Research

The La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS) continues to build on its strengths to take advantage of new technologies in Biosensors, Synthetic Biology, Digital Biology and Space Biology, and apply them to seek new solutions to cancer, cardiovascular health, and infection and immunity areas.

As well as conducting research across three of La Trobe University's campuses, LIMS hosts three embedded biotech companies:

Cancer

The Cancer theme investigates the mechanisms of cancer initiation and progression, the crosstalk between cancer cells and the surrounding environment, and the potential of novel therapeutic approaches for combating disease.

Infection and Immunity

The Infection and Immunity theme studies the molecules used by viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi to infect humans, animals and plants, and the immune response associated with this.

Synthetic Biology

Developing CRISPR, mRNA, nucleotide and peptide technologies to design tailored immune cells and microbiomes for personalised preventative and recovery interventions.

Biosensors

Developing, refining and applying novel, cutting-edge biosensor technologies to revolutionise health monitoring and disease detection in real time, anywhere.

Image of an astronaut watering a plant on mars

Space Biology

Utilising the unique challenges of space as a test bed for robust and universally deployable health and technological solutions.

Image of a hologram of a human body coming out of a tablet

Digital Biology

Applying advanced machine learning techniques and data analysis tools to better understand biological systems and enhance disease prediction and prevention.

Image of veins

Cardiovascular Biology

Exploring abnormalities of the heart and blood vessels to understand the underlying pathologies and risk factors of heart attack and stroke.

A researcher looking at a computer

Research Centres

LIMS is home to three of La Trobe University's Research Centres, spanning cardiovascular research, extracellular vesicles research, and biosensors research.