Joint Research Laboratory in Genomics and Nutriomics

The Joint Research Laboratory in Genomics and Nutriomics was opened on 28th March, 2006. The joint laboratory is aimed at strengthening scientific collaboration between The University of Western Australia (UWA) and Zhejiang University (ZJU) who established a memorandum of understanding in November 2004, with a specific five year MOA for Cooperation in Plant Science Research following in November 2005.

The overall aim of the joint laboratory is to use two model plant model systems, Arabidopsis and Rice, to investigate energy metabolism and nutrition in plants. The expertise in energy biology and Arabidopsis research at the ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology at UWA is complemented by the expertise in plant nutrition and rice genetics at the College of Life Sciences at ZJU. This collaboration allows researchers to fully utilise both model plant systems.

The joint laboratory also allows exchange of researchers and students between both institutions to fully utilise the scientific expertise in both locations.

The joint laboratory is funded by both univeristies and currently has several Ph. D. students and researchers working on joint research projects. The research is carried out by 8-10 students in both locations including a PhD scholar fully funded jointly by UWA and the China Scholarship Council (CSC) as well as undergraduate and postgraduate students in both locations, partly funded by the WA Government for short exchanges.

There are two main projects areas that are under active research in the Joint Research Laboratory:

1. Molecular control of phosphorous uptake and utilisation efficiency in higher plants and it's application.

2. The response of plants to anaerobic conditions.

Location of the Joint Laboratory at Zhejiang University's College of Life Science, Zi Jin Gang Campus, Hangzhou, China.

Current News

SHANGHAI WORLD EXPO 2010

Research activities on the Joint Research Laboratory were highlighted during Science and Technology week at the Shanghai world expo 2010. The research activities of the Joint Research laboratory were used as one of 30 examples to celebrate 30 years of scientific collaboration between China and Australia.

FIVE SUPER SCIENCE FELLOWS FOR PLANT ENERGY BIOLOGY!

The ARC Centre for Excellence in Plant Energy Biology (PEB) will host five new "Super Science Fellows" under the Australian Government's $27.2 million Super Science Fellowships scheme, aimed at attracting the world's best early career researchers.

The University of Western Australia was awarded three fellowships in biotechnology. The fellows, who will be based at PEB, will investigate the interaction between rice plants and phosphate fertilisers. Crop plants require the addition of phosphate fertilisers in nutrient poor Australian soils. All types of phosphates are not equal, and it is estimated that billions of dollars worth of phosphate from previous fertiliser applications lie in our soils in forms unusable to plants. Due to the fact that phosphate deposits worldwide are dwindling, it is critical that we find out how to breed crop plants that use these limited supplies more efficiently.

This project will draw on many forms of expertise, including the rice genetics programme at Zhejiang University in China, to provide a clear first in phosphate efficiency research. The applications of this research could have immense value to crop production for decades to come.

A further two biotechnology fellowships, awarded to the Australian National University will focus on improving plant productivity and human health using advanced biotechnology approaches at the PEB node in Canberra.

Gene Expression and Transcriptomics Course 2010

A graduate student course in gene expression and transcriptomics was ran by researchers from UWA and ZJU in April 2010. The course which combines wet laboratory work and computational analysis of large datasets has proved very poplar and has been over subscribed for two years with many graduate students keen to do the course.

Minister for Education and Tourism Hon Dr Elizabeth Constable visits the Joint Laboratory

[Photo: Professor Huixia "Sylia" Shou demonstrates the importance of the rice research projects conducted by the joint laboratory staff and students. From left; UWA Vice Chancellor Alan Robson, Hon Dr Elizabeth Constable, Professor Huixia "Sylia" Shou and Joint Laboratory Co Director Professor Jim Whelan]

Recently on the 24th April 2009, the Hon Dr Elizabeth Constable - West Australian Minister of Education and Tourism visited the Genomics and Nutrinomics Zhejiang/ UWA Joint Laboratory in Zheijiang China. All delegation members were impressed with the collaborative links UWA has established with ZJU.

In her speech Dr Constable remarked on the importance of linkages and understanding between universities and education systems in China and Australia and also outlined the importance and contribution of intenational students to our universities and community. Guests to Dr Constables tour and visit to the laboratory included UWA Vice Chancellor Alan Robson, Co Director of the joint laboratory Professor Jim Whelan and Joint Laboratory Professor Huixia "Sylvia" Shou.

Premier and Chief Scientist of Western Australia visit the Joint Laboratory.

Premier of Western Australia, Mr Alan Carpenter and Western Australia's Chief Scientist Professor Lyn Beazley recently visited the Joint Research Laboratory in China to meet laboratory staff and students.

Mr Carpenter and Ms Beazley were extremely impressed with the ongoing collaboration between Zhejiang University and The University of Western Australia and the calibre of research projects being undertaken in the joint research facility.

Mr Carpenters visit marks the 20th anniversary of Western Australia’s sister staterelationship with Zhejiang Province.

Photos from left to right: 1) Premier Alan Carpenter meets the joint research laboratory students 2. UWA Vice Chancellor Professon Alan Robson signs the distinguished vistors journal 3. Professor Lyn Beazley signs the distiguished visitors journal 4) The Honorable Mr Alan Carpenter addresses Zhejiang University staff

 Our Joint Laboratory Opening Ceremony

Opening of the Joint Laboratory. Pictured (from left): Professor Huixia Shou, Ms Jan Stewart, Mr Jianmin Ding, Prof George Stewart (Dean, Faculty Life and Physical Sciences UWA),

Prof Jun Zhu (Vice President, Zhejiang University), Professor Barry Marshall (Nobel Laureate, Medicine and Physiology 2006), Dr Adrienne Marshall, Professor Jim Whelan,

Cathryn Hlavaka (Australian Government, Australian Education International, Consul Education, Science and Training), Prof Wu Ping (Executive Dean, college of Life Sciences, ZJU),

Dr Jianzhong Shou (Associate Dean of the college of Life Sciences, ZJU).