Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology explained

-27.5008°N 153.0129°WThe University of Queensland's Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN) was established in 2003. It is one of four stand-alone research institutions at the university with more than 500 researchers, students and support staff. The inaugural Director was Peter Gray[1] (2003 – 2015). The institute's second director, Professor Alan Rowan, commenced in 2016.

The AIBN is an integrated multi-disciplinary research institute bringing together researchers in the areas of bioengineering and nanotechnology. It is home to research groups working at the interface of the biological, chemical and physical sciences, and its applications in human health and environmental issues.

Notable work performed by the institute includes the needleless Nanopatch vaccine delivery device[2] that is ready to begin human trials;[3] local production of an experimental antibody for the treatment of the Hendra virus;[4] and biofuel research.[5]

Research

AIBN's research efforts are focused in the areas of:

Facilities

AIBN has been based in a $75 million state-of-the-art research facility since October 2006.[9] The Jackson/S2F Architectural firm designed the building, which possesses 15700m2 of floor space, and comprises PC2 and PC3 biocontainment laboratories.[10] [11]

Specialist facilities in the AIBN include:

Financial support

Financial support of Atlantic Philanthropies, the Government of Queensland and The University of Queensland enabled the construction of the $75 million AIBN research facility.[13]

Students

AIBN counts with over 140 full-time PhD students. Through the AIBN Summer and Winter Research internship programs, the institute provides research experience and laboratory skills to undergraduate students with an interest in research as a potential career. These opportunities provide scope for co-authorship in research publications and pathways into Honours, Masters and PhD research.[14] An AIBN student has won the UQ Three Minute Thesis in 2012.[15]

Industrial and business

The Institute has set up an Industrial Affiliates Program to tackle technological issues confronting the industry.[16]

AIBN has established products and created companies based on the technology developed within it. Four start-up companies currently operate largely or exclusively out of AIBN. Institute researchers founded three companies to develop AIBN technology – Vaxxas Pty Ltd (vaccine delivery),[17] TenasiTech Pty Ltd (bio-plastics),[18] and Pepfactants Pty Ltd – while Acyte, founded by AIBN Director Professor Peter Gray, was brought to AIBN from The University of New South Wales.[19]

The start-up companies are distinct entities, with their own management structures, boards and finances. AIBN provides facilities, equipment and, through The University of Queensland's commercialisation company UniQuest, a level of specialist support, such as management of patents and commercial advice.

Notable people

Joy Wolfram,Lianzhou Wang

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: UQ appoints first director of new high-tech institute. The University of Queensland. The University of Queensland. 15 September 2015.
  2. News: Woolrich. Neal. Polio vaccine: Brisbane company Vaxxas teams up with WHO to trial Nanopatch needle-free delivery system. 15 September 2015. ABC Online. 16 September 2014.
  3. News: Branco. Jorge. Needle-less Nanopatch vaccine ready for human trials. 15 September 2015. Brisbane Times. 11 February 2015.
  4. News: Experimental drug fast-tracked to fight Hendra outbreak. 15 September 2015. News.com.au. 31 May 2012.
  5. News: Hannam. Peter. Cost of biofuels no longer sky high. 15 September 2015. The Sydney Morning Herald. 22 May 2013.
  6. Web site: Our Investigators. Stem Cells Australia. Stem Cells Australia. 15 September 2015.
  7. Web site: The Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology. Bioplatforms Australia. Bioplatforms Australia. 15 September 2015.
  8. Web site: Chief Scientist launches Nanotechnology Exhibition. Australia's Chief Scientist. Australia's Chief Scientist. 15 September 2015.
  9. Web site: $70m new research institute opens at UQ. The University of Queensland. The University of Queensland. 9 April 2018.
  10. Web site: Aust. Institute Bioengineering and Nanotechnology. Australian Institute of Architects. Australian Institute of Architects. 15 September 2015.
  11. Web site: Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology . AECOM . AECOM . 15 September 2015 .
  12. Web site: Facilities. Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology. Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology. 15 September 2015.
  13. Web site: $70m new research institute opens at UQ. The University of Queensland. The University of Queensland. 15 September 2015.
  14. Web site: Future Students. https://web.archive.org/web/20100818023659/http://www.aibn.uq.edu.au/future-students. dead. 18 August 2010. Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology. Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology. 15 September 2015.
  15. Web site: UQ Winner Videos. Three Minute Thesis. Three Minute Thesis. 15 September 2015.
  16. Web site: Industrial Affiliates Program . Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology . Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology . 15 September 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20150710070032/http://www.aibn.uq.edu.au/aibn-industrial-affiliates-program . 10 July 2015 . dmy .
  17. News: Braun. David. "Nanopatch" Administers Vaccines Painlessly. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304100313/http://voices.nationalgeographic.com/2012/11/26/nanopatch-administers-vaccines-painlessly/. dead. 4 March 2016. 15 September 2015. National Geographic. 26 November 2012.
  18. News: Branco. Jorge. Unbreakable phone screens closer thanks to Brisbane man. 15 September 2015. Brisbane Times. 23 April 2015.
  19. Web site: Background. ACYTE Biotech Pty Ltd. ACYTE Biotech Pty Ltd. 15 September 2015.

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