We are pleased to highlight that Dr Andrew Kueh, member of Phenomics Australia’s Scientific Directors team and Head of the Melbourne Advanced Genome Editing Centre (MAGEC) at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute (ONJCRI), is contributing to an exciting new initiative as a member of the Project Advisory Committee (PAC) for SAAFE projects.
In this role, Andrew provides strategic oversight and high-level advice to support successful project delivery.
This involvement reflects the growing application of Phenomics Australia’s expertise beyond traditional health and biomedical research, extending into critical areas such as environmental monitoring and agriculture.
The project, led through Australia’s Cooperative Research Centre for Solving Antimicrobial Resistance in Agribusiness, Food and Environments (SAAFE), focuses on:
Development of a rapid RPA–CRISPR-based lateral flow platform for on-site antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance
Antimicrobial resistance is a major global challenge, with water systems playing a key role in the emergence and transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and genes. Existing monitoring approaches are often costly, slow, and logistically complex, limiting their effectiveness in real-world settings.
This project aims to address these challenges by developing a rapid, field-deployable diagnostic tool that combines recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) with CRISPR-based lateral flow assays. The platform is designed to deliver accurate results within 40–60 minutes, without the need for complex laboratory infrastructure.
By enabling fast, sensitive, and accessible detection of AMR markers in water sources, this work has the potential to transform monitoring practices. It will support earlier interventions, reduce costs and logistical barriers, and strengthen AMR risk management across sectors, including water, agriculture, and aquaculture.
This project is a strong example of how Phenomics Australia’s capabilities and expertise can be applied in diverse contexts, demonstrating real-world impact well beyond health research.
With an established track record and reputation for excellence, Phenomics Australia In Vivo Genome Engineering team uses techniques such as CRISPR-mediated mutagenesis, classical gene targeting, and transgenesis to create optimal tools for your research delivering a comprehensive service in genome modification. To meet the high demand for this platform, Phenomics Australia offers genome editing services through five nodes across Australia, operating at Monash, ANU, WEHI, SAHMRI and PeterMac.
