Fighting diseases of global impact
The Institute for Glycomics is a world leader in the discovery and development of next-generation drugs, vaccines and diagnostics that fight diseases of global impact.
Established in 2000, we’re the only institute of its kind in Australia and one of only a handful in the world.
We engage globally with industry, philanthropic organisations, government and other premier research institutes to build the human capital driving healthcare solutions that address some of the world’s most intractable diseases.
Our multidisciplinary research primarily targets prevention and cures for infectious diseases, cancer and neurodegenerative disorders, with a focus on translational research.
Our vision
To be a world leader in the discovery and development of drugs, vaccines and diagnostics through the application of innovative, multidisciplinary science.
Our mission
To fight diseases of global impact through discovery and translational science.
What we do
What is Glycomics?
Glycomics is the study of the carbohydrate or sugar language within our body, referred to as the ‘glycome’. Every cell in our body is decorated with these sugars, which are essential to our health and wellbeing.
These simple sugar molecules connect to create powerful structures called ‘glycans’. Cancers and infectious diseases can take advantage of glycans, resulting in major health problems and potentially death.
Compared with genomics (the study of genes) and proteomics (the study of proteins), Glycomics—the study of sugars—is a relatively new field.
Glycomics, however, is now a ‘rising star’ due to the development of tools to effectively identify sugar structures and their involvement in disease.
Our research is focused on the role sugars play in disease. Using that knowledge, we strive to invent new drugs, vaccines and diagnostics to treat, prevent or diagnose cancers and infectious diseases.
This 3D animation illustrates what happens at a cellular level when a pathogen interacts with glycans on the surface of cells, causing infection.
Study with us
The Institute for Glycomics, based at Griffith University's beautiful Gold Coast campus, offers a range of exceptional Honours, Masters and PhD opportunities for the nation's future scientists. Study alongside some of the world's most experienced and well-known research leaders and scientists and help us fight for a healthier future for all.
Stay up to date
Latest news from the institute
Funding to find repurposed drugs to fight bacterial infections
19 Dec 2023
Griffith University will use a $2.95 million NHMRC grant to take a unique focus on targeting sugar...
Griffith researchers draw more than $9m NHMRC funding
15 Dec 2023
Advanced bionic limb development, malaria drug mechanisms, skin immune response to mosquito-borne...
Bourne Foundation Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy Facility...
03 Nov 2023
We’re excited to announce the launch of the Bourne Foundation Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)...
Griffith researchers draw more than $4.6 million in funding in Discovery Grants
30 Oct 2023
Nine new Griffith-led ARC Discovery Projects awarded $3,622,738.
Glycomics Week festivities at the Institute for Glycomics
30 Oct 2023
The first week of October brought with it a flurry of activity at Griffith University’s Institute...
Celebrating the 2023 Institute for Glycomics Grand Ball
30 Oct 2023
The 2023 Institute for Glycomics Grand Ball was held on Saturday 7 October at RACV Royal Pines...