Australian
Research Council (ARC) recently
announced the launch of a new Industrial Transformation Training Centre to
push the boundaries of next-generation biomanufacturing technologies
The
ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre in Additive Biomanufacturing was
opened by the Hon. Karen Andrews MP, Assistant Minister for Vocational
Education and Skills, on behalf of Minister for Education and Training, the
Hon. Simon Birmingham, at Queensland
University of Technology.
The Training
Centre will be led by Distinguished Professor Dietmar Hutmacher to undertake
research that pushes the boundaries of the manufacturing of medical devices and
implants, to develop new technologies and advanced materials that can be
translated to innovations in medical treatment.
The
Centre is structured into 3 synergistic and innovative programs: (1) Technology
which focuses on high-throughput addictive biomanufacturing technology
platforms, (2) Materials which focuses on development, characterisation and industrial
up-scaling of bioinks, and (3) Clinical Translation which focuses on innovative
approaches for clinical applications.
“ARC
Industrial Transformation Training Centres involve collaboration between
leading university-based researchers with end-users to create translatable real-world
innovations in an industry-focused environment,” said Chief Executive Officer
of ARC, Professor Sue Thomas.
Some of the transformational advanced materials the Training
Centre has already been working on include building a 3D printer for bioinks
that can be used for regenerative medicine and creating custom-tailored
replacement bone implants.
The ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre in
Additive Biomanufacturing will work with: University of Wollongong; RMIT University; Deakin University; The University of Melbourne and with
partner organisations Cochlear
Limited; Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre;
St Vincent’s Health; Osteopore International Pte Ltd; Shanghai Institute of Ceramics; and Anatomics Pty Ltd.
“An important part of
ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centres is the opportunity they provide
to early career researchers, to gain an experience in an industry setting,
within a highly driven research environment. This Training Centre will train up
future research leaders by providing opportunities to Higher Degree by Research
and postdoctoral students,” Professor Thomas added.
Queensland University of Technology is receiving A$3.7
million over four years, under the ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centres scheme.
The Industrial
Transformation Training Centres scheme aims to foster close
partnerships between university-based researchers and other research end-users
to provide innovative Higher Degree by Research (HDR) and postdoctoral
training, for end-user focused research industries that are vital to
Australia's future.
The Industrial Transformation Training
Priorities are research areas identified by the ARC that are updated from round
to round. Its current priorities are: (1) advanced manufacturing, (2) cybersecurity,
(3) food and agribusiness, (4) medical technologies and pharmaceuticals, (5) mining
equipment, technology and services, and (6) oil, gas and energy resources.