Big donation for research initiative

A LOCAL philanthropic donation to La Trobe University will be used to broaden the institution’s human disease research.

Bendigo resident and renowned ecologist, mammologist and wildlife biologist Dr Bill Holsworth, and his wife Carol’s donation has helped form the Holsworth Biomedical Research Initiative, which aims to combine a team of researchers with the latest in science technology.

Director of HBRI Dr Donna Whelan said the donation will increase research capabilities for diseases such as cancer and motor neurone disease.

“Our lab in Bendigo is already leading the way in developing light-based imaging approaches to visualize, at a molecular level, the initial triggers of human disease,” Dr Whelan said.

“This extraordinary gift will grow our current research capabilities, attracting more talented scientists to Bendigo, and strengthening our research impact, not just in Australia, but around the world.”

Dr Whelen said she hopes the initiative will be attractive to new and prospective students.

“We have world-leading research facilities right here in Bendigo, and access to some of the best scientists in the country,” she said.

“A key part of this initiative will be to open up our campus to the local community and beyond – through seminars, guest lectures and interactive laboratory exercises, as well as multi-day workshops for high school and undergraduate students.”

It is expected the MBRI will host a multidisciplinary research team of experts in cell biology, optics and physical chemistry and enable the university to employ two postdoctoral scientists, with support from students, to work on research projects.

Regular seminars and lectures will be held for members of the community, and over the next three years, year 12 students will have access to a multi-day workshop in the university’s research facilities.