An innovative new biologics facility aims to upskill the future workforce.
In a first for an Australian university, the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) has unveiled a new Biologics Innovation Facility informally known as BIF, in a bid to drive the jobs of the future in an emerging industry.
The training and production facility has the potential to enable new biotech discoveries, such as cost effective drugs and innovative sustainable foods and nutraceuticals. It provides a unique opportunity to support Australia’s future biosecurity defense in response to pandemics and the need for alternative supply chains.
What are biologics?
A biologic drug is produced from living organisms or contains components of living organisms. They can be composed of sugars, proteins, nucleic acids or complex combinations of these substances, or may be living cells or tissues. Biologics have revolutionised the treatment of cancer and other diseases, including autoimmune diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis.
But there is a downside. Biologics are much more expensive to produce than drugs made from chemicals. UTS’ Biologics Innovation Facility will help bring these costs down by producing small volumes of new technology-based biologics, establishing what works, and passing that knowledge on so full-scale production systems can be designed.
I am excited to see what can be achieved as biologic research begins to unlock some of the most complex healthcare issues facing our world.
Professor Attila Brungs
UTS Vice-Chancellor
What else makes BIF special?
The 430 square metre underground facility houses a series of clean rooms and containment laboratories that will transform professional training in Good Manufacturing Practice, the essential industry standard for the sector.
UTS Dean of Science, Professor Dianne Jolley said the BIF is the “only South East Asian node to deliver training programs from the National Institute of Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT)”. NIBRT is a global Centre of Excellence based in Ireland and world leader in the field of biopharma training.
“Australia has a massive opportunity to lead in the development of the next generation of biotech and precision medicines. The pharma/bioprocessing industry needs trained workforce and upskilling programs to meet changing needs and demand for the future. The flexibility of the Biologics Innovation Facility enables UTS to offer that training and research development.”
Continue reading at UTS Newsroom: Mind the talent gap