A multi-disciplinary approach to glycomics drug discovery research.
Carbohydrates are involved in almost every aspect of biology, from recognising bacteria, to blood clotting, to enabling sperm to penetrate an egg. All cells in nature are covered with a dense array of carbohydrate chains (glycans). Glycans are critical for the survival and healthy function of a cell and plays a role in the life-cycle of abnormal or diseased cells.
Established in 2000 at the Gold Coast Campus of Griffith University, research at the Institute for Glycomics involves the study of the glycans and glycan-binding proteins in various biological systems, and the design of novel drugs and vaccines. This approach presents an exciting therapeutic platform for the control of a wide-range of medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, infectious diseases, inflammation and immune disorders.
The Institute is the only one of its kind in Australia and only one of six in the world. We seek to collaborate with leading scientists around the world to build a critical mass around carbohydrate-based research. Global collaboration together with a mutil-disciplinary approach to research, are essential to achieving our vision to bring forward novel medicines and vaccines to the community.
The Institute's new $22M precinct was completed in the second quarter of 2008.
Honours & Summer Scholarships will be offered in 2011/2012.