Phenomics Australia was proud to represent NCRIS capabilities at Monash University, showcasing expertise across its genome engineering and disease modelling, and functional genomics nodes.
Held earlier this month, the Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute hosted an NCRIS showcase at Monash University, bringing together researchers, national capability leaders, and institutional partners to explore how Australia’s research infrastructure can support regenerative medicine.
Representing three NCRIS providers (Phenomics Australia (PA), Therapeutic Innovation Australia (TIA) and Bioplatforms Australia) Dr John Parisot, PA Strategic Partnerships Advisor, introduced national capabilities and platforms accessible to researchers through NCRIS, spanning biomanufacturing, functional genomics, organoid systems, and translational readiness. Dr Heather Donaghy from TIA also joined to connect with researchers and answer questions about NCRIS capabilities for advanced therapies.
A panel discussion followed, facilitated by ARMI Deputy Director, Research Strategy and Impact, Professor Edwina McGlinn. Panelists included:
- Dr Alexander Combes, Phenomics Australia Scientific Director and Head of the Monash Genome Modification Platform (in vivo and in vitro genome engineering and disease modelling node). Alexander leads MGMP, supporting genome engineering technologies across Monash. His research focuses on developmental biology and disease modelling using advanced genetic tools;
- Dr Thierry Jardé, Phenomics Australia Scientific Director and Director of the Monash Organoid Program (in vitro genome engineering and disease modelling node), Thierry leads organoid-based disease modelling within Phenomics Australia. His work spans cancer biology, stem cell signalling and translational organoid systems developed in collaboration with clinicians; and
- Murray Manning, Phenomics Australia Knowledge and Innovation Network (KIN) member and Platform Manager of the Monash Functional Genomics Platform (Functional Genomics and High-throughput screening node). Murray manages pooled CRISPR screening and functional genomics capabilities at Monash. His expertise includes high-throughput genome engineering and supporting researchers with cutting-edge genomic technologies.
The discussion highlighted practical entry points for researchers and demonstrated how NCRIS-backed services can reduce costs and accelerate timelines at critical stages of development.
Professor Peter Currie, ARMI’s Director of Research, said NCRIS-supported research infrastructure had strengthened the research capacity of the institute and Australia’s life science community. “NCRIS continues to be central to how we grow our R&D capability,” he said. “For institutes such as ours NCRIS is not peripheral to our work, it is foundational.”
Programs like the Pipeline Accelerator Voucher Scheme were highlighted as valuable voucher-based initiatives, providing rapid access to specialised capabilities at critical stages of therapeutic development.
Learn more about the current round of Pipeline Accelerators: https://phenomicsaustralia.org.au/voucher-scheme/ (Applications close April 17th)
The showcase highlighted the critical role of NCRIS infrastructure in accelerating discovery and translation, reinforcing the value of national collaboration in advancing Australia’s life science research.
