Queensland stem cell centre opens

Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, has opened the Queensland node of the Australian Stem Cell Centre (ASCC) in the multi-disciplinary Queensland Bioscience Precinct at the University of Queensland.

"The opening of the ASCC's second node marks a significant achievement in Australia's already strong and growing capability in biotechnology research," Senator Carr said.

"Australia needs to focus on its research strengths and encourage greater collaboration between researchers, research institutions and industry – a culture of collaboration, networking and clustering will help maximise our capabilities."

"The centre has set ambitious scientific goals and is collaborating with the top stem cell scientists in Australia and abroad. Its integration into the Queensland Bioscience Precinct will stimulate a multi-disciplinary approach to innovation and help it to commercialise stem cell therapies and treatments for human disease."

The ASCC was established as Australia's Biotechnology Centre of Excellence with headquarters in Melbourne in 2003 with an Australian government commitment of $98.5 m until 2011 to support Australian innovation through biotechnology.

"Many of our biotech companies are establishing international reputations and strong international alliances to support them. Biotechnology is an increasingly important innovative sector and is an important driver of economic growth, wealth creation and high value jobs across many sectors of Australian industry."

The centre's Queensland node is headed by the ASCC's chief scientific officer, Prof Melissa Little, and will support the ASCC's ambitious research programs in haematology and tissue regeneration.

http://www.stemcellcentre.edu.au/