UQ Science continues to break new ground with the launch of the Hub of Organics Analysis, giving University of Queensland scientists access to a state-of-the-art testing facility that will cut the time taken to conduct research projects.
The Hub gives a clear advantage to conducting research at UQ by providing high quality, timely and cost effective organic molecule bioanalysis services, as well as the potential to work collaboratively on grant-funded research projects.
Based at UQ’s Herston campus, within the Centre for Integrated Preclinical Drug Development (CIPDD), a joint initiative of the Faculties of Science and Health Sciences, the Hub provides testing for small and large organic molecules, with a strong focus on chemical, biological, environmental, clinical, veterinary and pharmaceutical research applications.
The accurate and precise measurement of organic molecules in a quality systems-accredited environment requires expensive instrumentation as well as considerable expertise and know-how. Traditionally this has only been viable in commercial environments.
Executive Director Professor Maree Smith said the Hub brought with it world-class facilities equipped with cutting-edge instrumentation together with highly qualified and trained technical staff, making it unique in an Australian university setting.
“The Hub’s capabilities represent exceptional value as these highly sophisticated measurements are performed at cost to UQ researchers and students,” Professor Smith said.
She said the Hub will also provide tremendous opportunities to develop new collaborative research links with UQ research teams where the accurate, precise and sensitive measurement of the concentrations of organic molecules will add new insight into a broad array of research projects.
“Because our staff in the Hub are highly experienced, researchers and students are given back valuable time to think and research,” Professor Smith said.
“The new Hub also provides research students wanting to develop expertise in the measurement sciences with an ideal research training environment.”
Unique to UQ, Professor Smith said the Hub provided a major incentive to conducting organic molecule research at the University.
“We can offer high quality, timely and cost effective organic molecule bioanalysis services to research and academic staff as well as having the potential to work collaboratively on grant-funded research projects, so there’s certainly an advantage in conducting your research at UQ," she said.
It follows the May 2005 launch of CIPDD’s commercial arm TetraQ, which has gone on to become one of Australia's leading preclinical contract research organisations with more than 300 studies completed for clients based in Australia, New Zealand, North America, Europe and Asia.
Media: Professor Maree Smith (0 7 3365 2554) or Travis Taylor (07 3365 8598).
