Benefits
Establishment of a Partner Laboratory Network in Australia will therefore have the following clear and lasting benefits:
Utilising a unique Partner Laboratory Network structure:
The structure of the EMBL Australia Partner Laboratory Network has been based on the highly successful EMBL model, with distributed, tightly integrated research centres focused on complementary aspects of biological research. Current research partners in the Partner Laboratory Network include Monash University, the Universities of Western Australia, Sydney and Queensland and the CSIRO. All of these universities have specific interests in life sciences research and extensive networks with other universities and research institutes. The Network will adopt the EMBL hub and spoke structure, headquartered at Monash University with potential nodes developed at the collaborating Universities. The size and management of Australian Partner Laboratory Network are currently being determined in discussions within EMBL Australia Working Group. Currently a staggered recruitment of Partner Laboratory Group Leaders is envisioned, with an initial goal of six groups at the hubs, and four groups at each node.
Supporting the world’s best:
As at EMBL, Partner Laboratory Group Leaders will provided with generous support (approx $1 million pa) for a limited period of time (5 years with possible renewal for a further 4 years upon review). International selection of Partner Laboratory Group Leaders will be based on scientific excellence and promise. At EMBL, approximately one in 30 applicants for Group Leader positions is successful; only the best in the world are appointed to these highly sought posts and it is anticipated that there will be a similar level of competition for the EMBL Australia Partner Laboratory positions, serving to increase awareness of Australia’s numerous research strengths, and bringing international attention to the benefits of conducting life sciences research in Australia.
Ability to attract high calibre international scientists to Australia:
In its 35 years, the five European campuses of EMBL have hosted thousands of international students and fellows, Group Leaders, staff and visiting scientists from around the world. More than 1400 people from 60 nations currently work at EMBL, generating more than 3000 alumni who form an international network of connections. EMBL is a world-renowned international centre for advanced training and has had the right to award its own PhD degrees since 1997, collaborating closely with 23 partner universities in 16 countries. It is anticipated that by establishing Partner Laboratory Network, EMBL Australia will become a complementary international research hub, drawing from Australia’s own talent pool and engaging overseas members, attracted by the unique strengths of Australian life sciences. Successfully implemented, the EMBL Australia Partner Laboratory initiative will enhance the quality and influence of Australia’s biological research, particularly in stem cell biology, comparative genetics and regenerative biology structural biology and bioinformatics. This will have long term effects in strengthening Australia’s international competitiveness in many areas of the life sciences.
Producing outstanding young career researchers in Australia:
Australia currently suffers from a dearth of early career opportunities for its young scientists, resulting in a “brain drain” that is reminiscent of the 1970s in Europe, when the majority of talented young researchers immigrated to the US to launch their careers in molecular biology. Recognition of this crisis galvanized the establishment of EMBL, which was instrumental in reversing the trend to leave Europe, and ultimately resulted in the ascendance of Europe to a position of strength and innovation in the molecular sciences. A similar crisis is imminent in Australia: there is an urgent need to allocate more resources into science training if Australia is to build long-term capability in the biomedical and biotechnology industries. Australia has the talent and the will in its youth to compete successfully, but to realise this potential Australia needs an infrastructure that prepares young scientists well in their formative years. Establishment of an EMBL Australia Partner Laboratory Network will serve as a paradigm for education and training, providing the leaders of tomorrow an unprecedented opportunity to develop their careers in Australia.
Developing sustainable links with research centres in Europe:
EMBL and Australian research cultures are both highly collaborative and the synergies created from the alliance stemming from the establishment of Partner Laboratories are expected to be significant. This will build on already strong relationships between Australia and the European Union in key domains of biomedical research. Many Australian organisations are already engaged in the EMBL network in a variety of ways and are looking at the benefits that a more formal relationship will bring. Establishing Partner Laboratories addresses a key feature of the current Commonwealth Ministry’s mandate, to internationalise research in Australia.
Amplifying research quality and outputs:
EMBL’s current Scientific Program will seek to emphasize emerging research initiatives that reflect the convergence between basic biology and medicine. A number of EMBL faculty members already study fundamental aspects of human biology and pathology, towards understanding mechanisms of disease, however this new focus for EMBL will require a deeper involvement in molecular medicine. The establishment of EMBL Australia Partner Laboratories will foster collaborative partnerships with Australian institutions that regard human biology and medicine as essential for the effective integration of basic and clinical research. Strategic collaborations such as those envisioned with Australian biomedical research institutions will encourage new approaches to molecular medicine through basic research, providing a critical amplifier of national talent. In summary, the EMBL Australia Partner Laboratory Network represents a highly effective, relatively inexpensive avenue for leveraging Commonwealth investment in the future of Australian life sciences and biotechnological research.