New home for next generation medical research

Published in Monash Memo, 8 April 2009
www.monash.edu.au/news/monashmemo/stories/20090408/regenerative.html

The Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute will be officially opened today by Federal Member for Chisholm Anna Burke and Parliament of Victoria Cabinet Secretary Tony Lupton. The institute, based at the Clayton campus, is part of the largest single financial commitment to research that Monash has ever made, with the University investing $103 million into the construction of cutting-edge laboratory facilities for biomedical research.

The Victorian Government has dedicated $35 million towards major research equipment and the specialist fit-out of laboratories and the Australian Government $15 million.

Institute Director Professor Nadia Rosenthal said when at full capacity ARMI would be one of the world's largest regenerative medicine and stem-cell research centres.

"ARMI's scientists will focus on unravelling the basic mechanisms of the regenerative process, enabling doctors to prevent, halt and reverse damage to vital organs due to disease, injury or genetic conditions," Professor Rosenthal said.

"This work will form the basis of treatments for conditions such as neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes, arthritis, musculo-skeletal and cardiovascular diseases.

"We have already recruited national and international leaders in regenerative biology and are creating a unique environment for research, education and training in regenerative medicine."

Monash Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Larkins said the centre would be of enormous significance to understanding how tissues regenerate and this knowledge could then be used in novel new therapies.

"The State and Federal Governments have shown great foresight in investing in this exciting initiative, which will ensure the further development of Victoria and Australia as one of the most innovative sites for medical research," Professor Larkins said.

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