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Macquarie University Research Infrastructure (Large) Scheme 2019

FUNDING RULES AND APPLICATION FORM

Applications Due: 9am 24th October 2018

INFORMATION AND FUNDING RULES

Purpose

The purpose of the Macquarie University Research Infrastructure Scheme (MQRIS) is to develop Macquarie University’s research infrastructure in a strategic way that is aligned with the University’s Strategic Research Framework: 2015-2024 and Faculty Research Infrastructure Plans. The MQRIS is administered through two schemes run in parallel, the MQRIS (Large), and the MQRIS (Small).

While the MQRIS (Small) provides specific infrastructure to the research programs of individual researchers and research groups, the MQRIS (Large) provides more general research infrastructure support to Faculties.

Definition of Research Infrastructure

The definition of Research Infrastructure for this scheme is to have the following inclusions and exclusions:

For the purposes of the MQRIS (Large and Small) scheme, research infrastructure and items eligible for funding include:

• Personnel involved in developing databases or providing software training; • One-off personnel costs associated with establishing or creating the requested research facility

(Note: not for ongoing funding);• Salaries of research support staff – RAs, accounting & administration, technicians – providing

general support in a given area (not to a specific project, and not ongoing);• Non-capital costs of facilities such as libraries, laboratories, computing centres, animal houses,

herbaria, experimental farms;• Equipment purchase, installation, hire and lease;• Research installations (eg. plant growth facility) BUT NOT buildings;• High Performance Computing; As an exception, specialist programs or platforms provided there is

co-investment by the faculty and/or IT. Applicants seeking such support should familiarise themselves with what is already available1, and contact Central ([email protected]) and/or

1 Macquarie University provides on-demand access to High Performance Computing (HPC) services that support high-quality research as part of our investment in improving research infrastructure. The University is committed to providing first-class HPC services and supports two main facilities for our staff and students. HPC involves the use of supercomputers, parallel computing and/or computer clusters for advanced computing tasks including modelling, data processing and analysis. Data stored on HPC services are secured and confidential.Macquarie University researchers have access to some faculty-based HPC services and to cloud-vendor HPC services managed through Central IT. The University has partnerships in the National Computational Infrastructure (NCI), Australia's national research computing facility and Amazon Web Services (AWS). Both are free for academic and research users, and they provide complementary services for your research. Faculty of Business and Economics have its own local HPC cluster hosted and supported by Faculty IT. Macquarie Central IT is moving to an Infrastructure as a Service Cloud computing strategy which will enable the provision of HPC, data storage, computing on demand and backup as a service. These services began rolling out in mid-2018.

Macquarie University Research Infrastructure Scheme (Large) 2019 – Funding Rules and Application 1 of 22

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Faculty IT support to discuss;

Travel costs to allow participation in international consortia (note that while one-off costs for consortia access may be considered providing an appropriate case is made, access costs to consortia which represent continuing or annual fees are not covered by this scheme as they are considered an operational expense).

Access to facilities/equipment, and Access to databases.

MQRIS (Large) funding does not apply to:

• Minor works that would be funded by Property • Capital works (i.e. construction of buildings); • Floor space costs (rental); • Salaries of teaching and research, and research-only academic staff (including the cost of ‘buying

time’ to free such staff to conduct more research); • Salaries of staff supporting research at the institutional level (e.g. DVC (Research), Research

Grants Officer); • Stipends of postgraduate research students; or• Travel costs directly associated with individual projects (except for travel costs to allow

participation in international consortia as above).

The Strategic Infrastructure Scheme (Research)

In 2019, the MQRIS will comprise:

MQRIS (Small) – managed by the central Research Office

MQRIS (Large) – managed by the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research)[DVCR]

The MQRIS fund has two main components:

Research Infrastructure Grants to Faculties

University contributions to Linkage, Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities (LIEF) Grants

Any funds not committed to these main components will constitute a Strategic Reserve Fund with direct oversight from the DVCR.

Funding Available

Depending on LIEF commitments for 2019, it is estimated that approximately $1million will be available to Faculties for MQRIS (Large) on a competitive basis for strategic research infrastructure purchases in 2019.

Note that any allocation made for 2019 must be expended within the calendar year. No carry-overs will be approved.

Funding requests shall normally be for between $25,000 and $150,000. Applications for sums in excess of $150,000 will not be considered unless a very convincing case can be put to the Selection Panel, Chaired by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research). For any items costing more than $150,000, it is expected that the Faculty will make a significant cash contribution; such a proposal should also include


justification why external support (e.g. LIEF) for major infrastructure has not been sought.

It is possible for a Faculty to combine two or more priorities – excluding the reserve priority – to purchase one larger piece of equipment, however a good case will need to be made as to why the item is not appropriate for application to LIEF or similar external major equipment funds. Applications consisting of a collection of minor items totalling a sum in excess of the minimum of $25,000 are strongly discouraged (see Funding Rules). In addition to the allotted applications, each Faculty is able to apply for one reserve item.

Please note, the number of prioritised applications each Faculty can put forward for funding in 2019 are:

1. Business and Economics: 1, plus 1 reserve2. Arts: 2, plus 1 reserve3. Human Sciences: 3, plus 1 reserve4. Medicine and Health Sciences: 4, plus 1 reserve5. Science: 5, plus 1 reserve

Funding Rules

Each Faculty must rank their items in order of priority. This priority order should reflect the respective strategic importance of the item and the rationale for the priority order should be given in section 5 of the application. Budget constraints and competitive applications may mean not all items will be funded.

For an application to be consistent with the purpose of the MQRIS the following general rules apply to proposed expenditure under this Scheme:

A strong strategic case must be made for the purchase/s; this will need to demonstrate alignment with the University’s Strategic Research Framework (2015 – 2024) and Faculty research strategies. Applications for funding for support personnel and operating costs will not be funded unless a clear case can be made for one-off personnel costs associated with establishing or creating the requested research facility.

Routine software (including upgrades) will not be funded. However, specialist software underpinning major research programs may be funded.

Items that involve alterations to University fixtures and fittings that might be deemed ‘Minor Works’ and would be eligible for funding by Property will not be funded. Where there is doubt as to the categorisation of an item, it is strongly recommended that advice be sought from Property. Where an item is not considered ‘Minor Works’ by Property, written confirmation of this by Property must be included in the application.

A minimum amount of $25,000 is allowable for any single item/installation/initiative. If the item is comprised of multiple components they must form a coherent whole. The MQRIS (Large) is designed to assist Faculties to purchase larger items: research infrastructure costing less than $25,000 should normally be supported from the Faculty Operating Budget. For any facility comprising an assembly of small items (e.g. a computer facility), a very strong case must be put forward for coherence of the installation as a research facility.

Multi-year lease arrangements will be considered where it can be demonstrated (costings to be provided) that this is the most efficient way to support the facility. In this case, only the capital component of any lease agreement may be funded. Support of maintenance components in lease agreements must be borne by the Faculty.

Funds must be expended in the 2019 calendar year. Carry forward of unexpended funds will not be approved. Funds remaining unexpended on 1 January 2020 will be recovered by the


University.

An expenditure report relating to 2018 research infrastructure funding is an essential part of the 2019 application process.

Eligibility

To be eligible for funding, the case put forward by a Faculty must:

Be aligned to the strategic research priorities of that Faculty;

Show a clear link to researchers and research programs of merit; and

Meet the Funding Rules.

Where an application has space implications (occupation and/or modification of University space), it must include:

Location of the proposed facility and total expenditure involved;

Evidence of approval of Property for the facility establishment/modification;

Certification by respective Executive Dean of appropriateness of space and work to be undertaken;

Certification by respective Executive Dean of Faculty contribution to facility establishment/ modification.

Where no extra space is requested, the application should make this clear, and state that the proposed equipment or facility can be located within existing areas. In the case of animal facilities, the Faculty must show that the requested equipment has been discussed and approved by the Head, MARS.

Selection Criteria

Selection of proposals for funding is competitive and will be based upon the following aspects of the application:

1. Evidence of benefit to researchers using the equipment. Applications must outline the history of research excellence within the relevant area and note how the proposed equipment will add value to that area of research excellence – including how the equipment will add to the current research capacity. (See Question 4)

2. A strong strategic case must be made for the purchase/s; this will need to demonstrate alignment with the University’s Strategic Research Framework (2015 – 2024) and Faculty research strategies. Special attention should be paid to alignment with the 4 Key Objectives within the Strategic Research Framework (2015 – 2024). Additionally, applications must make mention of the area(s) of the Future Shaping Research Priority(ies) and/or areas of current or emerging disciplinary research strength that the proposed equipment will benefit. (See Question 6)

3. A very clear budget justification. The application must include a brief outline of the proposed equipment’s lifespan and schedule/plan for routine maintenance of the equipment and how costs of ongoing maintenance and consumables will be met by the Faculty. A budget must not state proposed expenditure in general terms. It is essential that accurate costings are provided (exclusive of GST), and that a strong and detailed justification is given for all requested budget items. All quotes included in the application must be accurate at the time of submission. Errors in the quotes may have negative effects on the outcome of the application. (See Question 7)

4. Research track record of the staff associated with the nominated research area, including the number of HDR students completed and currently supervised by those staff. (See Question 8)


Funding decisions made by the Selection Panel, Chaired by the DVCR, are final and appeals will not be considered, except on procedural grounds.

The Application Process

Applications must be in the prescribed format (using the attached Form), employing no smaller than 12-point font. Applications should be submitted in a single PDF document, with all attachments included as appendices within that document (this is to ensure all appropriate documentation is connected to each application).

Prior to reaching a decision the Selection Panel, Chaired by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), reserves the right to interview applicants (with or without the Panel) in order to clarify any aspect of their application or to seek further information as required.

Applications must be submitted electronically to the Project Officer (Research): [email protected]

Closing date: 9am 24th October 2018

LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED


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Macquarie University Research Infrastructure Scheme (Large) 2019

APPLICATION FORM

1. Faculty:

Science and Engineering

2. Contact Name:Lindsay Parker (or Sue Lindsay)

Extension:8269 (Sue ex 8124)

3. Expenditure Proposal

Item (short descriptive title – 5 words)

Cost Faculty Contribution

Funding Requested from DVCR

Priority 1Ultra-sensitive live cell confocal microscope $299,950 $299,950

Priority 2

Priority 3

Priority 4

Priority 5

Reserve

Note: Requests for any single item under the Faculty MQRIS (Large) shall normally be for between $25,000 and $150,000. Applications for sums above $150,000 require a strong case to be put forward by the Faculty – this includes a cash contribution (co-funding) by the Faculty. Applications consisting of a


collection of minor items are strongly discouraged and will be ruled ineligible if they do not constitute a coherent new facility (see Funding Rules).

NOTE: Responses to Sections 4 – 10 should be answered in sufficient detail to provide assessment against the funding rules for the Scheme - that is up to 500 words each.

4. Brief informative description (up to 500 words for each Priority) of the equipment/facilities requested, together with its benefits, purpose and projected operating life

The description should include: How it will benefit research excellence in the Faculty (Faculties) Identify areas of existing or developing research strength relevant to requested item (further

details of staff and students who will use the proposed equipment/facility is to be given at Question 8)

Define anticipated impact, outcomes and/or engagement from the acquisition of this equipment

Olympus FV3000RS Ultra-sensitive Laser Scanning confocal system with live cell imaging capabilities

We propose to purchase a new generation ultra-sensitive live cell confocal microscope that will support current and future research as well as the educational curriculum of all departments within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. We have established that there is a significant need within the faculty and wider university for the requested item, such as for the imaging of:

a. live cell behaviours during drug delivery (Mol Sci) b. nanoparticle characterisation inside cells (Mol Sci/Physics)c. microbiome imaging (Mol Sci)d. 3D tissue-engineered brains and other organs (Mol Sci/Physics/Medicine)e. medical implant biofilms (Medicine)f. insect biology, especially ant brains, and plant cells (Biology)g. live cell behaviours inside microfluidic chambers (Engineering)h. neurobiological molecules in rodent brains (Psychology)

During the last 4 months we have arranged substantial opportunity for researchers with the above imaging needs within our faculty and others with ongoing cross-faculty collaborations to demo new generation ultra-sensitive live cell confocal microscopes including the Olympus model FV3000RS and Zeiss model LSM800 for comparison. The feedback and findings of these researchers indicated that in comparison to the current 12-year-old faculty FV1000 Olympus confocal microscope: they are significantly faster (utilising resonance scanning), around 50 times more sensitive for fluorescent nanoparticle and cell imaging (with new lasers and GaAsP detectors), approximately 2x higher resolution for nanoparticle and whole brain imaging, each are compatible with imaging thick ex vivo 3D organ cultures as well as cells in thick microfluidic chambers. The new ultra-sensitive confocal microscope proposed here is also user friendly, has more compatible lasers (7 compared to 4) and more detectors (4 compared to 3) available than the current outdated faculty system. The Microscopy Unit’s current FV1000 confocal requires the sample to be moved laterally through a manual stage controller, which significantly limits its abilities for many applications. In contrast, the FV3000RS microscope is equipped with a fully motorised stage and the new laser-based IX3 Z-Drift Compensator (IX3-ZDC) ensures that samples are always in focus, therefore producing the sharpest images possible.


The quotation includes the trade-in of the current FV1000 confocal microscope, which results in a significant cost reduction.

In summary, the time needed on the instrument to complete imaging of samples and the quality of the data obtained by researchers and for teaching students will be drastically improved compared to current capability, the integrity of precious biological samples will be highly preserved and nanoparticles will be able to be imaged at a resolution previously unachievable with our outdated system. Today’s scientific research needs are highly reliant on ultra-sensitive confocal detection methods and high resolution imaging capabilities to generate images for high quality publications (Q1) to be produced from the university. The publications that this system would contribute to will facilitate future high profile externally funded grant applications, especially the cross disciplinary ones evidenced in this application between biomedical, molecular biology, physics and engineering research.


5. Briefly describe the rationale for the priority order of the proposals where applicable (up to 500 words per priority)

The proposed new facility is a fundamentally important basic instrument, essential for keeping Macquarie’s competitive position in research and teaching compared to other Australian universities.

The current FV1000 Olympus confocal microscope system housed in the faculty microscopy unit, which is the system available at the moment to all researchers and for undergraduate and Master’s teaching courses, is, embarrassingly, approximately 12 years and 2 generations old. This system contains outdated and less safe laser capabilities and photon detectors that are not upgradeable or adequate for high quality biomedical imaging, especially of nanoparticles and 3D engineered tissue constructs. Additionally, Olympus is no longer providing extended software and hardware support for the FV1000 system. Specifically, due to the age of the current system, the detectors and lasers have lost sensitivity and are reaching the end of their lifespan therefore must be replaced in some fashion as soon as possible to adequately meet the current and future imaging needs of researchers in the faculty.

The proposed replacement is a new microscope with the significantly better resolution, speed and dynamic range. It will meet the needs of 22 staff (from ECRs to Professors, including 8 current ARC/NHMRC Fellows, all with excellent track records) and 68 students across 6 Departments in 3 Faculties (Molecular Sciences, Biological Sciences, Physics & Astronomy and School of Engineering in FSE, Biomedical Sciences in FMHS, and Psychology in FHS). The total monthly usage is 169 hours, reflecting the heavy demand of this strategic application.

It is noted that this faculty interdisciplinary application is over the limit of $150k for a normal MQRIS Large grant, and will require funding by the equivalent of 2 MQRIS Large slots. However, as this is an upgrade to the current faculty microscopy unit system, which is a heavily used basic instrument that most universities have, a single-institute application for external equipment funding schemes such as ARC LIEF grant or Cancer Institute New South Wales Research Equipment Grant is not appropriate.

On the other hand, this new instrument will be fully upgradeable in both hardware and software that meets the current standard of confocal imaging needs of research and teaching in our faculty over the next 10 years, assuring a high quality of output and value for money in the future. The faculty is committed to contributing substantially to the instrument by paying the salary costs for technician that will maintain/operate and train people on the instrument, who see the optical microscope section an important part to serve both internal and external users. And thanks to the ongoing strong partnership with Olympus over the last decades, we have been able to secure pricing on this instrument at 35% discount in a special trade-in offer at this time, presenting excellent value for money.


6. How does the item assist the Faculty in achieving its research targets – research income, HDR completions, publications? (up to 500 words per priority)

Describe how the acquisition will improve Macquarie University’s research outcomes (up to 500 words each), stating:

How it supports the University’s Strategic Research Framework (2015 – 2024) and the Faculty’s Strategic Research Plans

How it will assist in attracting external, HERDC reportable research income

The requested Olympus FV3000RS Ultra-sensitive Laser Scanning confocal system with live cell imaging capabilities will enable addressing all of the key objectives of Macquarie University Strategic Research Framework (2015 – 2024).

a. accelerating world-leading research performanceb. prepare world ready higher degree research candidates by enhancing practical training and

research experience of HDRsc. engage as a world-recognised research collaborator of choice by enhancing our linkages with

industry partners including Olympusd. deliver research with world changing impact by enhancing activity of scope of key research

teams

The acquisition of this piece of equipment also clearly facilitates the core research foci of the Faculty of Science and Engineering including:

Priority 1: Healthy People, Theme 1.3 Translational Medical Research in all streams (Parker, Nadort, Vickery, Garcia-Bennett, Shi, Cornish). This is strengthened by the fact that the room in the Microscopy Unit dedicated to the proposed facility has recently been upgraded to PC2-accredited space, allowing more medical-related research and teaching to be conducted.

Priority 5: Innovative Technologies, Theme 5.1 Science and Engineering Technologies for the 21st century in the streams “Bio-engineering, nanotechnologies and synthetic biology” and “Biomolecular technologies and ‘Omics’” (Packer, Paulsen, Sunna, Lu, Wang, Rodger, Piper, Zvyagin, Brown, Ploschner, Volz, Inglis).

Priority 4: Secure Planet, Theme 4.1 Living in a Changing Environment in the streams “Evolutionary biology and animal behaviour” “Understanding life on our planet” and “Complex biological and ecological systems” (Narendra, Tetu, Atwell).

How it will assist in attracting external, HERDC reportable research income: By upgrading our facility to the currently acceptable worldwide standard of imaging system the equipment would allow us to advance multiple current and future research endeavours. For example, by being better able to image nanoparticles in cells, including ones that are unique and patented by Macquarie, we would be highly poised to publish such images in high quality journals such as Nature, thus increasing the faculty’s research output and profile and therefore subsequently attracting more external funding from the ARC and high quality research students to the university for follow up projects. Likewise, by being able to better acquire images of biofilms and of patent pending 3D tissue engineering models developed in our faculty in collaboration with the faculty of medicine and health sciences, achieving publications in biology oriented journals such as Science and Cell are within reach and the opportunities to qualify for NHMRC grant funding is significantly increased. Some of the key identified uses of this piece of equipment have been identified in Question 4 (but is not limited to).

The proposed system will contribute to a number of applications for external grants in the immediate future, including 2 potential new Centre of Excellence (Packer, Garcia-Bennett, Lu, Wang on BIRG; Paulsen, Anwar, Brown on SynBio), ARC DP (Narendra), LP (Piper & Lu), NHMRC grants (Zvyagin, Shi) and ARC/NHMRC Fellowships (Wang, Lu, etc.) for the investigators and their group members.


7. Budget Justification (you must attach current and accurate quotes)

Provide a justification for the cost of the item (including evidence of competitive quotations) and detail how costs of ongoing maintenance and consumables will be met.

A budget must not state proposed expenditure in general terms. It is essential that accurate costings are provided (exclusive of GST), and that a strong and detailed justification is given for all requested budget items. All quotes included in the application must be recent and accurate at the time of submission. Errors in the quotes may have negative effects on the outcome of the application. Where possible, it should be demonstrated that competitive quotes have been sought. If there is only one supplier of the equipment, this must be noted and explained.

We are requesting funds for the Olympus FV3000RS Ultra-sensitive Laser Scanning confocal system with live cell imaging capabilities.

We have obtained two quotes for comparable confocal microscopy systems and completed substantial user experience programs on both instruments recently to fully evaluate the suitability of each system specific to our faculty needs. Each quote contains itemised breakdowns of similar pieces of equipment required to fulfil faculty needs to function fully and provide maximum versatility and flexibility moving forward for all identified users of the system.

Quote prices (attached):

(requested system) Olympus FV3000RS including live cell imaging system and 2 specialised equipment lenses required for faculty users: $299,950 ex GST. Estimated delivery, installation and training charges would be included as part of our partnership agreement currently in place with Olympus. Delivery of the system is estimated to take 8-12 weeks from the time of order placement.

(comparable system) Zeiss LSM800 Airyscan including live cell imaging system and 2 specialised equipment lenses required for faculty users: $486,282 ex GST. Estimated delivery, installation and training charges would be supplied by Zeiss upon the completion of an order.

The purchased system will be housed in a PC2 accredited imaging room in the Faculty of Science and Engineering Microscopy Unit as a replacement for the current microscope and will not require any infrastructure modifications and will be accessible to all research users and students within the faculty. Training and support will be provided and managed through the Microscopy Unit. There is a maintenance cost of approximately $3500/year, which the microscopy unit has already budgeted for. The imaging system will have a small hourly equipment charge ($18/hour) to support training and maintenance costs.


8. Researchers benefiting from each priority

Provide a list of the researchers who will gain most benefit from the equipment or facilities, including: Their title and full name Position held Short description of their research program relevant to the purchase (100 words maximum) Number of HDR students currently supervised by these staff who will regularly use each item of

equipment/facility requested Estimate of usage (hours per month) by each staff member

Note: When competitively assessing the bid in relation to other bids in the round, the Selection Panel may access the research records of named researchers to establish the strength of their track record.

Copy and paste as many tables as required.

Priority Investigator Position Number of HDR Students

Usage (Hours per month)

Dr Lindsay Parker ARC DECRA Fellow, Department of Molecular Sciences

4 20

Short Description of research program (100 words maximum)Dr Parker’s research is focused on developing nanobiotechnologies targeted to cell surface sugars for central nervous system/biomedical imaging, including in thick 3D brain scaffold models. Her team will utilise this equipment for imaging of cellular responses and trafficking mechanisms following nanoparticle application to live cells in real time. Parker has additionally developed and taught the light microscopy curriculum and practical classes for multiple undergraduate and MRes level courses within the faculty since 2015 (CBMS785; CBMS337; CBMS780; CBMS331/731/880) and she will utilise this equipment in teaching these faculty classes to future enrolled students to enhance their course experience in biomedical imaging.



Prof Nicki Packer Distinguished Professor, Department of Molecular Sciences

9 10

Short Description of research program (100 words maximum)My group’s work in the ARC Centre of Excellence in Nanobiophotonics (CNBP) is to interface molecular targeted detection offered by optical probes developed by physicists to real-time investigations of biological processes. To achieve sub-10-µm high-resolution imaging at a few centimetres depth by the proposed state-of-the art confocal microscope will significantly enhance our capabilities that are crucial for the visualisation of nanoparticles in cells and will push the boundaries of biological imaging at MQ. CNBP will contribute financially towards this purchase if approved.



Prof Ian Paulsen Distinguished Professor, Department of Molecular

5 10


SciencesShort Description of research program (100 words maximum)Our research group members will use this system to better understand the microbiome through imaging fluorescent histological human and animal tissue samples at high resolution.



Dr Annemarie Nadort

NHMRC Early Career Research Fellow, Department of Physics and Astronomy

2 10

Short Description of research program (100 words maximum)My core research program involves improving the therapy and diagnosis of high-grade brain cancer, one of the most aggressive and deadly cancers unfortunately often affecting young people. Driven by the need for in vitro models that represent the biological reality more accurately I developed an advanced 3D brain tumour model. Due to the size and shape of these ‘lab-based mini brain tumours’ confocal microscopy is essential to enable high resolution and sensitive fluorescence imaging, which cannot be achieved using wide-field microscopy. Therefore, the proposed microscope will be instrumental for recording the therapeutic effects in the 3D brain tumour model.



A/Prof Anwar Sunna

Associate Professor, Department of Molecular Sciences

3 4

Short Description of research program (100 words maximum)Sunna’s lab implements synthetic biology and nanotechnology concepts that allow self-assembly of protein-based compartments and nanoparticles. We aim to develop modular protein-based nanoparticles with several functionalities for applications in biocatalysis, nanobiotechnology and biomedicine. Cells that produce modular protein-based nanoparticles will be detected through genetically encoded fluorescence reporting systems. The proposed Olympus FV3000RS system is an ideal instrument for this research, as it allows ultra-sensitive high-resolution live-cell imaging. We will use this system to image fluorescent self-assembled nanocomplexes in live and fixed cells at high resolution.



Dr Ajay Narendra ARC Future Fellow, Department of Biological Sciences

3 5

Short Description of research program (100 words maximum)My research group studies the brain architecture of miniature insects. The Olympus FV3000 laser scanning confocal microscope will provide us a significantly high resolution image and fast scanning times. This will make allow us to accurately reconstruct neuropils and trace neurons in the insect brain. In addition, this confocal microscope allows us to use multiple wavelengths, giving us the ability


to visualise different regions in the insect brain within a single preparation. Acquisition of this equipment will significantly enhance our ARC Discovery project application that I am preparing for submission in 2019.



Dr Yiqing Lu ARC DECRA Fellow, Department of Physics and Astronomy

2 5

Short Description of research program (100 words maximum)Lu’s research is focused on the development of analytical methods and instrumentation for biomedical and photonic applications. Currently, his group is exploring new nanophotonic approaches toward early-stage cancer diagnosis and treatment based on new-generation lanthanide-doped upconversion and downconversion nanoparticles. He will use the new confocal microscope to image and characterise the utility and interaction of the nanoparticles synthesized in his group in live cells at high resolution. This will provide new insights into the novel use of these nanoparticles for various biomedical applications.



Dr Sasha Tetu ARC DECRA Fellow, Department of Molecular Sciences

2 5

Short Description of research program (100 words maximum)Our research group will use this system to investigate physiological and morphological changes on bacterial cells following exposure to environmental pollutants, including metals, POPs and plastic leachates. Our model microorganisms are ~1 micron in diameter and the requested equipment will provide substantially better quality images and data analysis for these experiments and enable us to detect nuanced changes in cell morphology, contributing substantially to our understanding of microbial stress responses.



Sue Lindsay Microscopy Unit Manager

0 40

Short Description of research program (100 words maximum)The microscopy unit will manage, house and maintain/service this microscope. There will be an intention to seek and promote this research equipment to external and commercial clients. Revenue from such clients will flow back into the maintenance and care of this instrument. Placing this microscope under the management of the faculty’s microscopy unit will ensure good care and maintenance of the equipment as well as provide mechanisms to promote the utility of the equipment and promote cross department collaboration and equitable use by different research groups.




Dr Yuling Wang Senior Lecturer, Department of Molecular Sciences

3 5

Short Description of research program (100 words maximum)Nanomedicine: development of nanomaterials for bright imaging, in-vivo imaging of cells for the study of singling pathway during the molecular target therapy. Our research group members will use this system for imaging bio-conjugated gold nanoparticles in fixed and live cells at high resolution.



Prof Alison Rodger Professor and HoD, Department of Molecular Sciences

1 2

Short Description of research program (100 words maximum)Our research group members will use this system to support for UV, visible and infra-red spectral characterisation of nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and their assemblies.



A/Prof Karen Vickery

Associate Professor, Department of Biomedical Sciences

3 5

Short Description of research program (100 words maximum)Our research group members will use this system to image multispecies fluorescent biofilms on medical devices and medical implants at high resolution.



Em/Prof Jim Piper Emeritus Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy

4 5

Short Description of research program (100 words maximum)Our research group members will use this system to characterise upconversion nanoparticles, image upconversion nanoparticles inside cells and image live cells in microfluidic chambers at high resolution.



A/Prof Andrei Zvyagin

Associate Professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy

4 5


Short Description of research program (100 words maximum)Zvyagin is an expert in multifunctional nanomaterials and their applications in cancer, optical monitoring and nanomaterial applications in personalised therapies, which taken together can be called “cancer nanotechnology”. His research program in this area aims at research translation, particularly in clinical medicine, and on industrial partnerships. The requested equipment will be used for advanced imaging of cells labelled with several cancer markers to investigate the oncogenesis and new treatment strategies. Formation of a protein corona on the surface of nanoparticles can change their biological identity and will be investigated using this microscopy system.



Dr Louise Brown Senior Lecturer, Department of Molecular Sciences

4 5

Short Description of research program (100 words maximum)Our research group members will use this system to characterise nanodiamonds at high resolution.



Dr Alfonso Garcia-Bennett

ARC Future Fellow, Department of Molecular Sciences

4 5

Short Description of research program (100 words maximum)Our research group members will use this system to characterise fluorescent/drug loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles and these particles in live cells.



Dr Martin Ploschner

ARC DECRA Fellow, Department of Physics and Astronomy

1 10

Short Description of research program (100 words maximum)My research focuses on developing novel imaging modalities for biology. The new confocal system represents an ideal platform for implementation of a super-resolution technique which uses upconversion nanoparticles to improve resolution beyond the diffraction limit. All end-users using upconversion nanoparticles as markers in their samples will be able to double the 3D resolution imaging capabilities of the system.



A/Prof Thomas Volz

Associate Professor, Department of

3 5


Physics and Astronomy

Short Description of research program (100 words maximum)Volz is developing new nanodiamond sensors with multiple colours. His research group will use this new system to characterise nanodiamond sensors within biological samples at high resolution.



Dr Bingyang Shi NHMRC Dementia Research Fellow, Department of Biomedical Sciences

3 5

Short Description of research program (100 words maximum)Nanoparticle delivery systems for drug delivery in motor neuron disease and dementia – Dr Shi has focussed upon development of novel nanoparticle delivery systems that can efficiently carry drug cargoes into the brain and spinal cord. This seeks to overcome some of the major hurdles associated with treating brain diseases - by improving the stability of therapeutic drugs and providing an ability to introduce cell-specific targeting of drugs. This new system will enable his group to study new nanoparticle delivery systems in live cells at high resolution.



A/Prof Jennifer Cornish

Associate Professor, Department of Psychology

3 5

Short Description of research program (100 words maximum)Our research group members will use this system to characterise neurobiological molecules in rodent brain samples at high resolution.



Dr David Inglis Senior Lecturer, School of Engineering

0 3

Short Description of research program (100 words maximum)My research is focused on micro-fabricated devices for biomedical applications. These typically use carefully engineering fluid flow patterns and this new confocal microscope is needed to map the flow patterns in 3D.



Prof Brian Atwell Professor, Department of Biological Sciences

5 5

Short Description of research program (100 words maximum)


Prof Atwell’s research interest is in the stress physiology in plants, particularly those stresses such as heat and energy deficits which perturb membrane function. He will use the proposed facility to study the most complex phenomena of cell physiology in order to investigate the impact of important transgenes from over-expression studies and derived from wild species on stress biology.


9. Location and space requirements (up to 500 words per priority)

Identify where the item will be located. Where there are requirements for new or refurbished space, the application must include certification from Property that the requested space will be available. Without this certification, the application will be deemed ineligible. In Cross-Faculty applications, describe where the equipment will be located and how researchers from each Faculty will be able to access equipment.

The Olympus FV3000RS Ultra-sensitive Laser Scanning confocal system with live cell imaging capabilities will be housed in the PC2 imaging room located in the FSE Microscopy Unit as a replacement for the current 12 yr old microscope. There will be NO requirements for new or refurbished space. This system will sit on an existing bench space with existing amenities (power, gas supply, etc.).


10. Report on 2018 Expenditure

Provide a brief report for items funded by the Faculty Research Infrastructure Fund in 2018 (100 words). In this section, the Faculty should briefly outline the outcomes of the previous years’ funding – the equipment was delivered and installed; it has been actively integrated into the research program of the relevant area; it has been listed on funding applications; all relevant staff and students have been fully trained and have appropriate access to the equipment; any other relevant information to show evidence that the MQRIS (Large) funding provided was used as per the original application.

Copy and paste as many tables as required.

Priority Description

Date Equipment Installed/Delivered

Integrated into research program (Y/N)

Students and staff have been trained (Y/N)

Listed in funding applications (Y/N)

Comments and relevant information (100 words maximum)


11. Report on 2016 Purchases (up to 500 words per priority)

Provide a brief report on outputs, outcomes and collaborations attributed to items funded by the Faculty Research Infrastructure Fund in 2016. It is expected that, after two years’ time, the equipment will have been fully integrated in the research program of the Faculty, and that there will be demonstrated outputs/outcomes to report. It is critical that the Faculty can defend the return on the investment of the infrastructure purchased through the MQRIS (Large) initiative.

Priority 1 (eg: peer reviewed publications, competitive grant applications and funding, HDR completions, etc.)

Priority 2

Etc.


Certifications - Guarantee

The Faculty can accommodate the above items/facilities and maintain them in good order within its normal operating budget.

YesNo

Certification of Delivery in 2019

The Faculty certifies that the priorities listed will be delivered by the closing date in 2019 and understands that funding allocated to these priorities in 2019 will not be carried forward into 2020.

YesNo

Certification by Executive Dean/s

I certify that the above research infrastructure items are consistent with the Faculty’s research strategic directions and can be accommodated within the general facilities of the Faculty and that maintenance/personnel costs have been budgeted.

Name (Printed):

Signature: Date

Certification by Property (only where refurbishments are required)

I confirm that installation of the purchase has been negotiated and agreed with Property:

Name (Printed):

Signature: Date


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