Annual Report 2019 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

Produced by the Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Communications andb Bio21 Engagement Institute Advisor Annual Report 2019 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 14 Impacts of Research 19 Research Support Services Report 24 Women of Bio21 31 Industry Engagement and Commercialisation 33 External Relations, Communications and Engagement 36 Public and School Engagement 38 Bio21 Institute Community Events and Engagement 40 Bio21 Media and Social Media 41 Graduate Research Students and Early Career Researchers 42 Institute Members Honoured 44 Grant Successes 45 Governance 48 OHS Report 51 Bio21 People 52 Steering Committee 54 Institute in Numbers 58 Bio21 Institute Theses submitted in 2019 59 Industry partners 62

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 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 2019 3 Director’s Message Professor Michael Parker, Director of the Bio21 Institute

2019 was the International Year of the Periodic Table of Chemical Elements.

2019 was the International Year of the Claire Weekly looked at lanthanides like Periodic Table of Chemical Elements. Cerium and how they interact with bacterial During National Science Week, Bio21 hosted proteins; Paul Donnelly created a compound – Guy Jameson is studying how iron is a public event on the ‘Art and Science of the (Cu(ATSM)) that delivers Cu into neurons to released into the body and what causes iron Periodic Table’, where our Deputy Director treat Motor Neuron Disease and Parkinson’s deficiency. Or to create new compounds Professor Frances Separovic AO explained Disease; Spencer Williams discovered a such as the colourful dyes, harvesting the periodic table and the history of its missing link in the Sulphur cycle, that allows specific wavelengths of light, used in plastic discovery to the audience. Complementing gut bacteria to metabolise an abundant ‘organic’ solar cells in Wallace Wong’s and the science, the audience saw and heard Sulphur-containing sugar (sulfoquinovose) David Jones’ group. from an artist, Damon Kowarsky, and his for energy; Mark Rizzacasa synthesises Bio21 houses extremely powerful and art. Damon was fascinated by the elements natural products for therapeutic use and sensitive instruments to detect elements of the periodic table and their societal he chose to feature Carbon. All of Bio21’s and molecules. The Magnetic Resonance applications and so accepted a commission ‘organic’ chemists could claim Carbon as platform houses nine instruments, gigantic to illustrate a series of elements on panels their favourite molecule – it is the element supercooled magnets, that make it possible for a display at Quantum Victoria. His of life after all and forms the ‘backbone’ for to identify known isotopes in samples beautiful artworks invite you to look many natural and synthetic compounds! through their own unique signature – their closer, to discover the many facets and ‘F’ for Frances: Frances Separovic, chose ‘nuclear resonance’. applications of the elements, hidden within fluorine, for its usefulness in Magnetic the drawings, beautifully coloured by Resonance Spectroscopy, and so the list The instruments within our mass Hyunju Kim. The front cover of this Annual goes on. It was a fun way of gaining insight spectrometry and proteomics facility use Report features Damon’s depiction of the into the diversity of research taking place ‘molecular mass’ of the elements and symbol for Hydrogen, the most abundant within the Bio21 Institute. I encourage you compounds to identify the small molecules chemical substance in the Universe! to enjoy our spread of ‘elements’. and proteins in a sample. These instruments process and record hundreds of thousands We also celebrated the occasion with a As a molecular science institute, the of molecules within a sample, at a great social media series that featured some of elements are not only the objects of our rate. our researchers alongside their favourite study, but also the building blocks we use element: Uta Wille was curious about to synthesise new molecules and materials. Our newest ‘Melbourne Protein Nitrogen – both as a fertiliser and a We conduct fundamental research, to Characterisation’ platform, is rapidly growing pollutant, causing smog as Nitrogen dioxide; attempt to understand their role in biology with a number of new instruments in the

4 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 past year. For example, protein crystals to use different approaches to ‘see’ and people together across disciplines – what can be analysed with the Institute’s X-ray understand elements and molecules. is the glue? Our common, fundamental diffractometer to obtain precise information curiosity for ‘molecular science’ is one ‘glue’. When I’m showing a visiting delegation on the structure of these molecules. It But it is not enough to create a community. around the Institute, I like to make a stop is revealing a whole unseen world of and point out our directory board at the As a Director of an Institute, I seek to fascinating biological machines that can entrance foyer, as it lists and categorises all provide an environment and to foster the carry out a myriad of functions within our the groups within the building; academic culture that encourages people and groups cells. (from 3 STEMM faculties), industry (7 from different disciplines and between Over the past couple of years, we have industry groups) and platform technology academia and industry to engage with each acquired two cryoEM microscopes, that facilities and so highlights our many other and to feel like they belong to Bio21. allow our researchers to look within different disciplines within the Institute. In some sense, Bio21 has from the outset snap-frozen biological samples and ‘see’ Although the research at the Bio21 Institute been an ‘experiment’ in collaboration. Even the objects of their study at atomic level is diverse, it is the common approach of before a building of bricks and mortar, glass resolution. As you may have realised, the ‘molecular science’ that unites us all. and steel took its place along Flemington instruments and facilities I’ve mentioned, Road, visionary people were forging the But a list does not tell you how we bring are complementary and make it possible ‘idea’ of Bio21.

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 5 Before ‘Bio21’ there was the Bio21 Cluster, established in 2001. The Bio21 Cluster was part of the Victorian Government’s Science and Technology Initiative that seeded a series of innovative undertakings that saw biomedical research flourish in Victoria. The Bio21 Institute emerged from the Bio21 cluster, officially opening in June 2005. The Bio21 Cluster became ‘BioMedVic’, which continued its work in advocacy and government engagement on behalf of the biomedical sector until it officially ceased its operations at the end of 2019. I attended the last celebration, that was tinged with sadness, but also with great pride. Its story is intertwined with our own. The collaborative environment, the vibrant Parkville Precinct, with the University of Melbourne, a strong cluster of world- leading research institutes (including the Bio21 Institute), co-located with the Royal Melbourne, Women’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre at the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre is its legacy. Today, more than 40 per cent of Federal Government support for medical research flows to Victorian institutions, supporting 25,000 researchers and clinicians whose discoveries and inventions are changing lives. The commercial biomedical sector employs 21,000 people and generates more than $12.7 billion dollars a year. So, I was glad to have the opportunity during the Faculty of Science’s ‘Science Festival’, to participate in a panel discussion: ‘Different perspectives, one solution. How can we cross the divide

6 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 between the physical and life sciences, drawn people together. So too, through our and in response we have transitioned into engineering and the humanities?’ The event regular morning teas, ‘Big Picture’ seminars a ‘virtual institute’ for a time. We now face showcased some wonderful examples and also our International Women’s Day the additional challenge of retaining a sense of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary celebration in March this year, members of of an ‘institute’, a community, or a ‘village’, research. I was permitted to present one our community from across the Institute without the ability to physically meet. slide only to illustrate what we’re doing at regularly have the opportunity to gather Although we are physically separated, Bio21: and meet and to learn about each other’s we are using the new digital tools at our work. disposal to communicate and connect, to So, what is the secret ‘Bio21’ recipe? It’s not continue to exchange ideas and progress a secret and I’m happy to share it: Projects: Finally, we are brought together our scientific projects. For some of us, our by our need to solve a problem and our Tools: Platform technology facilities expertise and the Bio21 platforms give us realisation that we cannot do this on our represent one kind of ‘glue’ within the the opportunity to re-focus our attention own. We need the specialised knowledge Institute, attracting researchers from various to identifying drug candidates to treat the and skills of others to bring in different disciplines, who wish to use our tools to SARS-CoV-2 virus infection and to forge perspectives to solve our research verify, visualise and locate molecules in new alliances with the Doherty Institute and problem. A good example of this is the order to address a diverse range of research CSIRO. Nature Microbiology paper led by the questions. Tilley and Griffin groups. The problem of In this 2019 Annual Report, I encourage Shared Spaces: The Bio21 atrium in the understanding how the malaria parasite you to learn more about the research David Penington Building, the new common proteasome works has brought many we are undertaking, the industry and area, Level 2 of the Nancy Millis building, researchers together and the resulting list academic groups we’ve welcomed into along with other spaces, including our of authors spans research and platform our community and the way we create a auditorium, balconies and the Avist café; facility groups from within the Institute, collaborative culture and communicate our these meeting, ‘break-out’ and gathering bringing in expertise in malaria, cryo-EM, research to the next generation and the spaces, are important elements of the X-ray crystallography and computational general public. building design. In order to bring people biology. This paper is just one of many such Professor Michael Parker together, we need spaces and places publications that result from collaborations to meet, listen, learn, connect and talk. within the Institute. Director, Bio21 Institute These spaces – beyond our laboratories It is our successful recipe – through tools, – create opportunities for serendipitous shared spaces, events and projects – encounters that may lead to conversations, that sets Bio21 apart and gives us the collaborations and possibly friendships that edge in many research projects and occurred at the right time and place. Also, grant applications. It exemplifies how once the Stage 2C project, our ‘Ruth Bishop’ collaborative culture fuels research success. building is completed, we will have access to And, as new research institutions are being outdoor spaces in the summer. conceptualised, ours is a model that many Events: A good party; fine food and drink may seek to replicate. (e.g. coffee), as well as the opportunity At the time of writing this message we are to hear the news of the day, have always confronted with the COVID-19 pandemic

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 7 Bio21 Leadership

Deputy Director’s Message Professor Emeritus Frances Separovic AO Although I officially retired from the my talents and encouraged me at various School of Chemistry (but not from the points in my life. Bio21 Institute), 2019 inadvertently became As one chapter in life closes, another opens one of my busiest years, which coincided up. An increasing focus of my attention, with a significant year for chemistry: the time and energy is advocacy for women International Year of the Periodic Table. It in science and concern about what we was wonderful and humbling to receive are doing to our planet. In 2019 I had the came into force on 1 January 2016 a Queen’s Birthday Honour, an Order of opportunity to participate in two key and, during the 2019 IUPAC meeting, I Australia, and to have a symposium held events that combined both these concerns. highlighted two goals that I thought were in my honour. One of the most gratifying Firstly, I was privileged to introduce the particularly relevant and prescient: things in life, and which most scientists World Chemistry Leaders meeting at the (i) SDG#12, Responsible Consumption hope to achieve, is to make a difference IUPAC 2019 Congress in Paris, France, on and Production: Innovations in chemical and contribute to knowledge in a field 10 July. industry have the potential to reduce that we are passionate about. So, it was IUPAC stand for the International Union resource use, degradation and pollution marvellous during the Symposium to hear of Pure & Applied Chemistry and is ‘the along the whole product life cycle, while from my colleagues and peers, who have world authority on chemical nomenclature increasing quality of life with cleaner, more become friends over the years, about and terminology, including the naming resilient economies. Daily, news headlines the contribution they felt I made to the of new elements in the periodic table; on highlight the waste crisis within which fields of nuclear magnetic resonance standardized methods for measurement; we currently find ourselves, locally and (NMR), membrane biophysics, amyloid and on atomic weights, and many other globally. The chemistry community has peptides from Alzheimer’s disease and new critically-evaluated data.’ For example, contributed to the problem but is also antibiotic peptides. When forging a career IUPAC contributed to the work of revising part of the solution. One way we can start and attempting to overcome barriers, you the units of measurement - kilogram, to find solutions is to look beyond the are not yet aware where your journey may ampere, kelvin and mole - to physical lab and to engage in the broader societal lead or whether it is worth the effort: it can constants, by coordinating the redefinition conversations around this issue. During at times be a lonely pursuit. Looking back, of the mole, published earlier in Jan 2018. National Science Week in August 2019, I am glad I was able to make a contribution As I gave my introductory speech at Bio21’s Uta Wille was a panel member of and inspire others to pursue their own the Congress, I took the opportunity to a Science Festival Keynote: The Future of research careers, particularly as a ‘role reiterate IUPAC’s core values of promoting Plastic. model’ and mentor to other women. I was diversity and ethical behaviour, values also thrilled that my name was put forward (ii) SDG#5, Gender Equality: The 2019 that are inherent to the Sustainable to the Parkville Metro Rail Tunnel Creative Chemical & Engineering News survey Development Goals adopted by world Project to have my story presented as a shows that women are slowly consolidating leaders in September 2015 at an historic mural illustrated by a local artist. It was corporate gains with 19% as board United Nations summit. The 17 Sustainable amazing to see my life presented in a visual directors and 14% as executive officers at Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda way. I am grateful to those who recognised chemical companies. Women now make for Sustainable Development officially

8 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 up 41% of PhD recipients in chemistry, a set against the backdrop of Antarctica, collaborators. Finally, to celebrate the significant gain, but still represent less than which aims to heighten the influence and 150th anniversary of Dmitri Mendeleev’s 20% of tenured and tenure-track faculty at impact of women in making decisions that publication of the Periodic Table of the top 50 chemistry schools. shape our planet. The journey culminated the Elements, I opened an exhibition in a three week visit to Antarctica. Together commissioned by Quantum Victoria of On International Women’s Day 2017, with 99 other women, working in diverse artworks depicting the elements. In a I was honoured to become an IUPAC scientific disciplines from around the series of hexagonal panels, artists Damon Distinguished Woman of Chemistry but, world, I boarded the Hebridean Sky Kowarsky and Hyunju Kim, had hidden as I participated in the events of the IUPAC heading for the Southern Ocean. Living clues about the role that elements play in 2019 Congress, I could not help but notice and working together in close quarters, we our everyday life. how few women exist at the higher levels of participated in workshops and discussions the chemistry community. I was fortunate Bio21 subsequently invited Damon about communication and leadership. to share the stage with Ilham Khadri, Kowarsky to speak at a National Science The activities were designed not only to CEO of Solvay, but several panels or prize week event, ‘The Science and Art of the improve our communication skills but also awardees during the week, included only Periodic Table’, where we heard from our to help us recognise what we stand for and one woman or no women at all. Change platform leads, Nick Williamson on mass what drives us. As an ‘elder’ on the journey, can be frustratingly slow, but this was a spectrometry, Andrew Leis about electron I realised that I already had overcome reminder for me that much still needs to microscopy and me on NMR spectroscopy. many barriers that these women were be done before we achieve gender parity At the time, Damon used Zoom to join yet to face and so had unique insights to in chemistry. Within our own community, the discussion from Belgrade. Now we are contribute. Set against the backdrop of the it is pleasing to see women leaders join constantly meeting up with each other breathtaking environment of Antarctica, Bio21, such as Associate Professor Megan virtually but in 2019 it was not so common. it was an incredible experience, that also Maher, School of Chemistry, whose team How quickly things can change. highlighted the urgency of the challenges brings expertise in the area of X-ray of climate change. crystallography. As well as HB4, 2019 was a year of intense Professor Emeritus Frances Separovic AO Another opportunity I had in 2019, was travel for me as part of my membership FAA a ‘trip of a lifetime’: I was selected to be of various international committees and part of Homeward Bound #TeamHB4. Deputy Director, Bio21 Institute working groups and I also visited overseas Homeward Bound is a leadership initiative,

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 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

needs; what their problems and concerns that is published online and posted in the are and identifying the barriers they face in Institute’s lifts, has also been a great way to hearing or implementing our solutions, as it highlight the challenges and achievements is about actually communicating. of the women in our scientific community. Responsibly communicating science is also A number of University and media stories critical. The 3rd of June 2019 marked the highlighted the extraordinary progress publication of Fairfax guidelines on the being made to eradicate dengue in reporting of medical research, in an effort tropical countries by members of the to improve the quality of reporting. Hoffmann group. Media has covered the exciting progress of clinical trials for a drug In 2019 Bio21 also provided researchers and compound Cu(ATSM) developed by the students with many opportunities to share Donnelly group at the Institute against MND and effectively communicate their research and Parkinson’s Disease and Uta Wille has in engaging, entertaining and informative contributed to panel discussions and radio ways: programs discussing the problem of plastic 2019 was the International Year of the and the potential solutions proposed by Uta Periodic Table of Elements, celebrating 150 Associate Director Engagement – Wille and her team. years since Dmitri Mendeleev’s publication Professor Sally Gras In 2019, 120 high school students of the first version of the table of elements. participated in tours and activities at Bio21, As a scientific research community Bio21 celebrated the year with a social including our year 10 work experience that consists of academic, industry and media series highlighting our researchers program; 388 members of the general professional staff members, Bio21’s research and their work with particular elements. public came through the Institute’s doors efforts contribute to solving some of the Our International Women’s Day Symposium during the Open House Weekend and great environmental, agricultural and health was a particular highlight for the Institute engaged with our scientists about their problems confronting our society and community, celebrating our academic, research at displays. Bio21 hosted five ‘Big world. Yet, it is often difficult for scientists industry and professional women working Picture Seminars’, an International Women’s to make ourselves heard amongst the in various disciplines throughout the Day Symposium; a public event about the multitude of social media channels. Institute. It celebrated our women but also ‘Art and Science of the Periodic Table,’ Effective science communication can be as the diversity and quality of the research six internal morning teas and hosted over much about listening to what our audience they conduct. The ‘Women of Bio21’ series, twenty external events, over the year not

10 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 including the regular weekly departmental our research findings. We also inspire and response. Bio21’s scientists are also part and industry seminars. And this was just the educate the next generation of students to of these efforts, illustrating how effective events. Communications and Engagement pursue a scientific career path or to apply science communication is now more at Bio21 also included engagement with their scientific understanding to a broad important than ever. traditional media – newspapers and radio range of significant roles in government, interviews by our academics and through industry and the community and other website and social media channels, not non-traditional academic pathways to mention the ways in which individual beyond Bio21. Our Communications and researchers engaged with their stakeholders Engagement Advisor plays a critical role in their discipline areas at national and coordinating our Institute’s communication international fora. and engagement but every member has an opportunity to participate and contribute in It was a busy year but was it a particularly some way. The many activities rely on the busy, or extraordinary year? Not really. willingness of our researchers to share their The number of events, engagement 'Welcome'- New Arrivals expertise and knowledge and to volunteer activities and media output reflect that First Biotech their time. communication and engagement are Gertrude Biomedical embedded within the activities of the 2020 is turning out to be an extraordinary Douglas Pires Institute. It is part of the Institute’s remit to year. With the enormity of the task our society, government and industry. combatting the spread of the coronavirus Megan Maher SARS-CoV2 or ‘Covid-19’, our country’s As a research community, as part of The Debnath Ghosal leaders have turned to scientists to inform University of Melbourne, we share our decision-making and our national and state knowledge and expertise and translate

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 11 discovery or invention to maximize its work at Bio21 performed by Paul Donnelly, practical application. Kevin Barnham and Tony White, started a multi-centre clinical trial to evaluate the Professor Leann Tilley and Dr Stanley Xie efficacy and safety of CuATSM in subjects were awarded funding from the Global with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (also Health Innovative Technology Fund to known as Motor Neuron Disease). work with Takeda Pharmaceuticals and the Medicines for Malaria Venture to The University has a deep long-term develop new antimalarials that target engagement with CSL. We were therefore malaria parasite protein synthesis. This delighted by the announcement in August work is also supported by an NHMRC 2019 that they were planning to relocate Development grant. Professor Sally Gras their global headquarters to ‘Elizabeth was the recipient of an ARC Linkage grant House’, a new 16-storey building to be in collaboration with Bega Cheese, focused built at 645 Elizabeth St. This exciting on Vegemite production (LP190100090), development recognizes the growing entitled ‘Intelligent bioprocessing for next- importance of the Parkville Biomedical generation nutritional yeast extracts’. Precinct and will strengthen the precinct and streamline interactions with CSL Associate Director Commercialisation – Several drugs developed by University of laboratories based at Bio21, local hospitals, Professor Spencer Williams Melbourne researchers, including those the University of Melbourne and local A major mission of the Bio21 Institute is to at Bio21 continue to progress through medical research institutes. The project is encourage and support commercialisation human clinical trials with commercial slated for completion in 2024. activities in the area of biotechnology partners: Clarity Pharmaceuticals, a Industry tenants that joined Bio21 in and molecular science and thereby foster company founded on research from Bio21 2019 include Gertrude Biomedical, a the local food, agri- and biotechnology Institute researcher Paul Donnelly and startup company seeking to develop small industries, providing economic and social work at ANSTO, reported that 64Cu/67Cu- molecule drugs targeting a transcription benefits for Victoria. These activities SARTATE, a theranostic cancer agent factor complex involved in aberrant include supporting industry tenants, big combination, received US FDA approval vasculature for their growth and spread; and small, in the Bio21 incubator and Nancy for its Investigational New Drug (IND) and First Biotech, an Australian subsidiary Millis buildings. application for a Phase 1-2a trial in of Beijing No. 1 Biotech that is investing in paediatric patients with somatostatin As well, our researchers are active drug development programs emanating receptor-2 positive, relapsed or refractory, participants in ongoing commercial- from the University of Melbourne.Industry high-risk neuroblastomas. focused projects and often seek to protect tenant Circa Group announced that a Circa- and develop intellectual property arising OccuRx, a company founded on research led consortium won a €12M EU Horizon from their work. Many studies have by Spencer Williams, received approval 2020 Flagship grant to build a 1,000 tonne shown that an academic researcher’s to conduct a Phase I study for OCX063, CyreneTM plant. This will support further responsibility to serve the public may not a drug developed for the treatment of scaleup of their innovative plant sourced be met adequately by publication alone, fibrotic and inflammatory ocular diseases. solvent. Circa also announced a range of but rather through commercialisation Collaborative Medicinal Development, a exciting new applications, including the activities that allow refinement of a licensee for the use of CuATSM arising from reclamation of valuable components of

12 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 Academia and industry join forces against malaria Malaria Venture (MMV), in a double-pronged anticancer drugs discovered and developed effort to develop new antimalarial drugs. by Takeda Pharmaceuticals, also has Professor demonstrated activity against the malaria Leann With the support of the Global Health parasite. They will also work to develop Tilley Innovative Technology (GHIT) Fund, an a novel class of compounds that targets and Dr initiative that co-funds partnerships malaria parasite protein synthesis. The Stanley Xie from the Bio21 Institute are between the Government of Japan, team has received a total of ¥230,064,905 working with experts from the Japanese pharmaceutical industry, Bill & Melinda ($2,042,011) from the GHIT Fund to conduct company, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, and Gates Foundation, and Wellcome Trust, the this work, as part of two separate projects. Swiss-based foundation, Medicines for team will pursue their finding that a class of

$14m invested to create vaccine for debilitating periodontal gum disease

A vaccine for periodontal gum disease, disease, a debilitating and painful form of Biomedical Precinct. which affects a third of all adults globally, gum disease which affects one in three people CSL Limited Senior Vice President of Research is in development following a $14 globally. The disease damages periodontal Dr Andrew Nash said it’s exciting to see the million investment into newly-formed soft tissue and alveolar bones, which support treatment progress to the next stage of biotechcompany Denteric Pty Ltd. development. The company was set-up to develop and University of Melbourne Deputy Vice- commercialise the research outputs of a Chancellor (Research) Professor Jim McCluskey long-running programme originating from said: “We welcome the significant investment the University of Melbourne working in in this critical research, which has the potential collaboration with CSL. to change the lives of people around the The announcement was made at the official world.” launch of the University’s Centre for Oral teeth, due to an accumulation of bacteria. Republished from the Melbourne Newsroom. Health Research (COHR). Moderate to severe periodontitis affects more The Series A investment comes from the than 50 per cent of Australians over the age Medical Research Commercialisation Fund’s of 65 and is associated with diabetes, heart (MRCF) Biomedical Translation Fund, a disease, rheumatoid arthritis, dementia and Commonwealth-backed fund managed by certain cancers. Brandon Capital Partners, CSL Ltd., Australia’s University of Melbourne Professor Eric largest biotechnology company, and the Reynolds, founder and CEO of the Oral Health University of Melbourne. CRC, now COHR, said the creation of Denteric Denteric will focus on developing a is the perfect example of public-private therapeutic vaccine for treating periodontal collaboration within the thriving Melbourne

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 13 end-of-life EV batteries, and as a solvent for performance computing (Systems and production and dispersion of graphene. Computational Biology). Industry tenant Alterity Therapeutics These platforms underpin the research (formerly Prana Biotechnology) reported activities of most internal research groups, that it successfully completed its phase 1 as well as a large number of research groups study of PBT434, a novel, orally bioavailable from outside the Institute. The latter include small molecule inhibitor of alpha-synuclein researchers from across the University of aggregation. Melbourne, neighbouring Medical Research Finally, several exciting Big Picture Seminars Institutes, Universities, industry and were held, which included Dr Larry Government agencies. Each of the platforms Dick, Seofon Consulting (USA) on ‘Drug are housed in state-of-the art laboratories Discovery in the Ubiquitin Proteasome and supported by funding from the Bio21 System’, and a three-way presentation Institute strategic fund, the Deputy Vice by Drs Joseph Arron (Genentech), Matt Chancellor Research (DVCR) (including Sleeman (Regeneron), and Brent McKenzie the Collaborative Research Infrastructure (Genentech) on ‘The science behind drug Committee) and national funding agencies (including the Australian Research Council discovery in Industry’. NCRIS and ARC LIEF equipment grants. Some Linkage Infrastructure Equipment and At the time of writing, COVID-19 is major developments are summarized below. Facilities (LIEF) and National Collaborative dramatically affecting the Australian and As part of a major initiative, the University Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) International communities, providing has invested heavily in expanding the cell funding mechanisms). Long term support opportunities for Bio21 Researchers to work and structural biology capability of the for these platforms has been critical for on solutions to a wide range of societal Bio21 Advanced Microscopy Facility (AMF) maintaining the highly experienced (mostly problems. We expect that this will lead to a with the acquisition of a number of new postdoctoral) professional staff that run range of new initiatives for 2020. instruments in 2018-2019. In addition to the the platforms and drive innovation in Talos Cryo-electron microscope (installed Associate Director Platform their applications, as well as for upgrading in 2018), the AFM has recently installed a Infrastructure – Professor Malcolm equipment and capability. Long term new Glacios cryo-EM and has a planned McConville support for these platforms has also made installation of a 300 KV Krios Cryo-EM them major research hubs within the The Bio21 Institute supports a number instrument in mid-2020. These instruments Institute, where PhD students and post- of major technology platforms around are revolutionizing our ability to determine doctoral researchers meet, and external mass spectrometry (Melbourne Mass the 3D structure of proteins at near researchers from academia, industry and Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility atomic resolution and complement other Government agencies, engage with Bio21 and Metabolomics Australia), NMR established structural biology approaches, researchers. The platforms continued (Melbourne Magnetic Resonance), such as X-ray crystallography and Nuclear to expand and to renew their capability advanced cryo-electron microscopy, super- Magnetic Resonance (NMR). The Talos over 2019, supported, in part, by funding resolution light microscopy (Melbourne Cryo-EM has already been used by Bio21 initiatives such as the Australian Cancer Advanced Microscopy Facility), protein researchers to determine the structure of Research Foundation (ACRF) Innovative characterization (Melbourne Protein a large protein complex from the malarial Characterisation Facility) and high Cancer Drug Discovery, Mito Foundation,

14 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 parasite that is a drug target for new Laboratories in the Bio21 Nancy Millis levels in biological samples (including antimalarials. The AFM has also acquired building houses one of the largest the identification of novel metabolites), new capability in scanning and transmission proteomics and metabolomics facilities in and allow researchers to understand the electron microscopy which allows the country. The facility has more than 25 molecular basis of many diseases and researchers to image subcellular structure mass spectrometers, with instruments from identify new biomarkers that can be used in and even proteins in their biological all major vendors, as well as a combined advanced diagnostics. context. In particular, the recent acquisition staff of 15 post-doctoral research officers A new Bio21 platform centred around of a Leica Cryo Correlative microscope and technical staff (four from proteomics protein production and protein functional makes it possible to track the location and and 11 from Metabolomics Australia). The characterization was established in 2019 movement of fluorescent proteins in cells proteomics facility expanded its fleet of high in a new purpose-built laboratory. The using a combination of light and electron Melbourne Protein Characterization (MPC) microscopy. The major expansion of the facility brings together capacity for large AFM is being accommodated through the scale protein expression in insect and construction of a new purpose-built facility, mammalian cells, protein purification, as within the old Veterinary Science building well as a range of instruments for detailed on the Bio21 site. protein characterization, including The new building is both architecturally analytical ultracentrifugation, and an X-ray arresting, as well as built to accommodate diffractometer. The facility acquired a new the exacting requirements of the new Biacore S200 Surface Plasmon Resonance instruments and will be completed in instrument (supported by the ACRF) and mid-2020. The development of this world a Wyatt 18 Angels Lighting Scattering class facility has further strengthened links resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometers instrument for measuring protein-protein with neighbouring institutions, such as the with the acquisition of two new generation and protein-drug interactions. Finally, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, the Peter instruments, the Orbitrap Eclipse and the facility provides researchers with MacCallum Cancer Institute and the Monash Orbitrap Exploris 480. Supported by both new capability around drug discovery Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, who the University and the Mito Foundation the through access to the OpenEye virtual drug have coinvested in the facility. acquisition of these new instruments will screening software which was supported by Bio21 also houses a major node of the help drive research programs directed at the Australian Cancer Research Foundation Biological Optical Microscopy Platform understanding the basis of mitochondrial Innovative Cancer Drug Discovery. The (BOMP) which provides complementary diseases amongst many other research MPC, together with the other platforms, capability to the AFM with a suite of projects. New funding from both the brings together capability in various steps confocal and super resolution microscopes University and National Collaborative in the drug development pipelines and has and a focus on imaging live cells. The Bio21 Research Infrastructure Scheme (NCRIS) attracted significant interest and investment node installed a new super resolution Zeiss also enabled the upgrade of the Bio21 by industry partners, such as CSL. Elyra/LSM880 microscope in August 2020, Metabolomics Australia facility with providing new capability for single molecule installation of two Orbitrap IDX instruments tracking in live cells in late 2019. These instruments will greatly The new Margaret Shiel Mass Spectrometry increase depth of coverage of metabolite

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 15 Arrival of Cryo-electron microscopes at Bio21

while canned peas (fixed cells and proteins) 300 nm in thickness). have a slightly different look and very In 2019 Bio21 In the last four years, with the purchase different taste. Institute of an automated block-face imaging received a We are now able to visualise protein SEM and a new automated serial section cryo-electron structures in solution and in their native ultra-microtome, we have expanded our microscope state, providing further insights into capability in 3D imaging to reach volumes (EM) Glacios. the behaviour and function of proteins in the 1mm3 range, at resolutions closer to The instrument and molecules in cells, particularly the 10 nm. belongs to interactions of drugs with drug targets. Hence, we are now able to conduct 3D the Monash When the new microscopes arrive next imaging in a sample size range spanning Institute of year, we will be able to do the same but in from molecules (angstrom range resolution) Pharmaceutical Sciences (MIPS), but in the context of the cellular environment. through to tissues (nanometer range exchange for housing the microscope we This technology complements the data resolution). receive shared access to it. we receive from mass spectrometry, The missing piece in the puzzle is the Since the commissioning of the Talos Artica magnetic resonance spectroscopy and X-ray elemental composition of the sample of (200kV cryoTEM) and the Talos L120C (120 crystallography, also housed in the Institute. interest. For this we turn to ‘microanalysis’. kV microscope) in 2019, we now have a But with all the buzz and excitement around We have five microscopes capable of good collection of CryoEM microscopes at cryoEM, let us not forget the other electron visualizing each atomic element from Bio21 which will be further strengthened microscope capabilities we house at Bio21. Boron upwards (at a few nm resolution) in a with the arrival of two other instruments tissue, in individual particles, or even in bulk mid-2020. Most of us look at electron microscopy samples. For lighter elements (B to Zn), we as a two dimensional technique. But for Globally, Australia has been a late-adopter are one of the few facilities worldwide that the last 50 years the third dimension has of this new, but revolutionary technology can do this under cryogenic conditions. always been there for us to use. Since its that won Jacques Dubochet, Joachim Frank inception, Bio21 has had the capability to All of these wonderful “toys” will be and Richard Henderson, the Nobel Prize in do tomography and even cryo-tomography, relocated mid-2020 in our new home-to- Chemistry 2017. providing a very much-needed third be, the Bio21 ‘Ruth Bishop building (Ex VRI, With considerable investment and also dimension in applications such as, cell building 403), currently under construction. recruitment, we’re catching up and starting biology, nanomaterials and solar cells. So, whatever you are hoping to look at to see results from these remarkable This is the equivalent of you receiving a CT- in your samples, please come and speak instruments. scan whereby the machine rotates around with me and the team in the Advanced What is special about these instruments? your injured limb. In the case of EM, it is the Microscopy Facility, and we will endeavour sample rotating in the microscope. to find the most effective method for your CryoEM allows you to peer into samples analysis. that have been ‘snap frozen’. For a layman’s It produces a very high resolution, three analogy, it is like frozen peas: they have dimensional (3D) structure, encompassing Associate Professor, Eric Hanssen advantages over canned peas, retaining the whole sample size (which must remain Advanced Microscopy Facility their look, freshness, vitamins and taste, within the limits of the lower microns and

16 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 CryoEM insights into the nanomachine that powers the cell’s garbage disposal system motion” says Prof helps to have detailed structural views of the Tilley “and we think molecular machinery. It is now possible to it opens an escape obtain that information, due to a revolution route to let shredded in structural biology, called cryo electron protein pieces out of microscopy (cryoEM) – a revolution that the proteasome ready was recognised by the 2017 Nobel Prize in for recycling”. Chemistry. Dr Griffin explains As Dr Griffin explains, “for the first time, we are that “Some cells such able to directly image the internal mechanics as cancerous blood of molecular machines – to see life, itself, in Capitalising on the revolution brought about cells make proteins action.” at a gangbusters’ rate, creating so much by structural cryo-electron microscopy (cryo- The Bio21 Institute recently established a waste they are particularly reliant on their EM), a Bio21 team led by Dr Mike Griffin and cryoEM capability in its Melbourne Microscopy proteasome. As a consequence, proteasome Prof Leann Tilley has generated molecular Facility and the team wanted to use it to collect inhibitors can be used clinically as anti-cancer movies of a sophisticated nano-machine, called the first-ever views of a proteasome working agents. Similarly, malaria parasites multiply the proteasome. with a PA28 cap. But first they needed to purify rapidly inside human red blood cells and in the proteasome. Malaria parasites are only one The proteasome is the cell’s waste disposal doing so, generate a lot of waste protein. twentieth the diameter of a human hair, so system. They showed that the barrel-shaped Proteasome inhibitors are under development Dr Stanley Xie and Dr Tuo Yang used parasites proteasome has a cap, called PA28, that in Prof Tilley’s lab as potential antimalarial generated during many months of culture to “dances” back and forth, opening and closing a drugs.” gap at the interface. get enough pure protein for cryoEM studies. A To understand how living matter works, it heroic effort, but it was worth it. “We refer to this as the dancing proteasome

Biacore S200 arrives at Bio21 The Biacore S200 arrived at the Bio21 Institute on Monday, 17 June. This instrument allows the study of interaction between biomolecules (e.g.: protein-protein interaction, protein-small molecules interaction, etc.). It is funded by the Australian Cancer Research Foundation as part of the ACRF Facility for Innovative Cancer Drug Discovery.

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 17 Assoc/Prof Eric Hanssen and Dr Andrew Leis of Bio21’s Advanced Microscopy Facility collected the cryoEM data. Putting together many thousands of electron microscopy images, a picture of PA28 emerged. It looked like a conical lid sitting at the end of the proteasome barrel. The team called on the structural biology expertise of Dr Riley Metcalfe to solve the structure. At the top of the cap, flexible streamer-like loops form dynamic swirls. As Riley explains, “we could also see loops at the bottom of PA28 and we could see how they engage with the surface of the barrel. This clasp mechanism opens up a pore in the top of the barrel, creating a channel through to the shredding enzymes in the barrel core.” Craig Morton, Bio21 Institute, and Michael Kuiper, CSIRO Data61, used computer-based simulations to show that the dancing motion could let small peptide products escape through the interface between the cap and the barrel – providing short-cut access to and from the shredder. Schematic illustrating shows how no-longer-needed proteins are fed into the proteasome barrel. Proteins are degraded and then released through the PA28 activator. The dynamic nature of the interface between PA28 and the proteasome may enable short-cut egress of peptide products. The team’s work has been published in Nature Microbiology. Their cryoEM-based molecular movies provide new insights into the mechanism of action of this important waste disposal system. Importantly, the new high-resolution structure of the malaria parasite proteasome is also helping the design of inhibitors that specifically target thePlasmodium proteasome. New antimalarial drugs are desperately needed to prevent the more than 400,000 deaths caused each year by the malaria parasite. The team’s cryoEM structure will facilitate the rational design of new inhibitors. Figure: Dancing proteasomes. Reconstructed multibody-refined cryoEM densities showing the “dancing” of the PA28 cap (purple) on the proteasome core (aqua).

Welcome to Dr Douglas Pires Douglas Pires is a Senior Lecturer in Digital Health, and group leader and researcher in the School of Computing and Information Systems, Melbourne School of Engineering at the University of Melbourne.

18 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 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 solar Huntington’s Disease cells) Inflammation Iron Deficiency Leishmaniasis Legionella Malaria Mitochondrial Disease Motor Neurone Disease Pain in Oral Cancers Parkinson’s Disease Sepsis Rabies Toxoplasmosis

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 19 Scientists Crack Rabies Virus Weaponry Researchers have found a way to stop the rabies virus shutting down the body’s immune defence against it.

Rabies kills an estimated 60 000 people a researchers’ knowledge, this was the first direct forward,” Dr Moseley said. year, most of them in developing countries, structural analysis of binding of full sized STAT1 Associate Professor Gooley said he is excited to overwhelmingly through dog bites. to a viral protein, even though many viruses have been involved in a project that could lead such as measles and Hendra target this protein. Monash University’s Greg Moseley from the to a safer oral vaccine for rabies to eliminate it, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute(link Using a ‘wild’ strain of rabies virus, collaborators especially in developing countries. is external) and University of Melbourne’s at the Pasteur Institute in France showed that “Like Greg I’m a discovery scientist, driven by Paul Gooley from the Bio21 Institute were by disabling this binding they could strongly curiosity. I enjoy solving scientific problems,” senior authors in the study, published in Cell weaken even a highly pathogenic virus. Associate Professor Gooley said. Reports(link is external). The findings of their five-year study are the subject of a recently lodged international “The state-of-the-art technological tools and “It’s been known for a long time that many patent. methods used in the study could also be viruses target the human protein STAT1 and applied more broadly to counter other viruses related proteins to shut down the host’s A global drive is underway to find better ways that target STAT proteins.” immune defences, and it’s also assumed that to counter rabies, which is caused by the rabies this is very important for diseases,” long-term virus and also other lyssaviruses including an First author on the paper was then PhD student rabies researcher Dr Moseley said. Australian bat virus. Dr Alamgir Hossain.

However, it was not known exactly how The study was supported by grants from the Methods such as culling dogs have not worked P-protein ¬– the main ‘immune antagonist’ of Australian National Health & Medical Research to control rabies and while mass vaccination is lyssaviruses including the rabies virus – takes Council Australia, Australian Research Council effective, catching and injecting animals is hold of STAT1, due to a lack of direct structural and Grimwade Fellowship, and the Miegunyah data on STAT1 complexes with viral proteins. problematic. “The development of a new safe and highly effective rabies vaccine that can be “The challenge was to produce the key proteins on the viral and host sides in a test tube and keep them stable so we could interrogate the interaction directly; this hadn’t been done before, at least for the full-size human protein,” Dr Moseley said. The researchers then brought the two proteins together and, using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, showed the precise regions where the viral protein sticks onto STAT1 and holds onto it to keep it away from locations in the cell where it needs to be to activate the immune response. “We were able to find new regions and new sites for mutations and so could target these in a virus, completely preventing it from being able to grab hold of STAT1,” Associate Professor Gooley, an expert in nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, said.To the given orally or as ‘baits’ would be a major step Greg Moseley, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Paul Gooley, Bio21 Institute

20 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 A sweet solution for a persistent parasite

New research was published 11 September 2019, Cell Host and Microbe that shows how an important group of human pathogens cause disease, opening up fresh avenues for much needed therapies. Leishmaniasis is a sandfly-borne disease caused by Leishmania parasites. According to the World Health Organisation, there are an estimated 700 000 to 1 million new cases of this neglected tropical disease and some 26 000 to 65 000 deaths annually, with millions more people infected without symptoms. The disease is increasing in many groups at the University of Melbourne’s Bio21 synthesis in Leishmania, which first involved regions of the world, including the Middle Institute and the University of York, researchers acquiring genes from bacteria cohabiting East, Africa and Central America where there have shown that Leishmania make an unusual in their common insect vector, was critical are regional conflicts and breakdown in health carbohydrate reserve, termed mannogen, that in allowing these parasites to adapt to their services. protects them from fluctuating nutrient levels animal and human hosts and colonize immune No vaccines exist and drugs to treat the in the host. cells” explains Fleur Sernee, who together with Julie Ralton, is lead author on the publication. disease are inadequate, often failing to kill “Leishmania are weird. While we use glycogen the pathogens and commonly causing toxic made from glucose as an energy store, they use “As mannogen metabolism is critical for side-effects. a different sugar, mannose, to build mannogen. the survival of these parasites, developing Leishmania are able to persist for many years While we need glycogen to live, the parasites inhibitors to block the enzymes that regulate in their human host by hiding inside immune need mannogen to survive,” explains Professor this carbohydrate store is a potential way to cells, such as macrophages. Macrophages Spencer Williams, carbohydrate chemist, who specifically kill Leishmania parasites,” explains are normally responsible for killing invading contributed to this work. Malcolm McConville. pathogens, but Leishmania are able to avoid The University of Melbourne researchers “We can exploit the parasite’s food preference this fate and grow stealthily within these host have identified a new family of enzymes that for mannogen and specifically target this cells, eventually forming large ‘granuloma’ use sugars scavenged from the host to make metabolic pathway, without side-effects to lesions that can lead to open ulcerating sores, mannogen, that can then be reused by the humans.” organ damage and, in some cases, death. parasite when nutrient levels are low. These Bio21 researchers from the Parker group and Many people who carry the parasite remain versatile enzymes, called mannosyltransferase/ from York University, were involved in defining asymptomatic, but immunosuppressed phosphorylases or ‘MTPs’ for short, also have the 3D structure of these enzymes. These individuals, for example those with HIV/AIDs a role in regulating the metabolism of these studies allowed the researchers to map the or suffering from malnutrition, are particularly parasites and represent an entirely new evolution of this new enzyme family whose vulnerable. Until recently very little was enzyme class. The findings are the culmination members acquired the ability to both make known about how Leishmania managed to of 10 years’ work and provide a fundamental and degrade mannogen, and regulate the grow within these host cells and resist most understanding of Leishmania metabolism for metabolism of these pathogens. antibiotics. the development of specific drugs. In this collaborative study between research “We believe that the evolution of mannogen

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 21 Impacts of Research: Human Health

Lightning strikes twice for potential Parkinson’s disease and MND drug

A phase 1 human clinical trial of a chemists at the Bio21 Institute, School compound developed by researchers of Chemistry; neuroscientists at The at the Bio21 Molecular Science and Florey and University of Melbourne, Biotechnology Institute and the and clinicians at the Royal Melbourne University of Melbourne and Florey Hospital has fuelled promising results Institute of Neuroscience and Mental in clinical trials with Cu(ATSM) as a Health is showing promise in alleviating potential treatment for Parkinson’s the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Disease” The results come just months after “Years of basic science and preclinical similar findings were reported in a work on Cu(ATSM) as a potential separate motor neurone disease trial. treatment for Parkinson’s disease and The compound, CuATSM, was given to MND has led to clinical trials” says Prof three separate cohorts of Parkinson’s Paul Donnelly.” still too early to claim definitive success, patients (19 in total), in the early stages Professor Ashley Bush, director of the we’re doing the hard yards to discover of the disease, for six months. Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, exactly how the compound saves brain The aim of the open-label trial was to said, “Although the MND and Parkinson’s cells, and hope to report on this before ensure safety of the compound, as well trials were both phase 1, meaning we the end of the year.” as determine the oral dose that would can’t make any claims about treatment The trial was conducted by Professor give patients drug levels equivalent efficacy, the fact that we see patient Andrew Evans at the Royal Melbourne to those seen in mouse models of improvements at the equivalent doses Hospital(link is external), in conjunction Parkinson’s disease where CuATSM where we saw independently validated with Collaborative Medicinal treatment inhibited brain damage. improvements in various mouse models Development(link is external), a USA- of both diseases gives us confidence Encouragingly, the greater the dose and Australia-based biotechnology that we are on the right path.” of CuATSM the greater the benefits in company that licensed CuATSM from the current trial, with those people on Professor Kevin Barnham, head of the University of Melbourne in order to the highest dose improving on both a Neurotherapeutics at The Florey, said, advance its development. quality of life score and on measures of “Like detectives, we don’t really believe The results were presented to movement disability due to Parkinson’s in coincidences. Taken together, international experts at the XXIV World disease. the results from the two trials are Congress on Parkinson‘s Disease and very encouraging. When we began Professor Paul Donnelly, Bio21 Institute, Related Disorders in Canada on June 13. developing this compound 15 years ago School of Chemistry, University we were quietly optimistic. So, while it is of Melbourne, “A collaboration of

22 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 17th element #IYPT2019: Chlorine (Cl) ions 6th element on the periodic table 8th element on the periodic table, are needed for healthy bones. They cross #IYPT2019 #InMyElement Carbon is the #IYPT2019: Cerium is a rare earth element membranes of bone cells with help of ClC-7 backbone of life. Organic chemistry = recently found to be essential for the growth proteins. Larissa @Bio21Institute studies carbon chemistry: life, pharmaceuticals & of some bacteria. @Bio21Institute, Claire how signals inside bone cells regulate plastics! Mark Rizzacasa @Bio21Institute Weekley @claireweekley is characterising ClC-7 to better treat bone diseases like synthesises natural compounds like bacterial proteins to understand their osteoporosis & osteosarcoma. episilvestrol to test as therapies for cancer interactions with Ce and other rare earth elements.

46th element on the periodic table, 7th element: International Year of the 34th element on the periodic table, #IYPT2019: Palladium catalyses many Periodic Table of Chemical Elements – #IYPT2019: Selenium (Se) imparts chemical transformations @Bio21Institute Iypt2019. Nitrogen is a fertiliser, pollutant antioxidant properties into organic Wallace Wong uses Pd to help construct and building block of life. Bio21’s Uta Wille compounds. @Bio21Institute’s Jonathan fluorescent dyes and semiconducting shows how N can be better taken up by White has harnessed both its chalcogen- polymers @organotronics @excitonscience crops & how it contributes to ‘smog’ in our bond forming and antioxidant properties @SciMelb cities. towards the development of drugs to prevent DNA damage in patients undergoing radiation treatment

Ninth element of the periodic table, 16th element International Year of the 9th element #IYPT2019 Cu runs through #IYPT2019, Fluorine is found useful by @ Periodic Table of Chemical Elements – telephone lines, but is also crucial to FrancesBiophys @Bio21Institute as it has Iypf2019 Smelly Sulfur (S) is a common healthy brain function. @Bio21Institute, Paul low background and high signal when used preservative & building block of life. @ Donnelly CuATSM, a copper containing in 19F NMR to determine protein dynamics Bio21Institute Spencer Williams has molecule that gets into brain cells and is and interactions in membranes. uncovered why greens are good for our gut now showing promising results in trials with & the missing piece in the biogeochemical MND patients. sulfur cycle: ‘SQase’. Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 23 Trials promise good news for countries with dengue and Zika virus

An international team of scientists have Professor Hoffmann, from Melbourne in greater Kuala Lumpur with high levels of reported an effective and environmentally University’s Bio21 Institute, said the findings dengue transmission. The Wolbachia carrying sustainable way to block the transmission of could make a difference to a number of mosquitoes – both male and female – then mosquito-borne dengue virus, in trials carried countries who have dengue. went on to mate with the wild mosquito out in Malaysia. population, resulting in the spread and “This study provides us with a new Wolbachia establishment of the virus-inhibiting bacteria. The breakthrough has major implications for strain for field release and highlights disease In some sites, Wolbachia-carrying mosquitoes countries with hot climates such as island impact within a complex urban setting where were measured at over 90 per cent frequency nations in the South Pacific to Saudi Arabia, dengue incidence rates are high,” he said. more than a year after the mosquito releases Africa and South America, all of which “The intervention succeeded despite ongoing ended. experience dengue, Zika, yellow fever and pesticide applications and other challenges chikungunya. that can make it hard for the Wolbachia to The success of lowering dengue cases become established. The approach holds at these sites has led to a cessation Using a strain of the bacteria Wolbachia, promise not only in Malaysia but also in other of insecticide fogging in these areas, which inhibit mosquitoes from transmitting countries.” highlighting both the environmental and viruses to humans, researchers at the economic benefits of this method. Universities of Melbourne and Glasgow and Each year there are around 90 million the Institute for Medical Research in Malaysia symptomatic cases of dengue, with severe Professor Steven Sinkins, from the MRC- were able to successfully reduce cases of disease in around 1 per cent of cases, University of Glasgow Centre for Virus dengue at sites in Kuala Lumpur. Their data, including life-threatening haemorrhage or Research, said the breakthrough is promising published today in Current Biology, shows shock syndrome. In Malaysia alone, over news for countries that endure mosquito- that mosquitoes carrying the wAlbB strain 100,000 dengue cases were reported in 2016, borne diseases. of Wolbachia, when released into the wild, with an annual cost estimated at $US175 “These findings show that we have a strain had the effect of reducing the incidence of million. of Wolbachia that can be used to effectively dengue cases by 40 per cent. Researchers released batches of Aedes reduce the number of dengue cases in very Previously, scientists including Professor Ary aegypti mosquitoes carrying the wAlbB strain hot climates. The next step is to deploy this Hoffmann from the University of Melbourne, of Wolbachia into the wild, in six different sites strain in more and larger sites, but we are now have carried out successful mosquito releases using a different strain of theWolbachia bacteria, but while this strain was able to invade wild populations in some conditions, it did not appear to be suitable for use in the very hot conditions experienced in equatorial countries such as Malaysia. Now, this international team of researchers from Melbourne, Glasgow and Malaysia has shown that the wAlbB strain of Wolbachia is stable and effective, even in daily peak temperatures of 36°Celsius and higher, as commonly experienced in areas of Malaysia where dengue is prevalent.

24 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 confident that this will become an effective wAlbB in Malaysian populations of 2 Aedes Wellcome Trust. way to control dengue on a large scale.” aegypti for dengue control’ is published in Current Biology. The work was funded by the The paper, ‘Establishment of Wolbachia strain

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 25 Impacts of Research: Environment

Pursuit: Getting Revegetation right with genetics by Ary Hoffmann 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, University of Melbourne

New research shows that revegetation environmental stresses. Picture: CSIRO there is ample genetic variation in populations programs need to consider incorporating from unrelated individuals. But for any revegetation to be successful, plants with a varied genetic background for recent work has shown how important it is to Genetic variation is also critically important in long-term success. make sure that the genetic variation in plant allowing populations to adapt to current and By Professor Ary Hoffmann, University of populations matches or even exceeds what future environmental stresses. Melbourne. was previously present at a site. In the absence of genetic variation, such Eucalypts, wattles, banksias, grevilleas and This variation is critical for minimising any as when the entire population consists of a other Australian native plants are some of the negative effects of inbreeding and reduced single clone, these plant populations will have most fascinating and unique flora on Earth. adaptive potential in plant populations. limited ability to withstand any new pests and diseases, or to adapt to changing levels of They also play an important part in INBREEDING AND ADAPTATION heat stress and drought. revegetation programs around Australia, In plants, inbreeding can result in which aim to restore plant-life to areas where This is because the populations are all incompatibilities between ovules (the female the species used to grow, before activities like composed of a single genotype, with a similar reproductive structure in seed plants) and agriculture, forestry, urbanisation or mining DNA-encoded ability to withstand disease and pollen, preventing the plants producing viable caused degradation. other environmental challenges. seed in the following generations. Genetic variation is critical to allow However, when there’s a diversity of genotypes Inbreeding can be avoided by ensuring that populations to adapt to current and future reintroduced, some are more likely to survive

26 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 these stresses than others, allowing the population to adapt to environmental changes. And this process of adaptation is a core component of evolution through natural selection. Plant populations may now need even higher levels of genetic variation to survive a future with hotter temperatures. Picture: Getty Images As part of our research, we undertook a project. THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE review of global literature on a range of Most organisations undertaking a revegetation genetic studies into revegetation, in order Stressful conditions are becoming particularly program are essentially paid by plant number, to investigate how often adequate levels of common as a result of climate change. not by genetic diversity. genetic variation have been factored in. Already, there is evidence of tree and shrub This means that there is very little incentive We found that in 46 per cent of cases, death in our ecosystems as a result of the to try to capture more diversity, even if this is revegetated populations of plants captured direct and indirect effects of climate change, critical for the long-term survival of our plant similar levels of genetic diversity to natural such as when drought in combination with populations. groupings of plants, particularly where disease or pest pressure kills plants. plantings were based on multiple seed If we look to the future, it is important Habitat restoration programs are currently sources. to record and report genetic aspects of determined as successful by the number of restoration practices so that we can promote However, outcomes were variable. plants that survive a few generations, but this better genetic and ecological outcomes. is not adequate to ensure any longer-term It is important to record and report genetic This is particularly crucial in revegetated areas survival and success. aspects of restoration practices. Picture: that are specifically set up to counter the Amelia Caddy (Bush Heritage Australia) Genetic variation in the population needs to effects of climate change into the future. be assessed when considering the long-term In 52 per cent of cases, the revegetated But this is unlikely to work effectively unless viability of restored populations. groups had lower levels of genetic diversity there are appropriate incentives available to than in the past. And this low diversity may In fact, plant populations may now need even support this effort. mean these populations are much less likely to higher levels of genetic variation than they survive into the future, even if they presently Doing so helps to ensure that some of did in the past if they are to survive several appear to be growing well. Australia’s beautiful native plants will survive decades into a future with hotter temperatures long into the future. and more variable rainfall – combined with a Unfortunately, one of the main conclusions host of new pests and diseases. of our review is that genetic data is rarely This is a shortened excerpt, first published collected before revegetation begins or even in Pursuit. EXPLORING GENETIC DIVERSITY considered when assessing the success of the

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 27 Research Support Services

Some disruptions to the Institute community included temporary closure of lifts, parking spaces and occasional power shutdowns, all of which have significant impacts on research taking place in the Institute. The good relationship with KANE meant that we could give ample notice to our academic and industry community members about these disruptions, and could put in place collegial mitigation strategies to prevent hazards developing. It has been wonderful to see the fantastic progress of the construction throughout 2019, and to be completed in 2020. 2019 also saw Bio21’s platforms and laboratories audited by Worksafe. Whilst the thought of participating in any audit Kirsty Turner relationships based on mutual respect and can send shivers up your spine, I see audits trust are key, as is good communication. Research Support Services Manager as an opportunity to improve processes It involves working with different OH&S and procedures, and to find ways in which Committees, with an aim to simplify processes Bio21 is a multi-disciplinary research institute to simplify our workplace practices whilst wherever possible to ensure a safe and healthy that includes research groups from three meeting our obligations in regards to workplace for all our community members. Science, Technology, Mathematics and legislative requirements, standards and codes. Medicine (STEMM) faculties, encompassing All Bio21 platforms and laboratories who 2019 was once again a big year for Bio21, eight departments and schools. We also participated in this audit did very well, and it which saw the construction of the Stage 2C house platform technology facilities, as well is a credit to all working across the Institute. ‘Ruth Bishop’ building project commence, and as industry research teams from Australia’s As a result of the audit, we are prioritising the our participation in a Worksafe OHS audit in largest pharmaceutical company, CSL Ltd. and improvement of our contractor management September 2019. start-up companies in our Business Incubator system within the Institute. The ’Ruth Bishop’ building will house Bio21’s space. This makes for a diverse and complex Across our events and engagement, we impressive collection of powerful and organisation. Ensuring good Occupational have also seen an increased demand from delicate electron microscopes. In order to Health and Safety (OH&S) compliance conference organisers to provide childcare prepare and work through predicted and is a challenging, but also rewarding to attendees. This has confronted us with unexpected disruptions that arose as part undertaking, as we strive to not only meet interesting challenges and questions around of the construction process, we strove to the needs of the Institute, but also of the contractor management, and suitability of develop a good working relationship with individual departments, schools, facilities spaces, particularly around OH&S. As this the builder, KANE, from the very beginning. and industry groups. To do this successfully, question is being asked more and more, I see

28 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 Research Support Services

this as a positive development to providing a Mental Health is also an important, but in keeping our community members safe more inclusive workplace for scientists who sometimes overlooked aspect of OH&S, and and connected, as well as maintaining our have care-giving responsibilities. the loss of our treasured colleague Alex Korte research instruments to keep them on standby Success for Bio21 was also realised in 2019 shocked our tight knit community early in for COVID-19 research among other things. with the approval of our Capital Assets Group 2019. As we grieve for Alex, we remember We will continue our unified efforts with (CAG) grant proposal, with funds from this his humour and spark that he brought to the Faculties and industry tenants to ensure the grant going towards the much-needed Institute. His passing highlighted how many health and safety of our Institute members refurbishment of the Bio21 Incubator space. lives he touched across the Institute, and how and visitors remains at the forefront of our This is critical so that we may continue to interconnected each and every one of us is at plans to judiciously return to campus during provide a safe and attractive workspace in the Institute. these uncertain times. Thank you to all Bio21 the building for our industry tenants. In 2019, As we have had to adjust to working remotely members for cooperating in providing a safe Bio21 welcomed a new tenant ‘Gertrude during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, workplace for all. Biomedical’ to our community. we are facing unprecedented challenges

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 29 After completing her PhD Zal Hakki Dr Ineke Muir, who heads the Vascular Fiona Houghton, Dept Biochemistry and undertook a teaching degree and taught for Biophysics team, CSL Research. She Molecular Biology, Bio21, Gleeson Lab. Fiona two years at a secondary school. Now she is investigates the effects of shear forces on loves photography and travelling, as well as developing a drug to treat steroid-resistant preclinical drugs and therapies, to predict enjoying nature on her farm in Gippsland. asthma. Zal loves to spend time with family how they will behave in the bloodstream. and enjoying home-cooked meals by her She’s also a mum and avid bike rider and an grandmother. occasional bookworm.

Qiong Yang studies the evolution of Asmini Athman is the Lab Manager & Associate Professor Justine Mintern heads insecticide resistance in red-legged earth the Vaccine Biology Lab that seeks to design OHS Advisor of the MDHS Infrastructure & mite, a major agricultural pest. She enjoys more sophisticated immunotherapies for Facilities team. She enjoys seeing the world, time with her children, being outdoors, yoga use in infection and cancer. She is also a bit fostering friendships and reading. and craft. of a movie buff.

Yan Hong Tan is the acting Centre Manager of the Melbourne Protein Characterisation Facility and the ACRF Facility for Innovative Cancer Drug Discovery. Yan Hong enjoys exploring new cultures and landscapes.

30 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 Women of Bio21 Committee Report

In 2020 the Women of Bio21 committee will become the Bio21 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, to better reflect the diverse Bio21 community. Dr Diana Stojanovski and Dr Matt Dixon conferences. A number of our outstanding to establish the Equity in Medical Research ECR women were awarded prizes. Alliance in Victoria. The alliance will include The Women of Bio21 committee continued both established and newly formed gender their work building on the successes of The main event for the year was the Bio21 equity groups. EMRA will provide a united 2018. In 2019 the committee was chaired International Women’s Day symposium. voice to drive change. by Diana Stojanovski and Matthew Dixon, Women from across Bio21, including who shared the responsibilities. In 2019 industry, academia and the technology In 2020 the Women of Bio21 committee we continued our ‘Women of Bio21’ profile platforms, presented their scientific will become the Bio21 Equity, Diversity and series, hearing from our exceptional journeys and the leading research they Inclusion Committee, to better reflect the scientists and their unique paths into undertake. The event was a celebration of diverse Bio21 community. science, their challenges and their successes. our extraordinary women and the world The collated profiles of these amazing leading research they undertake at the women can be found at https://www.bio21. Bio21 Institute. unimelb.edu.au/tags/women-science . The Women of Bio21 on the steps of The committee conducted an institute the Nancy Millis building following The wide survey to identify the key issues and International Women’s Day Symposium, hurdles faced by women at Bio21. The 2019. Photo Peter Coles. survey identified three key areas amongst The Bio21 Institute provided in principal the themes - the need for better mentoring, targeted funding opportunities for support to a state government funding bid women and support for mothers returning to work. The results of the survey will be used by the committee to advocate for change, both locally and at the University to provide Bio21 community members with opportunities, such as mentoring initiatives for career paths, creating a supportive work environment and developing institute- specific funding. To begin to address this, Bio21 introduced a number of research travel awards to recognise early career researchers and provide them with opportunities to travel and attend

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 31 International Women’s Day Forum at Bio21

Thank you to CSL for supporting this event.

32 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 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 Business Incubator Building (Building 404). the Bio21 Incubator as a strategic move groups for many reasons: access to our The vision of the Bio21 Institute’s business and are keen to interact with academic platform technology facilities, being incubator is to provide opportunities researchers and the Bio21 platforms in areas embedded in a thriving academic research for strategic alliances with established of Gertrude’s interest. institute and in close proximity to other companies and to foster the growth of In addition to the industry groups, we also University of Melbourne institutes and promising biotech start-ups. have members from Research Innovation faculties, medical research institutes and and Commercialisation (RIC), such as hospitals in the precinct. But it is often Gertrude Biomedical is a small spin-out Martin Elhay, as well as BioCurate (Cathy the intangible factors such as a collegial, company from a strong collaboration Drinkwater) located in the Nancy Millis collaborative and welcoming research between researchers at the University building. They are there to offer support culture that then leads to the flourishing of Queensland and Vincent’s Institute in to researchers seeking to translate and of these groups in our Institute, as well Fitzroy. Those that are familiar with the commercialise their discoveries and can as the growth of opportunities for all. geography around the St. Vincent’s campus, provide introductions to our industry In the course of 2019, Gertrude Biomedical will guess how the name came about. tenants. moved into the Bio21 Business Incubator The company aims to develop novel small The vision of the Bio21 Institute’s business building (building 404). They join CSL, Circa molecule compounds to inhibit the function incubator is to provide opportunities Group and Alterity, formerly Prana Biotech, of a transcription factor for the treatment of for strategic alliances with established Rhythm Biosciences and SYNthesis med human diseases which depend on aberrant companies and to foster the growth of chem as industry research groups who are vasculature for their growth and spread. promising biotech start-ups. part of the Bio21 community. Following the tradition set by CSL at Bio21, Gertrude is located in level 1 of the Bio21 Gertrude Biomedical see location within

Welcoming Gertrude Biomedical to Bio21 We are delighted to welcome a new industry tenant, Gertrude Biomedical, to Bio21. They will be located in level 1 of the Bio21 Business Incubator Building (Building 404).

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 201 33 Lost in Translation

“This is an important industry-university ‘Lost by Parkville scientists, and how many Department of Premier and Cabinet. The in Translation’ could be the theme of much of scientists contributed to those papers?’ group had its first meeting at this time Australian biomedical research: In Australia, Simply by dividing the number of citations two years ago. The founding members particularly here in the Parkville biomedical by the number of scientists we defined a were Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical precinct, we punch above our weight when crude metric for comparing each of these Sciences (MIPS) (Chris Porter, Bill Charman), it comes to the quality and output of our scientific publications – we’re world class at so called ‘basic’ or fundamental research, but we’re a bit lost when it comes to translation. We know what it is. We know we ought to do it. But the ‘how’ is the challenge and it calls for a mind and culture change in the Australian research community. This was a sobering, but not altogether surprising finding from an analysis that our Bio21 colleague, Professor Andrew Wilks of SYNthesis, presented at a precinct forum at WEHI: “Working with my colleague Maggie Lieu from Clarivate Analytics we determined that the Parkville Precinct ranks 3rd (!) In the world, behind San Diego, Stanford and San life science precincts. For the spin-out Centre for Drug Candidates Optimisation Francisco, but ahead of other Life Science activity, we simply counted the number of (CDCO) (Sue Charman), UoM Department of Clusters such as Boston (!) And Cambridge, companies created in the sector in the last Pharmacology and Therapeutic Department UK. Our spin-out culture however is woeful: 20 years.” (Danny there are 120 start-ups located within 1 The US and European countries have been Hoyer), CRC for Cancer Therapeutics CTx (Ian square mile in Boston’s Kendall Square, more willing to commercialise their research Street, Brett Carter), SynMedChem (Andrew whereas you can count the start-ups within findings and we have much to learn from Wilks), BioCurate (Glenn Begley), Florey the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct on your them. Institute (Ross Bathgate), WEHI (Doug Hilton, hands. We are good at the discovery stuff, Guillaume Lessene) and Bio21 (myself). It but very poor at the translation,” he said. A Focus Group is Formed has now expanded to include Cell Therapies, “Working with my colleague Maggie Lieu As a first step to addressing the ‘how’ a Florey, Certara, Peter Mac, The Murdoch from Clarivate Analytics, we asked a simple ‘Melbourne Therapeutics Development Children Research Institute (MCRI), Victorian question: ‘How does our productivity in the Leadership Group’ (MTD-LG) was formed Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC) and life sciences compare with other research with the support of the State Government CSL. It’s great to see Bio21 industry members precincts, such as Boston, San Diego or through Gareth Goodier who was the CSL and SYNthesis|SynMedChem actively Cambridge UK?’ The approach was to ask Executive Chair of the Melbourne Biomedical contributing. ’How many citations have papers published Precinct that was run out of the Victorian

34 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 This precinct-based focus group is for for precinct-wide initiatives strengthen our position as a world leading organisations with interests in therapeutic precinct. • To develop precinct-wide policies that development of small molecules, biologics facilitate drug discovery and development In particular, it was an attempt to capture and cell therapies. The group aims to activities major equipment/infrastructure that might harness the critical mass of expertise, skills benefit potential collaborators. The survey and infrastructure within the precinct to • To identify and jointly apply for results are intended to be made publicly promote and catalyse activity in therapeutic local, federal or international funding available via the Melbourne Therapeutic development, raise awareness, share opportunities to support precinct-wide Development - Leadership Group website in expertise and provide a common landing initiatives that benefit the whole drug the future. point for potential collaborators. There is a discovery community A Symposium: ‘Innovation to Translation! lot of work to be done! • To foster inter-organisational Symposium 2019’ Chris Porter, Co-Chair writes: “… we aim to partnerships and collaborations Another great initiative that has arisen out promote our competitiveness with other • To promote/develop joint programs the focus group was the recent: ‘Innovation international therapeutic discovery and that develop translation, entrepreneurship to Translation! Symposium 2019 in the development hubs.” and innovation, especially aimed at Melbourne Biomedical Precinct’ event on the With two representatives per organisation, university students 21st November at WEHI. membership of the focus group is open • To drive talent development and The meeting, organised by and for early to organisations directly involved in one retention or more aspects of the discovery and to middle career researchers across the development of new therapeutics, including • To work together to foster an emphasis precinct, showcased local success stories, those involved in the small molecule on data quality and integrity so the precinct precinct capabilities, opportunities for development pipeline and development becomes recognised as a world-leader in collaboration and mentorship opportunities. of biologics and cell-based therapies, from scientific reproducibility Attendees heard from speakers about target identification and validation to clinical • To advocate the strengths of the evaluation. The 3-monthly meetings are precinct in drug discovery co-chaired by Prof. Christopher Porter (MIPS) A Survey and Assoc. Prof. Guillaume Lessene (WEHI). One of the first initiatives of the group The aims are: was an information-gathering exercise: in • To develop a long-term vision for drug conjunction with the Melbourne Biomedical discovery and development at the precinct Precinct Office (MBPO), it conducted a level survey in May 2019 to capture information • To assess the strengths and on all the active biomedical organisations weaknesses of the precinct in the area of in Melbourne, including Bio21. The purpose drug discovery and development of the survey was to establish the scope and scale of capabilities in the therapeutics • To represent drug discovery at the development sector and to identify precinct level and serve as point of contact areas where strategic investment would

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 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 2019 has been a big year for the and our platform technology groups Bio21 Institute being the International Year hosted a series of ‘101 workshops’. of the Periodic Table of Elements. Bio21 took We were visited by Prof X Peng & Prof H Li the opportunity to showcase our researchers from Sun Yat-sen University and a delegation working with elements on social media with of mayors representing a number of cities a fun series. within the Sichuan Province. As in previous years, we ran a one week work A number of high school groups visited experience program for Year 10 students Bio21, including Loreto Mandeville Hall, from schools across Victoria; opened our Elizabeth Blackburn Sciences, St Catherine’s, doors for the Open House Melbourne Our Lady of Mercy, Heidelberg, Marist Weekend and ran the ‘Science and the Art of College Bendigo and even one hundred the Periodic Table’ activity during National students from St Joan of Arc Primary School. Melbourne Theatre Company Cast Science Week. Also, many of our members have briefed by Bio21 researchers for We hosted Bio21 ‘Big Picture’ Seminars, appeared in the media, communicating ‘Photograph 51’ hearing from among others Professor their research, or providing expert comment, The cast of the Melbourne Theatre Ron Heeren; Professor Emma Johnstone on radio, print media and Company’s production of the play AO, Dean of Science, Professor of Marine online platforms, like The Conversation. ‘Photograph 51’ were briefed by Ecology and Ecotoxicology at UNSW Sydney; Much of the engagement at the Institute Bio21’s Megan Maher on Tuesday, 15 Professor Emeritus Maree Smith; is only possible through the efforts of October. volunteers who have run tours and activities, Dr Larry Dick, Seofon Consulting, Natick, The play, ran in the Arts Centre or shared their research with Massachusetts and Dr Joseph Arron, Melbourne, Fairfax Studio from 1st Genentech, Dr Matt Sleeman, Regeneron tour groups visiting the Institute. November - 14th December is the and Dr Brent McKenzie, Genentech and Dr story of Rosalind Franklin, who used Damien Bates, Biocurate. X-ray diffraction to contribute to We brought our community together and the elucidation of the structure of introduced new members, including Assoc DNA. These contributions were sadly Prof Megan Maher, Dr Debnath Ghosal under-recognised by the scientific and Dr Douglas Pires at our regular Bio21 community. The cast members were morning teas. keen to understand the science of X-ray crystallography, and the Several large conferences and symposia constraints and barriers that Rosalind were hosted at Bio21, including the RACI may have faced as a woman in Synthesis Symopsium, the Georgina Sweet science. Awards and the Bio21 Methods Symposium,

36 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 Bio21 Hosted Events

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

Prof Em Maree Smith, PhD AC FTSE FAHMS, Artist Damon Kowarsky and scientists, Prof The 4th Georgina Sweet Awards for Women Director, Centre for Integrated Preclinical Frances Separovic AO, Dr Nick Williamson in Quantitative Biomedical Science were Drug Development (CIPDD), The University and Dr Andrew Leis, explained how we held 14 October 2019 including guest of Queensland presented the ‘Big Picture harness our knowledge of the elements speaker Prof Sue Thomas, Chief Executive Seminar’: ‘Addressing Chronic Pain: A Major to solve scientific puzzles in medicine, the Officer, Australian Research Council. Health Problem in Australia and Globally’, 4 environment and agriculture in a National November. Her drug EMA401 that targets Science Week event, “The Art & Science of the AT2 receptor shows promise in trials. the Periodic Table,” 14 August.

Qiong Yang studies the evolution of Professor Ron M.A.Heeren presented the ‘Big Dr Larry Dick, Seofon Consulting, Natick, insecticide resistance in red-legged earth Massachusetts presented a ‘Big Picture’: Picture’ Seminar: “Cellular Complexity and mite, a major agricultural pest. She enjoys Drug Discovery in the Ubiquitin Proteasome Heterogeneity Revealed with Translational time with her children, being outdoors, yoga System: A Biotech to Big Pharma Journey’, Imaging Mass Spectrometry,” 5 February. and craft. 22 October. He shared the structure of the proteasome, its importance as a therapeutic target against cancer and malaria.

Joseph Arron, Genentech, Matt Sleeman, Professor Emma Johnston AO, Dean of The theme of the 2019 Bio21 Methods Regeneron and Brent McKenzie, Genentech, Science, Professor of Marine Ecology and Symposium was “Emerging Technologies discussed the science behind the Ecotoxicology at UNSW Sydney presented for New Challenges,” 24th October. Methods development of therapeutic drugs into the the Bio21 ‘Big Picture’ Seminar: “The four and technologies being used to address clinic in a Bio21 ‘Big Picture’: ‘The science main mechanisms by which humans are today’s fundamental biological questions behind drug discovery in Industry’ , 20 speeding up the ecology of our oceans: were presented. September. A Q&A panel was hosted by organic enrichment, bioinvasions, heat, and Damien Bates, Biocurate. disturbance.” 15 March 2019. Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 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 ‘Art and Science of the Periodic Table’ event as part of National Science Week, just to name a few.

Open House Melbourne Weekend Year 10 Work Experience at the Bio21 Institute Bio21 hosted Melbourne’s Open House St Joan of Arc Primary School visits Bio21 The Bio21 Institute, as part of the Faculty weekend, 27 & 28 July 2019 and had 388 of Science’s Work Experience program, members of the public visit the Institute, to hosted 12 year 10 students from schools admire the architecture and experience our across Melbourne and Victoria from science. Visitors could take tours through our 24 – 28 June. Students participated Magnetic Resonance Facility, the Nancy Millis in a diverse program of experiments, building and Margaret Sheil laboratories, the activities and projects, that gave Advanced Microscopy Facility and Level 2 and students insight into the research taking 4 laboratories. place at the Bio21 Institute in order to help them make important career Visitors engaged with the displays in the decisions as they embark on their VCE. One hundred students from Grade 5 and 6 at atrium, including: ‘Powerful Proteins’, ‘Creative St Joan of Arc Primary School visited Bio21 Marist College, Bendigo visit Bio21 Chemistry’, ‘The Problem of Parasites’, on Wednesday, 16 October to learn about VCE Biology students from Marist College ‘Mozzies, Blowflies and Bandicoots’, ‘Excited molecules. Bendigo visited Bio21 on the 16th October about Solar’ and ‘The Secrets within Cells’ were keen to learn about genetics showcasing some of the diverse questions research. Professor Phil Batterham spoke being investigated using molecular science with the students about the important role the fruit fly,Drosophila melanogaster within the Institute. has played in genetic research and Dr Dezerae Cox took the students through the lab, giving them an experience of microscopy and sharing the Huntington research of the Hatters lab.

38 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 Paul Huang and Alex Louie, Head of Enquiry Learning, The University High School Prof X Peng & Prof H Li from Sun Yat- sen University visit Bio21 Elizabeth Blackburn Sciences’ students Deputy Director, Frances Separovic, impress with Scientific Poster Presentations enjoyed talking with Prof X Peng Students from Elizabeth Blackburn Sciences & Prof H Li from Sun Yat-sen presented their research projects as part of University about their work on the the VCE subject ‘Extended Investigations’ on 9 metabolomics of antibiotic resistant October to their fellow students, parents and bacteria during their visit to the teachers. Nick Bell mentored Paul Huong for his Bio21 Institute. research topic ‘How do various concentrations of inoculant, Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. Viciae), affect fava bean growth in different Sichuan Mayoral Delegation types of sterilised soils and medium?’ Visits Bio21 A delegation of mayors representing a number of cities within the Sichuan Province visited Bio21 as part of their tour of medical research organisations within the precinct on Tuesday, 10 December.

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 39 Bio21 Institute Community Events

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’s Soccer Team Wins Bronze in First Ever Season For the first time ever, the Bio21 Institute competed in the University of Melbourne’s inter-institute social soccer competition in 2019. Over the course of the season from April to October, Bio21 played weekly 7-a-side matches against other institutes across the Parkville precinct. The team consisted of 18 (12 male, 6 female) researchers from across the institute, ranging from Honours and PhD students to Research Assistants and Postdocs. Led by team captain Andreas Pannek, who scored a massive total of 32 goals, Bio21 won 11 games with 2 draws and 5 losses. After finishing the regular season in 4th place (out of 10 teams), Bio21 qualified for the finals where they just missed out on making the Grand Final. However, the team managed to finish the season in style with a dominant 7 - 0 victory over PDI in the Bronze medal match.

40 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 Bio21 Media and Social Media

Bio21’s researchers engage with the popular media to communicate their science to the public .

Trials promise good news for Scientists crack rabies virus countries with dengue and Zika virus: weaponry: Researchers have found An international team of scientists a way to stop the rabies virus Uta Wille on ‘Weekends with Libbi have reported an effective and shutting down the body’s immune Gorr’ & Frances Separovic on the Myf environmentally sustainable way to defence against it. In doing so they Warhurst show block the transmission of mosquito- have solved a key scientific puzzle Uta Wille and Brad Clarke chatted to borne dengue virus, in trials carried and have laid the foundation for out in Malaysia. Libbi Gorr on ABC Melbourne about the development of new anti- ‘The Future of Plastic’ ahead of the Ary Hoffmann was interviewed by the rabies vaccines. Paul Gooley was Science Festival panel keynote event. BBC and Sky News about the trial. interviewed on 3AW with Ross and John. The story appeared in The Australian and Townsville Bulletin.

Bio21 Institute @Bio21Institute·Dec 4 Bio21 Institute @Bio21Institute·Dec 4 Ferritin stores iron in the body ready Plants need nitrogen, but too much for use on demand. When things causes greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution. How do we improve Bio21 Institute @Bio21Institute·Dec 4 go wrong you get iron deficiency the efficiency of nitrogen fertilisers Nature’s compounds are a treasure- or toxicity. How does the body for agriculture & our planet? Uta Wille trove for medicine. How do we regulate iron metabolism? Guy @scimelb @Bio21Institute funded to synthesize them? Mark Rizzacasa @ Jameson @gnljameson @scimelb @ find out #ARCGrantsAnnouncement scimelb @Bio21Institute funded to Bio21Institute funded to find out https://bit.ly/2Lm7lbA find out #ARCGrantsAnnouncement #ARCGrantsAnnouncement https:// https://bit.ly/2Lm7lbA bit.ly/2Lm7lbA

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 41 Graduate Research Students and Early Career Researchers

through the rest of their lives. For some their not comes not from the hands of seasoned MSc/Hons studies will be the end of their experts, but rather from the novice. Of formal scientific training. For others, it is a course this is not done alone: the supervisor step on the path to a higher degree. But for provides the physical equipment and all, the deeper knowledge of science and intangible intellectual assets; the University the understanding of the nature of research provides the foundational education in will support them to become productive the technical aspects of science; and the and informed citizens who can critically community of a department, or institute, and authoritatively challenge the muddy such as Bio21 both supports and challenges thinking, poor reasoning and sometimes us to conduct our research with the rigour deliberate obfuscation that often clouds that Carl Sagan would demand. Truly, it commentary in the media and the global takes a village to raise a scientist. political discourse. Spencer Williams If nothing else, a lot can be said about the Associate Director, Commercialisation insight that research training provides into the scientific method. Carl Sagan offered Bio21 Travel Awards the following pithy quote that summarizes As a place of learning, it is important to this well: remember one of the primary missions of “At the heart of science is an essential the university is training. And as a balance between two seemingly multidisciplinary research Institute, contradictory attitudes – an openness equipped with platform technology facilities to new ideas, no matter how bizarre or and technical support staff, the Bio21 counterintuitive they may seem to be, Institute provides a unique ‘village’ for and the most ruthless scrutiny of all ideas, students to receive training in a range of old and new. This is how deep truths are high-end technologies. winnowed from deep nonsense.” It is a privilege to supervise students One of the interesting features of modern through what is often one of the most scientific training is that it still reflects the formative periods of their lives. The apprenticeship nature of the scientific technical knowledge that students acquire enterprise – training by doing. And it is is probably secondary to more generic skills a paradox of modern research that our of planning, presentation and research that Universities still use the training of students they acquire over the course of their studies. as the main vehicle through which we Thus, while science is ever-changing and in conduct the most ground-breaking of many cases either passes its use-by date or research. It is worth considering this point is superseded, the ability to use scientific closely – the fundamental knowledge that ways of thinking to penetrate and dissect we create in the engines of discovery that difficult concepts will stay with our students comprise our universities, more often than

42 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 Bio21 students awarded G.I Feutrill travel awards Congratulations to Dr Boris Reljic of the Congratulations to the PhD students, who Dept of Biochemistry and Molecular received G.I Feutrill Awards to assist them Biology who spoke about his work with with travel costs associated with attendance Dr Justin Hardee and Dr Lincon Stamp at Organic Conferences in 2019: on contraction-induced mitochondrial plasticity. •Tom Fellowes (White Group) attended the Gordon Conference for Physical Organic Congratulations to Dr Claire Weekley, of the Chemistry ‘The Intersection of Organic Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Structure, Reactivity and Mechanism’ at Biology, discussing her work with Dr John Holderness College, New Hampshire US, Karas on the structure of the protein June 3-28 2019. tetraspanin CD151. Title of Poster: “Development of a Chalcogen Congratulations to Laura Edgington-Mitchell Bonded DNA Binder’ who is working with Rachel McQuade. Their research addresses the role of legumain in •Liselle Atkin (Rizzacasa Group) attended the gut. the Gordon Research Conference on Natural Products in New Hampshire, USA this year and presented a poster. ‘People’s Choice’ award at the 3MT •Sadegh Shabani (Hutton Group) conference Grand Final presentations: Congratulation to Felipe Martelli, Batterham •S. Shabani CA. Hutton, “Macrolactonisation group, who received the people’s choice of Peptides via a Thioamide Strategy” 7th award at the 3MT Thesis Competition Grand Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis Symposium, Final, 7 August. 5-7 September 2019, Queensland, Australia. Melbourne Protein Group poster •S. Shabani, J. White, CA. Hutton, “Towards prize the total synthesis of asperipin-2a: a novel Congratulations to Melbourne Protein fungal ribosomal post-transationally Group poster prize winners Beth Anderson modified peptide (RIPP)” 26th International and Bronte Johnston. Symposium: Synthesis in organic chemistry, 15-18 July 2019, Cambridge, UK. EMBO Fellowship EMCRA Collaborative Award Congratulations to Yilin Kang, Stojanovski Winners group, who has been awarded a prestigious EMBO fellowship to join Prof. Anu Congratulations to Joanna Sacharz, The Suomalainen’s laboratory at the University of Congratulations to Tyra for winning the Best Stroud Lab who is an EMCRA Collaborative Helsinki in Finland as a postdoctoral fellow. Talk Prize at the RACI Synthesis Symposium. Award Winner!

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 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: Bio21 group leaders, Paul Gooley and Danny Hatters, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Craig Hutton from the School of Chemistry have been promoted to the position of full Professor at the University of Melbourne, commencing 1 January 2020. Paul, Craig and Danny’s promotions, recognise their contributions to Bio21, the University and the wider society. Glub Melbourne Award Phil Batterham 2019 Margaret Sheil Award Congratulations to Prof Emeritus Frances Separovic, AO FAA on receiving the 2019 Margaret Sheil Award. The Margaret Sheil Leadership Award recognises an outstanding female leader working in a chemistry-related field who has helped to inspire and mentor junior female chemists and/or helped to provide a more equitable workplace.

44 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 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 Discovery Projects and Early Career Researcher grant outcomes were announced by the Minister for Education Dan Tehan, 4 December. Congratulations to Guy Jameson, Paul Donnelly, Mark Rizzacasa, Uta Wille, Eric Reynolds, David Ascher, Trent Perry, Phil Batterham and Michael Parker.

National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC): Leann Tilley, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, received a Development grant of $445,920.00 to fund the: “Development of a novel drug class for the treatment of Plasmodium falciparum malaria.” David Ascher, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, who has received an Investigator grant of $1,554,485.00 to pursue his work: “Using protein structure to combat antimicrobial resistance”.

Congratulations to Karen Day for NIH funding to pursue world-leading malaria research Professor Karen Day has secured almost US$3 million funding from NIH to further her world-leading malaria research at the Bio21 Institute.

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 45 46 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 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 2019 Bio21 Institute – Scientific Research Team

Michael Parker Bio21 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 Marc Logistics Yee-Foong Zlatan Michael O’Donnell Sani Mok Trifunovic Leeming Technical Robert Specialist Piccoli Roger Swati Compliance Curtain Vashney Casuals (Reception Johanna and OHS) Gunn Stores

Maurice Sarah Stores

Alex Korte Stores

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 49 Bio21 Institute – Research groups

Bio21 Institute

Tenants Platforms & Research Groups Operations

Executive Chemistry Biosciences Engineering Dental Physics Biochemistry & Microbiol. & Science Molecular Biol. Immunol.

Alterity Electron White Hoffmann Gras Reynolds Hollenberg Gleeson Day formerly Prana Biotech Microscopy Jones Batterham Tilley Duffy

Protein Avist Cafe Character- Separovic van Driel isation Donnelly Villadangos Circa Metabolomics Australia Wong Stroud

CSL O’Hair Mintern Specialist Store Jameson Hatters

Gertrude Mass Rizzacasa Ascher Spectrometry & Proteomics Edgington- Williams Rhythm Mitchell Biosciences Magnetic Maher Parker Resonance

SYNthesis Hutton McConville med chem Systems and Computational Reid Ralph Biology SYNthesis Research Wille Parker Griffin Infrastructure Services Wedd Hinde Gooley

Stojanovski Rouiller

50 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 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 Florienne Loder David Keizer Communications and Engagement Advisor Administration and Operations Magnetic Resonance Team Peter Coles David Keizer Specialist Stores Manager Scientific Research Manager

52 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 Institute Departments and Laboratory Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Group Leaders Health Sciences Faculty of Science Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology School of BioSciences Dr David Ascher Professor Philip Batterham Dr Laura Edgington-Mitchell Professor Ary Hoffmann Professor Paul Gleeson School of Chemistry Professor Paul Gooley Professor Paul Donnelly Dr Michael Griffin Associate Professor Craig Hutton Professor Danny Hatters Associate Professor Guy Jameson Dr Elizabeth Hinde Dr David Jones Professor Malcolm McConville Associate Professor Megan Maher Associate Professor Justine Mintern Professor Richard O’Hair Professor Michael Parker Professor Gavin Reid Dr Douglas Pires Professor Mark Rizzacasa Associate Professor Stuart Ralph Professor Frances Separovic Professor Gavin Reid Professor Tony Wedd Associate Professor Isabelle Rouiller Professor Jonathan White Dr Diana Stojanovski Associate Professor Uta Wille Dr David Stroud Professor Spencer Williams Professor Leann Tilley Dr Wallace Wong Professor Ian van Driel Professor Jose Villadangos School of Physics Professor Lloyd Hollenberg Melbourne Dental School Professor Eric Reynolds

Department of Microbiology and Immunology Professor Karen Day Dr Michael Duffy

Melbourne School of Engineering Professor Sally Gras

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 53 2019 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 Science, a 2006 Federation Fellowship and 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 at Excellence in Biomedical Research, the Bio21. After obtaining his D. Phil. in protein 2012 Federation of Asian and Oceanian crystallography from Oxford University, Biochemists and Molecular Biologists Michael returned to Australia to re-establish Award for Research Excellence and a protein crystallography laboratory at the 2016 Bob Robertson Award of the St. Vincent’s in 1991. The work of the Australian Society for Biophysics for laboratory is internationally recognised outstanding contributions to biophysics 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 2019 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 2019 55 Dean of Science lies within the discipline of mathematical Dean of Medicine, Dentistry physics. My work endeavours to uncover Professor Aleks Owczarek and Health Sciences the universal geometric and topological Professor Shitij Kapur I hold the position of Professor in features of long chain molecules, such as Mathematics and Statistics of the DNA, in a variety of generic conditions. The MBBS AIIMS PhD Toronto FRCPC FMedSci University of Melbourne and am currently models I study arise naturally in “Discrete Professor Shitij Kapur, FRCPC, PhD, in the role of Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Combinatorics” and FMedSci is the Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Science. Previously, I was Head of School/ in “Stochastic Processes”. I am part of Dentistry and Health Sciences and Department of Mathematics and Statistics a ‘Mathematical Physics and Statistical Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Health), between 2011-2016 and Deputy Dean Mechanics Group‘ working on these topics. University of Melbourne. Shitij is a clinician- between 2017-2018. I was also Director of I have several projects in the general area scientist with expertise in psychiatry, the Melbourne Graduate School of Science/ of the statistical mechanics of lattice neuroscience and brain imaging. He Associate Dean (Graduate Program) polymer and vesicle models where there trained as a Psychiatrist at the University between 2009 and 2016. I currently is scope for Master of Science and PhD of Pittsburgh, and undertook a PhD and hold an Australian Research Council projects, and some where post-doctoral Fellowship at the University of Toronto. He Discovery Program grant on the Interplay collaboration would be fruitful. Please is a Diplomate of the American Board of of Topology and Geometry in Polymeric contact me if you are interested. The two Psychiatry and Neurology, similarly Board Critical Phenomena and am a Fellow of main topics of interest are (1) numerical Certified in Canada and has a specialist the Australian Mathematical Society. I am analysis, both Monte Carlo computer medical license in the United Kingdom. on the Advisory Panel of senior referees simulation and also exact enumeration Professor Kapur’s main research interest for the Journal of Physics A: Mathematical techniques, of lattice walks, and (2) the is in understanding Schizophrenia and and Theoretical. My area of expertise is exact solution of interacting directed walk its treatment. He has used brain imaging, mathematical statistical mechanics and, systems. My School web profile is here, animal models and clinical studies which in particular, the area of phase transitions where information about past and present have led to a better understanding of and critical phenomena of model polymer students and grant funding can be found. systems, namely lattice walk models, which antipsychotic action, its relationship to brain dopamine receptor blockade, the

56 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 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 2019 57 Institute in Numbers

Admin and External Funding Received: Exec: 7 Industry Platform Technology tenants: 203 Staff: 37 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: $2,500,000 690 Research Theses Bio21 Institute submitted Members 27 Bio21 research groups: 443 311 Publications

Facebook: Visitors and Engagement 589 likes by the end of 2019 Events Visiting international government Internal Events: or academic delegations: 2 Twitter: External Events: Visiting school or undergraduate student groups: 8 (346 students in total) 388,3K Bio21 public events (6 public lectures impressions in 2019 + Open House Melbourne Weekend): ~967

58 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019 Bio21 Institute Theses submitted in 2019

Biosciences Lab: Spencer Williams Organic chromophore aggregates for solid- state photon upconversion Lab: Ary Hoffmann and Umina Student: Palika Abayakoon Student: Joshua Douglas Development of a molecular description of the Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas Biochemistry and Molecular Predicting pest issues from common and sulfoglycolysis pathway Biology curious pests of crop seedlings in south- eastern Australian Lab: David Jones Lab: Gleeson Student: Calvin Jun Hao Lee Student: Alessandra Webers Morphological advancements through Chemistry Neuroinflammation, microglia and the sidechain engineering for organic cell biology of Alzheimer’s Disease Lab: Craig Hutton photovoltaic applications Student: Ashleigh Farnsworth Student: Saghar Masoomigodarzi Lab: Paul Gooley Radiolabelled peptides and amino acids for Designing New Singlet Fission Materials for PET imaging of cancer High Performance Organic Solar Cells Student: Shoni Bruell Mechanism of activation of the relaxin Student: Varsha Jagannath Thombare Lab: David Jones and Wallace Wong family peptide receptors RXFP1 and RXFP2 New methods for the synthesis of Student: Bolong Zhang biologically active cyclic peptides Student: Tasneem Vaid Donor-emitter fluorophore pairs in Determination of ligand binding Lab: Richard O’Hair luminescent solar concentrators: from conformations at α1-adrenergic receptor material synthesis to device fabrication Student: Athanasios Zavras subtypes based on NMR and MD studies Coinage metal hydrides: reactive Student: Nicolau Saker Neto Student: Jingyu Zhan intermediates in catalysis and significance Exponential iterative coupling for low Structural analysis of critical interactions in to nanoparticle synthesis dispersity conjugated polymers the replication machinery of rabies virus

Lab: Uta Wille Lab: Paul Gooley and Mike Griffin Student: Joses Nathanael Student: Fengjie Wu The oxidative damage of biological Structure and conformational dynamics molecules by air pollutants NO2 and NO3 studies of α1A-adrenoceptor

Lab: Wallace Wong Lab: Danny Hatters Student: Quentin Hong Student: Xiaojing Sui Discotic compounds and columnar The impact of proteostasis imbalance on materials within organic photovoltaic proteome solubility material blends: synthesis and characterisation Student: Can Gao

Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 59 Lab: Stuart Ralph Student: Tuo Yang Dental Science Student: Kit Kennedy Investigation of the mechanisms of action Lab: Eric Reynolds and Neil O’Brien- of and resistance to artemisinin and other Delayed death by plastid inhibition in Simpson Plasmodium falciparum endoperoxide antimalarials Student: Zhe Sun Student: Oliver Looker The development of a biodegradable nano- Lab: Stuart Ralph and Michael Duffy Assembly of the Plasmodium falciparum particle vaccine delivery system Student: Amy Distiller virulence complex Investigating the Epitranscriptome of Lab: Ian van Driel Lab: Eric Reynolds and Seers Plasmodium falciparum Student: Abu Sayeed Mohammad Mahmud Student: Victoria Scheiding Characterization of specific inhibitors of Immune defense mechanisms against Lab: Leann Tilley Porphyromonas gingivalis gingipains based Legionella longbeachae Student: Laure Dumont on their cognate propeptides Investigating the metabolic regulation Lab: Ian van Driel Microbiology and Immunology capacity of the malaria parasite P. Student: Victoria Scheiding Lab: Karen Day, Michael Duffy and falciparum Immune defense mechanisms against Kathryn Tiedje Legionella longbeachae Student: Charles Akugbey Narh Evolution of drug-resistance genes in the

60 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2018 61 Supporters:

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62 Bio21 Institute Annual Report 2019