Understanding the mechanism by which IFNa treatment leads to removal of the HCV virus from an infected cell is of interest to Associate Professor Peter White.
Information for Personnel
This page and its subpages contains up-to-date information for the staff and research students that work in BABS.
Occupational Health and Safety information may be found here
Have you seen or spoken to someone in the corridor that you do not know the name of? Click here to match the face you know with the name you don't.
Recent Events
- 30th Oct 2009 - Dr Mike Manefield's group wins largest ARC Linkage Grant at UNSW
Dr Mike Manefield is the Chief Investigator on a project that has been awarded the largest single Linkage Grant at UNSW in the latest ARC awards. The linkage partner is Biogas Energy and the project will use native microorganisms to accelerate underground conversion of coal to methane.
This project will develop a technique that uses native microorganisms to accelerate the underground conversion of coal to methane. Approximately 90 per cent of Australia's coal resources cannot be accessed economically using traditional mining technologies. A technology that converts coal to methane could generate an energy supply worth an estimated $60 billion, foster the development of an energy industry now in its infancy, and generate numerous new employment opportunities. Environmentally, methane is a cleaner burning fuel than coal, uses much less water for processing and generates the same quantity of electricity with lower CO2 emissions
More details are available at: http://www.science.unsw.edu.au/news/science-wins-23m-in-arc-project-and-grants/
- 18th Sep 2009 - Official Opening of NCRIS Recombinant Proteins Products and Biofuels Laboratories
The Recombinant Proteins Products and Biofuels Laboratories located within BABS and funded under the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) were officially opened on 18 September 2009 by Hon. Jodie McKay MP, NSW Minister for Science and Medical Research and Hon Richard Marles MP, Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Innovation and Industry.
The official guests were hosted by Professor Richard Henry, DVC (Academic), Dr Chris Marquis (Director, Recombinant Proteins Laboratory) and Professor Peter Rogers (Director, Biofuels Laboratory).
The Australian Government has established a Recombinant Products Sub-Program within NCRIS, supported with $46.5m over 5 years and matching funds from state governments and universities.
The facilities at UNSW comprise a dedicated bio-processing laboratory complex providing services in cell engineering, bioprocess development, protein production and protein purification to the Australian research community and industry.
The advent of modern methods of recombinant DNA technology and protein expression has led to the generation of a whole new range of therapeutics to detect and combat a wide range of human diseases including coronary and infectious diseases and cancer.
The biofuels lab includes pre-treatment and computer-controlled fermentation equipment for production of ethanol from a range of raw materials including sugar, starch and cellulosic biomass sources.
See story on UNSW website: http://www.unsw.edu.au/news/pad/articles/2009/sep/Biofuels.html; and more details on Faculty of Science news webpage: http://www.science.unsw.edu.au/news/3m-boost-to-biofuels-and-protein-research/.
- 10th Sep 2009 - Professor Brett Neilan NSW Scientist of the Year in his Category
Brett Neilan was the winner of the NSW Scientist of the Year in the category of Environment, Water and Climate Change Sciences. The prizes are awarded by the NSW Office for Science and Medical Research. The results of Professor Neilan's research on cyanobacteria has helped revolutionise an entire field of environmental science by identifying and characterising the four biological pathways responsible for the algae, which chokes waterways and can produce toxins that are harmful to humans and animals through contact or ingestion.
See more details at: http://www.osmr.nsw.gov.au/science_communication/science_promotion/scientist_of_the_year/brett_neilan
- 9th Sep 2009 - Associate Professor Rob Yang Awarded ARC Future Fellowship
Rob Yang is one of 15 UNSW researchers awarded an inaugural Future Fellowship from the Australian Research Council. A total of 200 fellowships Australia-wide were recently announced by the Federal Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr, who said the new scheme was designed to keep our top national and international mid-career researchers in Australia.
The title of Rob's research project is "The cellular dynamics of lipid droplets: implications for obesity and biodiesel production". Obesity is a pandemic that if not stopped, will lead to huge social and economic problems in Australia. In essence, the hallmark of human obesity is the accumulation of cellular lipid droplets. This research will benefit Australia by providing a fundamental understanding of how lipid droplets are formed. This will have immediate international impact at the scientific level and will also identify novel compounds and strategies for treating obesity. The proposed study will also benefit Australian agriculture and energy industry by providing strategies to improve the production of plant oil and biodiesel.
The School congratulates Rob on this prestigious award. See further details at: http://www.unsw.edu.au/news/pad/articles/2009/sep/future_fellows.html
- 19th Aug 2009 - Professor Brett Neilan Wins Third Eureka Prize
The School is proud to announce that Brett Neilan was awarded the LWA Professor Peter Cullen Eureka Prize for Water Research and Innovation at the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes ceremony on Tuesday 18 August.
This is the third Eureka Prize for Professor Neilan, a Federation Fellow in the School, making him the most awarded scientist in the history of these awards. His world-class research has identified the biochemical pathways responsible for the production of lethal toxins formed in cyanobacteria. The award includes a cash prize of $10,000.
"Professor Neilan's work has fundamentally improved our understanding of the conditions that lead to toxin production in waterways and water supplies. This knowledge is critical for public health, the health of our environment, and even water security," said Frank Howarth, Director of the Australian Museum. The DNA testing, made possible by Professor Neilan, has revolutionised management of our water supplies.
Attendees at the Awards included the Governor General, Quentin Bryce; Premier of New South Wales, Nathan Rees MP and celebrities such as Cate Blanchett, a Trustee of the Australian Museum. International guests included Chris Darwin, great, great grandson of Charles Darwin.
Full details of the award can be found at: http://eureka.australianmuseum.net.au/eureka-prize/water-research-and-innovation2
- 24th Jul 2009 - Professor Brett Neilan finalist in 2009 Eureka Prize for Water Research and Innovation
Professor Brett Neilan, an ARC Federation Fellow in the School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, is one of 5 UNSW researchers who are finalists in the 2009 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes.
Professor Neilan is a world leader in the genetics of toxic cyanobacteria (blue-green algae), and is one of four finalists for the LWA Professor Peter Cullen Eureka Prize for Water Research and Innovation. This prize is awarded to an individual, team or organisation for research and innovation that has made or has the potential to make an outstanding contribution to the sustainable use and management of Australia's water resources.
Professor Neilan’s work has fundamentally improved our understanding of the circumstances favouring toxin-producing cyanobacterial blooms in lakes, rivers and reservoirs, which is critical knowledge for environmental health and water security. He has a strong history with these awards, winning the the Eureka Prize for Scientific Research in 2001 and the Eureka Prize for Interdisciplinary Science in 2005.
The Eureka Prizes recognise excellence in the fields of scientific research, science leadership and innovation, science journalism and communication and school science. Distinguished prize-winners represent the past, present and future of Australian science. The finalists will join over 900 leaders of government, science, industry, academia and the media to celebrate the 20th Australian Museum Eureka Prizes in Sydney on 18 August for the announcement of this year's winners, with 18 prizes on offer worth over $180,000.