Bio21 and Thermo Fisher collaborate on mass spectrometry laboratory

The University of Melbourne’s Bio21 Institute — renowned for cutting-edge research and innovation and strong academia-industry partnerships — has announced a major collaborative agreement with Thermo Fisher Scientific, a world leader in serving science through the development and provision of cutting-edge technology.

The agreement focuses on developing a proof-of-concept laboratory that will allow researchers to benchmark the latest mass spectrometric and UHPLC technologies, software, methodologies and workflows. It is expected to expand current mass spectrometry, proteomics and newly developed lipidomics capabilities within the largest biomedical research precinct in the Southern Hemisphere.

“The coming together of Thermo Fisher and the University of Melbourne’s Bio21 Institute allows us to draw from the considerable collective expertise that resides across both teams, resulting in comprehensive solutions to complex research and pharmaceutical application challenges for our customers,” said Amit Agarwal, managing director of Thermo Fisher Scientific ANZ. “We are very excited about the full potential of this relationship as it grows in the near future.”

“This collaboration represents an excellent opportunity to build capacity and ensure that university researchers have access to the latest mass spectrometry instrumentation and proteomics workflows in this fast-evolving field,” added Professor Malcolm McConville, director of the Bio21 Institute. “The close collaboration between academic researchers working at the forefront of their respective fields and Thermo Fisher will result in the development of exciting new applications and informatics tools.”

“Bio21 is delivering a world-class research facility for Australia and this important university-industry partnership builds on existing investments the university has made,” concluded University of Melbourne Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor James McCluskey. “It will enable greater knowledge and technology transfer and ensure Australian research is translated into positive health outcomes in the future.”

Pictured: Dr Nicholas Williamson (MSPF Manager), Professor Malcolm McConville (Bio21 Director), Professor Gavin Reid (Bio21 Group Leader) and Amit Agarwal (Thermo Fisher Scientific ANZ Managing Director).