The implementation and management of the Bioplatforms Australia investment is overseen by Convenors of each of the Platforms.
Genomics Australia
Dr Sue Forrest
Dr Sue Forrest is the Director/CEO of the Australian Genome Research Facility, appointed in January, 2003. Sue obtained First Class Honours in Science from Melbourne University and then was awarded the Henry and Rachel Ackman Travelling Scholarship in Medicine to perform the research for her D Phil with Professor Kay Davies in Oxford. She characterised the genetic basis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy and published in the top scientific journals.
On her return to Melbourne she worked at the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute for thirteen years, developing mutation detection techniques, heading up the DNA Diagnostic Laboratory and then embarking on an ambitious approach to gene discovery, testing novel methods for gene identification in complex traits.
Her initial appointment as Scientific Director, AGRF, in 2001 has facilitated greater interaction with the scientific and commercial communities accompanied by a steep rise in knowledge and appreciation of science across a myriad of sectors. Sue has a passion for developing interactive teams and works closely with the biotechnology community to assist its coming of age.
Sue can be contacted by email at sue.forrest@agrf.org.au.
Proteomics Australia
Professor Mark S Baker
Professor Mark Baker is the Director of the Australian Proteome Analysis Facility and Professor of Proteomics at Macquarie University. Mark is currently on the Board of Directors of the Human Proteome Organisation (HUPO) and APAF Ltd , as well as being President of the HUPO2010 World Congress to be held in Sydney in from 19-24th September 2010.
Mark is a biochemist with approximately >80 publications, 3 patents, ~20 PhD student completions and 18 years senior management experience driving research, discovery and commercialisation programs across the biotech and clinical sectors. His research interests include: advanced proteomic technologies, cancer metastasis and how proteases (their receptors, partners and inhibitors) are involved in disease processes.
Mark’s former positions include Director (Biomarker Discovery), LumiCyte, Fremont, CA, USA; Co-Director & Scientific Director, Gynaecological Cancer Research Centre, Melbourne; Associate Professor, Biological Sciences, University of Wollongong; Research Fellow, John Curtin School of Medical Research, ANU; Post-doctoral Fellow, Biochemistry, Monash University. Since graduating from Macquarie University - completing his BSc (Hons 1) and PhD in free radical biochemistry, Mark was awarded the International Society for Free Radical Research Young Investigator Award twice (1988 and 1990), the Howard Florey Medal from ANU in 1991 for cancer research into protease inhibitors and the Nils Sträng Award from the University of Lund in1998 for studies undertaken on serine protease inhibitors.
Mark can be contacted by email at mbaker@proteome.org.au.
Metabolomics Australia
Professor Tony Bacic
Professor Tony Bacic is from the School of Botany at the University of Melbourne and was recently appointed as Interim Director of the Bio21 Institute. Tony joined the Bio21 Institute team following the retirement of the Institute's inaugural Director, Professor Dick Wettenhall.
Tony has an outstanding record of achievement in basic, strategic and applied research in the biotechnology sector, along with considerable experience in research leadership, the establishment of partnerships and acquisition of infrastructure.
Tony is a Foundation member of the Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics (ACPFG), a co-funded ARC/GRDC Centre of Excellence that has a focus on ‘Abiotic stress and productivity in cereals', was a former Associate Dean (Research) in the Faculty of Science and Deputy Head of the School of Botany
Tony can be contacted by email at abacic@unimelb.edu.au.
Australian Bioinformatics Facility
Professor Matthew Bellgard
Professor Matthew Bellgard is Murdoch University's Bioinformatics Chair and the Director of the Western Australian State Government Centre of Excellence, the Centre for Comparative Genomics. His scientific work has resulted in developments in the both the areas of pairwise sequence alignment and artificial intelligence, early detection of base composition differences in closely related bacterial species, and advances in the development of web-based integrated systems utilising high performance computing.
At Murdoch University Matthew has played a pivotal leadership role that has seen the progression of bioinformatics research evolve from a small research group to a thriving innovative R&D Centre. The Centre has established a strong track record in contract research and in delivering web-based informatics solutions to a diverse range of organisations including academics, Cooperative Research Centres, state government research facilities and industry.
Matthew's international experience includes a placement at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (Heidelberg, Germany) and a postdoctoral fellowship at the National Institute of Genetics (Mishima, Japan).
Matthew can be contacted by email at mbellgard@ccg.murdoch.edu.au.