrometry and was made an Office in Fermentation Technology at Bristol gene technology research until the of the Order of Australia in 2017. University. commencement of the Gene Technology Act 2000. Nancy joined the University of Melbourne in 1952 when she was appointed as a Senior Demonstrator in the then Department of Microbiology. In 1953 she was appointed as lecturer. Early in her career, Nancy set up the first Applied Microbiology course in Australia and in 1982 was appointed as a Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology.

Nancy was awarded Emeritus Professor status in 1987 and continued to work at the University until her death in 2012. Nancy was also Chancellor of La Trobe University from 1992 until 2006.

34 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 University of Melbourne Vice-Chancellor “Nancy dedicated her life to microbiology Duncan Maskell, said it was fitting to and finding ways to prevent disease and recognise both women at the expanded improve people’s health,” Mr Millis said. Bio21 institute. “Nancy understood that to be successful, “Nancy Millis and Margaret Sheil then academia and industry had to work have made enormous contributions closer together. Nancy would be thrilled to know a brand new, world-class facility to the global scientific community that can be used by academics and over many decades,” Professor industry has been named in her honour.” Maskell said. Margaret Sheil said the new laboratories “Not just in terms of research, but also as at the Bio21 Institute are a significant role models who paved the way for many addition to the University. women to pursue a career in academia. “Boosting research outcomes and I am delighted that Nancy and Margaret’s building a high performing research names are commemorated at the Bio21 culture is important to the reputation Institute. I have no doubt they will continue of any university,” Professor Sheil said. to inspire generations of researchers to come.” “To be able to do that, you need the best facilities to work in, which is exactly Nancy’s nephew, Ken Millis, said Nancy what the expanded Bio21 institute will would be honoured to have her name provide. I am honoured that my name associated with such an important will be associated with these world-class research facility. laboratories.”

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 35 External Relations, Communications and Engagement

Engagement with the public and various stakeholder groups is an important part of what we do as a scientific research community at Bio21: informing policy and debate, educating the public; inspiring the next generation and opening up ways in which our work can have an impact on our society.

The year 2018 has been a big year for well as Savitribai Phule Pune University’s the Bio21 Institute overall and also for affiliated Modern College of Arts, Science University Birmingham aspiring communication, engagement and events, and Commerce. A number of high school leaders visit Bio21 culminating in the opening of the Nancy groups visited Bio21, including Geelong On the 13 March, Professor Robin Millis Building, 14 December. College, Loreto Mandeville Hall and Mason, Pro Vice Chancellor University High School, Elizabeth As in previous years, we ran a one week International at University of Blackburn Sciences. work experience program for Year 10 Birmingham visited the University students from schools across Victoria; Also, many of our members have along with a group of academics opened our doors for the Open House appeared in the media, communicating participating in University of Melbourne Weekend and ran the ‘Life their research, or providing expert Birmingham’s 2018 Research Magnified’ activity during National Science comment, on radio, print media and Leadership Programme (RLP). online platforms, like The Conversation. Week organised by Paul McMillan. As part of the group’s visit, they Much of the engagement at the Institute toured through the Bio21 platform We hosted Bio21 ‘Big Picture’ Seminars, is only possible through the efforts technology facilities. Bio21 has hearing from among others Professor of volunteers who have run tours and a number of connections to the Paul Sanberg, Professor Koram and from activities, or shared their research with University of Birmingham. Frances the team at Biocurate. We brought our tour groups visiting the Institute. Separovic, Sara Long and Malcolm community together and introduced McConville spoke with the group new members, including new industry Bio21 Visiting Delegations at various points of the tour. groups Rhythm Biosciences and SYNthesis Every now and again, Bio21 receives visits An international experience is a Research and med chem at our regular from high level international delegations. core component of the Research Bio21 morning teas. We are a popular destination to showcase Leadership Programme, and the Several large conferences and symposia the research taking place at the University University of Melbourne is a high- were hosted at Bio21, including AussieMit, of Melbourne, but also because the Institute profile partner and destination. Australian Functional Genomics Conference, brings together state-of-the-art platform the Georgina Sweet Awards and the technology facilities, and university Victorian Mass Spectrometry Symposium, and industry research groups. Many are and our platform technology groups impressed by this and wish to learn from hosted a series of ‘101 workshops’. our experiences of creating an institute that fosters collaboration and the sharing We were visited by international academic of resources, but also to connect with and government delegations from the research groups in the institute. University of Birmingham and Padua, as

36 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 BSc (Blended) students and teachers from India visit Bio21 Twenty students and two teachers from India visited Bio21 Tuesday, 20 November to participate in lab tours as well as a practical malaria workshop. The students and teachers were from University of Melbourne Charles Narh, Samantha Deed, Evelyn Chou, partner Savitribai Phule Pune University’s Dionne Argyropoulos, Sunnia Rajput and affiliated Modern College of Arts, Science Dave De Souza ran the malaria activity and Commerce where they respectively and engaged with the students during undertook and taught the Bachelor of the Bio21 Institute tour. Science Blended degree. The BSc Blended degree is one of University of Melbourne’s premier University of Padua delegation tours Bio21 undergraduate teaching and learning activities in India enabling top Indian Rizzuto Rosario, Rector of the University of Padua and a biomedical scientist, and students to obtain a degree in India with his delegation from the University of Padua that included Alessandro Paccagnella, quality assured curriculum co-developed Mara Thiene, Alessandro Martucci and Elena Autizzi, visited the Bio21 Institute on by University of Melbourne and Indian the 6 September 2018. As part of their visit, they heard from Fabienne Mackay, partners. The University plans to expand the Head of the School of Biomedical Sciences and from the Director Michael Parker. BSc Blended Program across India, and as Associate Director, Commercialisation, Spencer Williams led a tour through the we work to enhance international student new building to the Margaret Sheil laboratories. Ian van Driel, Paul Gleeson, David diversity, contribute to teacher capability Stroud and David Ascher also attended the morning meeting and Dave De Souza building in India, and foster teaching, introduced the new Margaret Sheil laboratories to the guests. The delegation from learning and research collaboration with the University of Padua went on to sign a Memorandum Of Understanding Renewal the prestigious IIT and IISER network. and Signing Ceremony with the University of Melbourne, to continue to foster ties with the University and opportunities for student exchange. The group visited the University’s campus for a special cell biology research camp hosted by the Faculty of Science and designed to give them the opportunity to experience first-hand a wide range of projects that are currently being undertaken by researchers in the School of BioSciences with an emphasis on cell and molecular biology techniques for addressing a range of challenges facing Australian ecosystems (such as the Great Barrier Reef), human health and agriculture.

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 37 Public and School Engagement

The Bio21 Institute has for the past three years opened our doors over a weekend to the general public in the Open House Melbourne Weekend. We engage with school children through the work experience program, school tours and through the ‘Life Magnified’ event as part of National Science Week, just to name a few.

Conoco Philips ‘Science Experience’ Visitors took part in tours through the at Bio21 Institute’s facilities and laboratories and Year 10 Work Experience at the On Wednesday 17 January, thirty year 9 could engage with researchers at displays and 10 students were introduced into the in the atrium. Over 500 members of the Bio21 Institute world of malaria research with Kathryn public visited the Institute. The Bio21 Institute, as part of Tiedje, Samantha Deed and Charles Narh. the Faculty of Science’s Work Given a card with a patient description, Experience program, hosted 14 year students gathered clues by peering down a 10 students from schools across microscope and interpreting a Polymerase Melbourne and Victoria from Chain Reaction (PCR) and Rapid Diagnostic 25–29 June. Test result to diagnose whether their Students participated in a diverse patient had malaria or not and whether to program of experiments, activities proceed with treatment. In this way, they and projects, that gave them insight received some insight into the malaria into the research taking place at the research being conducted by the Day Bio21 Institute in order to help them group with malaria affected populations ‘Girls in Science’ breakfast, Bendigo make important career decisions as in Ghana. and Bio21 they embark on their VCE. Open House Melbourne Weekend Bio21’s Frances Separovic was a guest speaker at the ‘Girls in Science’ breakfast On Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 July 2018, event in Bendigo on 27 April 2018. Here she the Bio21 Institute opened its doors for is seen with senior students from Seymour the Open House Melbourne Weekend. College at the event.

38 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 National Science Week: ‘Life Magnified’ presented by BOMP at Bio21 “Life, Magnified”, was an event run by the Biological Optical Microscopy Platform at the Bio21 Institute during National Science Week. The event for year 9 and 10 high school students educated them about Alex Louie, Head of Enquiry Learning and VCE student Grace, University High School the microscopic world of our bodies and Elizabeth Blackburn Sciences’ students impress with Scientific Poster what can happen when things go wrong. Presentations From *The Geelong College in the west to Koo Wee Rup Secondary College in the From the most effective treatment for acne, to the effect of global warming on gene east, almost 120 students from 8 schools expression in green algae and testing a quantum theory of gravity, the ‘Extended attended the Bio21 Institute on 16 and 17 Investigations’ research projects completed by Year 11 VCE students at the Elizabeth August. The students were led through Blackburn Sciences were on display and the quality of the work was impressive. an imaging experiment, got to see inside “You are the expert. You are the one labs, inside cells, play with microscopes teaching the teacher,” a proud Alex and talk to researchers about their work. Louie, Head of Enquiry Learning, Mount Alexander College were winners of Elizabeth Blackburn Sciences, this year’s prize and received 10 foldscope University High School, told her microscopes. VCE students, after an afternoon of poster presentations. “It’s wonderful *Schools involved: Geelong College, Templestowe College, Glen Eira College, to see your ability to apply your Copperfield College, Suzanne Cory HS, knowledge to an area of interest,” Mount Alexander College, Strathmore she said. College, Koo Wee Rup SC.

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 39 Bio21 Institute Community Events and Engagement

The Bio21 Institute, reflecting the international nature of science, is a diverse community of academic and industry researchers and professional staff members at various stages of their careers, from diverse cultural, ethnic backgrounds and genders. It is one of the reasons that science institutions are such enriching places to work in. For a scientific culture such as ours to flourish, it needs to be inclusive, equitable, fair and underpinned by a strong sense of respect for each other. One of the ways in which Bio21 nurtures its culture is through regular internal morning teas throughout the year often linked with fundraising for various causes, where Bio21 members come together over a cup coffee and some sweet treats to hear from the Director about goings-on, to welcome new members into our community, recognise the achievements of our members and to enjoy a chat with colleagues and peers.

Bio21 Blazers walking to support mitochondrial research Bio21’s team was buoyed by the beautiful weather during the ‘Bloody Long Walk’ for Mitochondrial Disease Research on Sunday, 26 August. The Bio21 “Blazers”, which included Diana Stojanovski, David Stroud, Catherine Palmer, Joanna Sacharz, Yilin Kang, Laura Fielden, Thomas Jackson, Daniella Hock, Emily Selig, Alex Tokolyi and Alex Anderson, followed the iconic route of the Yarra River from Melbourne’s northern parklands to the vibrant atmosphere of Southbank before reaching the beaches of St Kilda; a total of 35km. The team raised a total $5,068 that goes to the Mito Foundation to fund its patient support, research grants and fellowships, as well as education and awareness programmes.

40 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 Bio21 Hosted Events

Bio21 is a popular venue for conferences, symposia and other scientific events.

Pest Control Symposium @ Bio21 On Monday, April 23 a special Symposium was held at Bio21 to honour the seminal contributions of Professors Max Whitten and John McKenzie in establishing a research group focused on the genetics of pest control. The Symposium showed how a vibrant contemporary program of pest control research focused on insects and nematodes, running across many research groups, including Bio21’s Batterham, Hoffmann and O’Hair groups and utilizing an extremely broad range of advanced technologies has developed on the foundation laid by Whitten and McKenzie. The Symposium engaged an audience of 100 people from the University community, past and present laboratory group members and a strong contingent of industry representatives.

Nobel Laureate, Randy Schekman delivers Grimwade Medal Oration at Bio21 The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Bio21 Institute was honoured to host 2013 Nobel Laureate Professor Randy Schekman on the 20 September 2018. Randy Schekman was awarded the 2018 Grimwade Medal and presented a wonderful oration titled: “From Pond Scum, to Stockholm.” As a cell biologist, whose ground-breaking research has uncovered how membrane proteins are transported in cells, Professor Schekman described his journey from studying basic biological processes in yeast (pond scum) to the award of the Nobel Prize, 2013. The oration was followed by a dinner in the Bio21 Institute atrium.

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 41 ARC Training Centre – Chemical Industries (ATCI) launched at Bio21

Senator for Victoria, James Paterson, chemical education more commercially collaboration with The University of New launched the ARC Training Centre– relevant. Students will spend a minimum South Wales, Swinburne University of Chemical Industries (ATCI), led by Tash of 12 months embedded with an industry Technology, Chemistry Australia; CSIRO, Polyzos, at the Bio21 Institute on Friday, partner, conducting an R&D project led Duluxgroup (Australia), Qenos, PPG 21 September 2018. by the industry partner. The ARC Training Industries and the Trustee for DCS Centre – Chemical Industries will be Technical Trust. The ATCI will deliver the innovative Masters led by The University of Melbourne, in of Industrial Research degree, making

42 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 Graduate Research Students and Early Career Researchers

One of the questions that many PhD students have is: what happens after their PhD? In the course of a PhD, students become experts on their topic and can come to know more than anyone else, about their chosen protein, molecule or other object of study. But many fear that this may not prepare them for a research career, or for any other career path.

The competitive nature of the science PhD students are constantly challenged endeavour can leave many students feeling to communicate their work to the outside that if they cannot, or do not wish to world – from small groups of colleagues pursue the academic research path, that to an auditorium of international peers; they have failed in some way. from school children to journalists – honing their public speaking, oral and written Furthermore, some people would argue communication skills. that it is a waste of our society’s resources to invest in training such specialists, who From patent law, journalism, entrepren- then may not pursue a research path after eurialism, politics, education, or even as a Jasmina Markulic (Parker lab) and Emily completion. committee member at your local school, Crisafulli (Ralph lab), winners of the these skills are required in all walks of life. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology 3MT Nothing could be further from the truth. @ Bio21, 4 May Most importantly, there is an urgent need PhD students have gone on to pursue very for scientists to take up careers in science disparate and fulfilling career paths, some journalism, politics and school teaching, in Bio21 is host to over 200 Honours, Masters in academia, but many in other professions. particular, if we are serious about Australia and PhD students and we are very A PhD is a challenging endeavour, where a being a “clever” country. supportive of the postgraduate student student takes responsibility for their own societies BAMBII (Biochemistry and By delving into the depths of problems in project. They need to work independently Molecular Biology) and CPS (Chemistry the course of a PhD, a world of opportunity and in teams to solve problems that no Postgraduate Society), who often host opens up to students. one else has ever encountered. To do this social events at the Bio21 Institute. they need endurance, perseverance and grit. Problem-solving becomes a way of approaching the world. A PhD trains your critical thinking skills like Riley Metcalfe awarded poster no other work. Students are constantly prize at the Melbourne Protein asked to question what they see, what they Group meeting read and to be critical of their own work Riley Metcalfe from the Griffin lab was and that of their peers. The ability to think awarded a poster prize at the Melbourne critically and clearly is highly sought after Protein Group meeting for his work in many high level professions. on the structure of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin 11.

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 43 Institute Members Honoured

Despite the fierce competition for grants, Bio21 remains a success story. Situated in the Parkville Precinct, the Bio21 Institute is located amongst a unique concentration of hospitals and medical research institutes within walking distance of one another. It is a powerhouse of scientific research. This provides researchers at Bio21 with fabulous opportunities to collaborate with researchers in neighbouring institutes. It is the mentors and supervisors, our team members, our colleagues and collaborators that contribute to our success through their support, advice and sharing of ideas.

For Bio21 Institute members it has been an exciting year for awards and prizes: Professor Frances Separovic was one of twenty outstanding Victorian women who were inducted into the 2018 Victorian Honour Roll of Women. Professor Suzanne Garland, who directed the Royal Women’s Hospital Centre for Women’s Infectious Diseases at Bio21, received the prestigious title of an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO). Bio21’s Dr Michael Duffy, School of BioSciences, partnering with Ismail Hacioglou receives ISS ‘Apple Award’ University of Erlangen, Ismail Hacioglou cares for the Bio21 building and its community and takes pride in was one of four awardees from the Faculty his work and it shows. On Thursday, 30 August, 2018 Tony Gould, the CEO of ISS, of Science, for the Australia-Germany that provides cleaning services to Bio21, and University of Melbourne Manager, Joint Research Co-operation Scheme. The Dannielle Rostan, came down to the Bio21 Institute to present Ismail with the scheme supports exchanges for researchers ‘ISS Apple Award’, the highest award presented to an employee of ISS, for the to spend time at partner institutions in wonderful service that he offers. Germany and for collaborating German researchers to spend time here.

44 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 Grant Successes

Government research grants as well as major philanthropic grants will ensure Bio21 research and researchers continue to be funded in the years to come.

Bio21 researchers receive ARC and NHMRC Research Fellowships It is wonderful to see the quality of the work of Bio21 researchers being recognised and supported through the NHMRC and ARC funding schemes.

Australian Research Council (ARC): ARC grants were announced on the 27 November. Sally Gras, Ary Hoffmann, Craig Hutton, Justine Mintern, Gavin Reid, Frances Separovic, David Stroud, Sebastian Duchene and Jose Villadangos received funding to pursue important work in the areas of protein synthesis, mass spectrometry lipidomics, immune host defence, Wolbachia in Drosophila, nuclear magnetic resonance, cell trafficking, species rescue, pathogen evolution and synthetic biology.

National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC): Institute members Danny Hatters, Jose Villadangos, Malcolm McConville, Justine Mintern, Stuart Ralph, Gavin Reid, David Stroud, and Paul Gleeson, received NHMRC Research Fellowships and Project Grants in the last funding round announced 12 December. These grants fund research into antigen presentation and inflammation; neurodegenerative diseases; pathogen genomics; lipidomics in colon cancer; proteomics; parasitic protozoa and malaria.

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 45 Philanthropic Support

Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) and Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation Support

On the 28th November, Bio21 received substantial funding from another source: the grant submitted to the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) earlier in the year to fund a Facility for Innovative Cancer Drug Discovery was successful and so Bio21 Institute’s Director, Michael Parker, was presented with a framed certificate and cheque for $2M from the Governor General, Sir Peter Cosgrove, at Admiralty House in Sydney. David Ascher and Michael Parker were the chief investigators on the grant from the Bio21 Institute, together with Rick Pearson, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre for cancers. The Facility will be hosted by On their website, the ACRF state that ‘Our and John Silke of the Melbourne Protein Characterisation mission is to outsmart cancer by providing the Walter and platform that is being established in the world-class scientists with the equipment Eliza Hall Institute, basement of the David Penington building. they need to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment of all types of cancer.’ representing some With the new facility, the Bio21 Institute of Victoria’s major will be a key go-to service for the cancer The grants awarded by the ACRF are cancer research research community in the Melbourne made possible through the generosity institutions. Biomedical Precinct and beyond for of many donors who contribute to the On Monday, 3rd December, it was structural biology work in drug discovery. foundation, often people who have personally been affected by a cancer announced at the annual ACRF Chairman’s Structural biology holds the key to diagnosis. The ACRF states: dinner, attended by David and Rick, that developing innovative cancer drugs by the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation providing detailed information about ‘Thanks to our generous supporters, would provide funding for operators over the shape of molecules that are involved we have awarded 73 grants totalling three years to help run the new facility in cancer-causing biological signalling $153.2 million to world-class Australian and particularly help drive outcomes in pathways within cells of our bodies. research initiatives.’ ovarian cancer research. Structural biology has played a key role The ACRF funding will make it possible in targeted molecular medicines including to create a facility that houses some of imatinib (Gleevec) to treat myeloid the most cutting-edge structural biology leukaemia, venetoclax for leukaemia instruments and technologies for the and gefitinib for lung cancer. identification and development of drugs

46 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 Australian Wool Innovation Grant A $2.5M grant from Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) was awarded to Trent Perry, Batterham group, along with Clare Anstead and Vern Bowles Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences (FVAS) and a research group in CSIRO for a vaccine project to tackle fly strike.

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 47 Governance

Director Prof Michael Parker

Deputy Director Associate Director Scientific Research Prof Frances (Engagement) Manager Separovic Prof Sally Gras Dr David Keizer

Associate Director Research Support (Commercialisation) Services Prof Spencer Williams Ms Kirsty Turner

Associate Director (Platform Infrastructure) Prof Malcom McConville

48 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 Bio21 Institute – Scientific Research Team

Michael Parker Imtiaz Bhayat Bio21 Director FoS Executive Director

Florienne Loder Eleonore David Keizer Scientific Communications Costello EA Research Manager and Engagement Advisor

Protein Systems and Mass Kirsty Turner Jessie Chen Metabolomics Advanced Magnetic Character- Computational Spectrometry Research Support Finance Australia Microscopy Resonance isation Biology & Proteomics Services Tenants (University Visitors) Eric Nicholas Specialist 188 reports Dee Tull Hanssen Williamson Store

Vinod Brunda Yan Hong Thu Sergey Ching-Seng Shenggen Peter Coles Michelle Narayan Nijagal Tan Nguyen Rubanov Ang Yao Specialist Abbott Store Reception David De Komal Jim Andrew Sunnia Troy Attard Shuai Nie Souza Kanojia Dang Leis Rajput Nick Bacic Stores & Paul Logistics Zlatan Michael O’Donnell Trifunovic Leeming Technical Robert Specialist Piccoli Roger Compliance Curtain Christine Baggs Johanna OHS Gunn Stores

Maurice Various Sarah Stores Casuals (Reception Alex Korte and OHS) Stores

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 49 Bio21 Institute – Research groups

Bio21 Institute

Tenants Platforms & Research Groups Operations

Executive Chemistry Biosciences Engineering Dental Physics Biochemistry & Molecular Science Biology

Alterity Electron White Hoffmann Gras Reynolds Hollenberg Gleeson Parker formerly Prana Biotech Microscopy Jones Batterham Tilley McConville

Protein CSL Character- Separovic Day van Driel Ralph isation Donnelly Duffy Villadangos Griffin Circa Metabolomics Australia Wong Stroud Gooley

Rhythm O’Hair Mintern Rouiller Biosciences Specialist Store Jameson Hatters Stojanovski

Avist Cafe Mass Rizzacasa Ascher Hinde Spectrometry & Proteomics Edgington- Williams Parker SYNthesis Mitchell med chem Magnetic Maher Resonance

SYNthesis Hutton Research Systems and Computational Reid Biology Wille Infrastructure Services Wedd

50 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 OHS Report

Bio21 Institute is committed to the health, October 2018 saw the completion of a to ensure occupants in the new building safety and wellbeing of its members and major reconstruction project, the Nancy were welcomed and supported during this visitors and has the support of senior Millis building. There was a united effort to complex and challenging period. management to achieve safety targets. move our major tenant CSL into their new Thank you to all Institute members for Objectives and targets for 2018 were laboratory spaces in the building, and to cooperating in providing a safe work place predominantly focused on training and relocate two University platforms from the for all. internal audits to ensure compliance was basement of the David Penington building, met when conducting high risk activities. It Mass Spectrometry & Proteomics Facility Kirsty Turner is pleasing to see high levels of occupational and Metabolomics Australia) into the new Manager health and safety (OHS) related training Margaret Shiel laboratories. Despite this Research Support Services (including across all Institute members. complex and challenging environment, it OHS) was pleasing to see the myriad of Institute Bio21 Institute support services and platforms utilised The University of Melbourne

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 51 Bio21 People

Bio21 Institute Leadership Kirsty Turner Platform Technology Managers Research Support Services Manager Michael Parker Eric Hanssen Director Eleonore Costello Advanced Microscopy EA to the Director and Scientific Research Frances Separovic Nick Williamson Manager Deputy Director Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Michelle Abbott Malcolm McConville Dedreia Tull Reception Associate Director – Platform Infrastructure Metabolomics Australia Jessie Chan Spencer Williams Yan Hong Tan Senior Management Accountant Associate Director – Commercialisation Melbourne Protein Characterisation Tony Whyte Sally Gras Thu Nguyen Operations Officer Associate Director – Engagement Systems and Computational Biology Christine Baggs David Keizer EHS Coordinator Administration and Operations Magnetic Resonance Team Florienne Loder Peter Coles Communications and Engagement Advisor David Keizer Specialist Stores Manager Scientific Research Manager

52 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 Institute Departments and Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Bio21 Industry Tenants Laboratory Group Leaders Health Sciences CSL Faculty of Science Department of Biochemistry and Alterity Therapeutics (Previously Prana) Molecular Biology School of BioSciences Circa Dr David Ascher Professor Philip Batterham RWH (left during 2018) Dr Laura Edgington-Mitchell Professor Karen Day Rhythm Biosciences (started at Bio21 Professor Paul Gleeson Dr Michael Duffy Sept 2018) Associate Professor Paul Gooley Professor Ary Hoffmann SYNthesis med chem (started at Bio21 Dr Michael Griffin Professor Herbert Kronzucker October 2018) Dr Danny Hatters SYNtheis Research (started at Bio21 School of Chemistry Dr Elizabeth Hinde October 2018) Professor Paul Donnelly Dr Kathryn Holt Associate Professor Craig Hutton Professor Malcolm McConville Fellows and Affiliates Associate Professor Guy Jameson Dr Justine Mintern Professor Andrew Holmes AC FAA FRS Dr David Jones Professor Michael Parker FTSE Professor Paul Mulvaney Dr Stuart Ralph Melbourne Laureate Professor Emeritus Professor Richard O’Hair Professor Gavin Reid Professor Gavin Reid Associate Professor Isabelle Rouiller Professor Mark Rizzacasa Dr Diana Stojanovski Professor Frances Separovic Dr David Stroud Professor Tony Wedd Professor Leann Tilley Professor Jonathan White Professor Ian van Driel Associate Professor Uta Wille Professor Jose Villadangos Professor Spencer Williams Melbourne Dental School Dr Wallace Wong Professor Eric Reynolds School of Physics Professor Lloyd Hollenberg Melbourne School of Engineering Associate Professor Sally Gras

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 53 2018 Bio21 Steering Committee Bio21 is overseen by a steering committee that includes the Director of the Institute, the Deans of the Faculty of Science, the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, the Melbourne School of Engineering and the Deputy Vice Chancellor Research of the University of Melbourne.

Director Bio21 Institute of Molecular Science and Biotechnology Professor Michael Parker

Professor Michael Parker is Director of the Medal of the Australian Academy of Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne and Science, a 2006 Federation Fellowship Head of Structural Biology, St. Vincent’s from the Australian Research Council, Institute of Medical Research in Melbourne. the 2011 Lemberg Medal of the Australian He is also an NHMRC Senior Principal Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Research Fellow in the Department of Biology, the 2011 Ramaciotti Medal for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Excellence in Biomedical Research, the at Bio21. After obtaining his D. Phil. in 2012 Federation of Asian and Oceanian protein crystallography from Oxford Biochemists and Molecular Biologists University, Michael returned to Australia Award for Research Excellence and to re-establish a protein crystallography the 2016 Bob Robertson Award of the laboratory at St. Vincent’s in 1991. The Australian Society for Biophysics for work of the laboratory is internationally outstanding contributions to biophysics recognised with the determination of in Australia and New Zealand. He was more than 140 crystal structures of elected a Fellow of the Australian Academy proteins involved in cancer, Alzheimer’s of Science in 2010 and a Fellow of the disease and infection. He has published Australian Academy of Health and Medical over 300 papers and his work has been Sciences in 2015. He is currently Chair of recognised with numerous awards the National Committee of Crystallography including the 1999 Gottschalk under the auspices of the Australian Academy of Science.

54 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 Deputy Vice Chancellor Research He has published extensively on how He implemented molecular techniques for genes control immunity, mechanisms of genetic matching of patients and donors Chair, Bio21 Steering Committee autoimmune disease, immune recognition and established the South Australian node Professor Jim McCluskey and the basis of transplantation matching. of the Australian Bone Marrow Donor BMedSc MB BS MD UWA FRACP FRCPA His work has been recognised by the Registry in 1992. He served as Editor-in- FAA FAHMS Rose Payne Award from the American Chief of the international immunogenetics Society for Histocompatibility and journal Tissue Antigens from 2001-2015. Professor James McCluskey has been Immunogenetics (ASHI), the Ceppellini He is a Director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at award from the European Federation for Institute, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer The University of Melbourne, since 2011. Immunogenetics, the International Roche Centre, Bionics Institute, University of Prior to this he was the Pro Vice-Chancellor Organ Transplantation Fund Recognition Melbourne Commercial, Friends of ASHA (Research Partnerships), Associate Prize in 2011, the Australian Museum Eureka for Indian Slums and is Chair of the Board Dean (Research), Faculty of Medicine Prize in 2013, the GSK Award for Research of Nossal Institute Limited. Dentistry and Health Sciences and Chair Excellence in 2015 and the Victoria Prize of Microbiology and Immunology at The He has previously been a director of the for Life Sciences in 2016. University of Melbourne. Burnet Institute, the Florey Institute of He was elected a Fellow of the Australian Neuroscience and Mental Health and two Professor McCluskey trained in Perth as a Academy of Science in 2012 and Australian national Cooperative Research Centres. physician and pathologist before spending Academy of Health and Medical Sciences He led the conception, construction and four years at the National Institutes in 2015. He has been a consultant to development of the Peter Doherty Institute of Health in the USA. On returning to the Australian Red Cross for more than for Infection and Immunity, a AUD$210M Australia in 1987 he worked at Monash 25 years leading transplant services joint venture between the University of University until 1991 before joining Flinders and advising on organ transplantation Melbourne and Melbourne Health. University and the Australian Red Cross matching. Blood Service. Professor McCluskey joined the University of Melbourne in 1997 as Chair in Microbiology and Immunology.

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 55 Dean of Science Partner of both the Wellcome Trust Centre Dean of Medicine, Dentistry for the Epidemiology of Infectious Disease Professor Karen Day and Health Sciences (WTCEID) and the interdisciplinary Peter Professor Shitij Kapur Professor Karen Day is a distinguished Medawar Pathogen Evolution Research malaria researcher dedicated to the Centre at Oxford, during which time she MBBS AIIMS PhD Toronto FRCPC FMedSci improvement of global health. Born was appointed a Visiting Professor at the Professor Shitij Kapur, FRCPC, PhD, in Melbourne, she was educated at Harvard School of Public Health. FMedSci is the Dean, Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne where she Dentistry and Health Sciences and obtained her BSc (Hons) with a double In 2004 she moved to New York University Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Health), major in microbiology/biochemistry and School of Medicine where she held several University of Melbourne. Shitij is a clinician- a PhD in Molecular Parasitology from the senior academic administrative roles at scientist with expertise in psychiatry, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical NYU including Chair of the Department neuroscience and brain imaging. He Research (WEHI). As a young postdoctoral of Medical Parasitology; Director of the trained as a Psychiatrist at the University researcher she had the “life changing” Institute of Urban and Global Health; and of Pittsburgh, and undertook a PhD and opportunity to study the public health led the development of a Masters Program Fellowship at the University of Toronto. He problems of Papua New Guineans working in Global Public Health. is a Diplomate of the American Board of at the Papua New Guinea Institute of In 2014 Prof. Day was appointed the Dean Psychiatry and Neurology, similarly Board Medical Research. of Science at The University of Melbourne Certified in Canada and has a specialist Following her postdoctoral research, where she also continues to be actively medical license in the United Kingdom. Prof. Day held positions in molecular involved in running a multidisciplinary Professor Kapur’s main research interest epidemiology at Imperial College, London malaria research group whose aim is to is in understanding Schizophrenia and and in the Department of Zoology at the understand the transmission of malaria its treatment. He has used brain imaging, University of Oxford. She was appointed to better define control strategies. animal models and clinical studies which a Fellow of Hertford College in 2003, have led to a better understanding of becoming one of the few women “dons” antipsychotic action, its relationship to in science at Oxford. She was a Founding brain dopamine receptor blockade, the

56 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 role of appropriate dosing of these Head of School, Chemical 2010-2016. She was the Deputy Director drugs and has led to the development and Biomedical Engineering, of the Melbourne Energy Institute from of the ‘salience’ framework of psychosis Melbourne School of Engineering 2009-2012. and the ‘early onset’ hypothesis of Professor Kentish was selected as one antipsychotic action. He is now working Sandra Kentish of Australia’s Most Innovative Engineers on how ‘biomarkers’ might be best Professor Sandra Kentish is Head of by Engineers Australia in 2017 and as a incorporated into psychiatric care and the School of Chemical and Biomedical Woman of Influence by the Australian drug development. Shitij has published Engineering at The University of Financial Review in 2018. She has also 300 peer-reviewed papers; his work has Melbourne. She is also an invited Professor been awarded the Grimwade Prize in received over 25,000 citations as he has at the Centre for Water, Earth and the Industrial Chemistry, the Caltex Teaching made numerous presentations worldwide. Environment within the Institut National de Award of Excellence for Training of He serves in advisory capacity to public la Recherche Scientifique (INRS) in Canada. Chemical Engineers in Australasia, the charities and pharmaceutical companies Professor Kentish has broad interests Edward Brown Award and Kelvin Medal and has received national and international in industrial separations, particularly for Teaching Excellence within the awards including the AE Bennett Award of the use of membrane technology for University of Melbourne and the L.R. the Society for Biological Psychiatry and energy, food and water applications. She East Medal as Valedictorian of her the Paul Janssen Award of the CINP. He is a Project Leader within the ARC Dairy Bachelor’s Degree Class. is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Innovation Research Hub and a researcher Before commencing an academic Psychiatric Association and the Fellow within the Future Fuels CRC. She was career, Professor Kentish spent nine of the Academy of Medical Sciences, UK, the Discipline Leader in the CRC for years in industry, with positions in and Fellow of King’s College London, UK. Greenhouse Gas Technologies (CO2CRC) Altona Petrochemical Company, Kodak He led NEWMEDS, an EU-wide Innovative for Membrane Technology from 2003- Australasia and Kimberly Clark Australia. Medicines Initiative and currently leads 2015. She was a member of the Research STRATA, a UKwide program to enhance Advisory Committee for the National stratified medicine strategies in psychiatry. Centre of Excellence in Desalination from

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 57 Institute in Numbers

Admin and External Funding Received: Exec: 13 Industry Platform Technology tenants: 191 Staff: 38 Total ARC Funding Announced in 2018: $4,376,125

Total NHMRC Funding Announced in 2018: $6,263,134

Australian Cancer Research Foundation: $2,000,000

Australian Wool Innovation: $2,500,000 664 Research Theses Bio21 Institute submitted Members 29 Bio21 research groups: 422 259 Publications

Facebook: Visitors and Engagement 482 likes by the end of 2018 Events Visiting international government Internal Events: 288 or academic delegations: 4 Twitter: External Events: 168 Visiting high school or undergraduate student groups: 10 (213 students in total) 99,313 Bio21 public events (3 public lectures impressions in 2018 + Open House Melbourne Weekend): ~643

58 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 Bio21 Institute Theses submitted in 2018

Biosciences Chemistry Lab: Spencer Williams Lab: Ary Hoffmann Lab: Craig Hutton Student: Dylan Glendon Martin Smith Student: Perran Ross Student: Biana Island A journey of synthetic chemistry towards immunogenic glycolipids and non-lipidic Environmental impacts on the use of Amide assembly through Ag(I) promoted antigens modified mosquitoes for arbovirus control reaction of thioamides bearing self cleaving auxiliaries Student: Marija Petricevic Student: Xuan Cheng Design and synthesis of chemical tools for Fitness trade-offs involved in adaptation Student: Jing (Katherine) Shang studies of carbohydrate active enzymes to host plants, diapause-egg phenotypes Use of thioamides in peptide synthesis: and pesticides pressure in the redlegged strategies for ring expansion and peptide Student: Pearl Zynia Fernandes earth mite, Halotydeus destructor ligation at asparagine Design and synthesis of substrates and inhibitors for mechanistic insights into Lab: Karen Day Lab: Jonathan White α-mannosidases and α-L-rhamnosidases Student: Evelyn Seway Chou Student: Christian Werner Wichmann Characterization and mechanisms of a Development of small molecule PET probes Biochemistry and Molecular novel density-dependent death phenotype for imaging of the mTOR pathway Biology in Plasmodium falciparum Student: Alexander McDonald Lab: Cheng/ Gleeson Student: Shazia Ruybal-Pesántez Synthesis and evaluation of Oncrasin based Student: Gahana Ravi Advani Genetic epidemiology of the Plasmodium radiotracers for oncology Mechanism of action of the potential falciparum reservoir of infection in Bongo tumour suppressor Csk homologous Student: Thomas Garrard District, Ghana kinase (Chk) in colorectal cancer cells Synthesis and kinetics of novel ionic liquid Lab: Philip Batterham soluble hydrogen atom transfer reagents Lab: Danny Hatters Student: Hang Ngoc Bao Luong Lab: Mark Rizzacasa Student: Candice Raeburn In vivo functional characterization of Student: Angus Robertson Spatial and temporal surveillance of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in It’s hip to be square: a cyclobutene diester the mechanisms controlling proteome Drosophila melanogaster approach to alkyl citrate natural products foldedness via a FRET-based biosensor Chemical and Biomedical Brendan Fisher Lab: Diana Stojanovski Engineering Towards the synthesis of the emestrin Student: Yilin Kang Lab: Sally Gras family of natural products Characterisation of the human TIM22 mitochondrial import translocase Student: Wilhelm Burger Lab: Paul Donnelly Phage treatment of filamentous bacteria Student: Stacey Rudd Lab: Malcolm McConville in activated sludge Zirconium and copper immunoPET imaging Student: Tim Chung-Ting Liu Student: Anita Pax agents for the diagnosis of cancer The role of de novo myo-inositol synthesis The effect of shredding and freezing on and matabolism in Leishmania parasites Mozzarella cheese microstructure and functionality

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 59 Lab: Leann Tilley Lab: Paul Gleeson Dental Student: Jessica Bridgford Student: Jing Zhi Anson Tan Lab: Reynolds Molecular mechanisms of artemisinin Anterograde sorting and trafficking of Student: Jiamin Aw action and resistance in the malaria the β-amyloid precursor protein and Host-pathogen interactions of parasite Plasmodium falciparum β-Secretase in Alzheimer’s disease Porphyromonas gingivalis Lab: Michael Parker Lab: Paul Gooley Student: Karen Steffi Cheung Tung Shing Student: Md. Alamgir Hossain Understanding biological signalling in Structural basis of the interaction between the βc cytokine receptor family the C-terminal domain of rabies virus phosphoprotein and human STAT1 Lab: Nicholas Williamson Student: Katherine Elise Scull Lab: Villadangos/ Mintern Probing the immunopeptidome: enhanced Student: Haiyin Liu epitope discovery through sHLA Regulation of MHC class II ubiquitination technology and bioinformatics in antigen presenting cells

60 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 61 Industry partners:

The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute University of Melbourne 30 Flemington Road, Parkville Victoria 3010 Telephone: (03) 8344 2220 www.bio21.unimelb.edu.au @Bio21Institute @Bio21Institute

62 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018