On Wednesday, June 19th, we celebrated the official opening of the Australian Human Microbiome Biobank (AHMB). The event was held at the Translational Research Institute (TRI), Woolloongabba, Brisbane. This opening was a significant milestone for the AHMB, and one we were proud to celebrate in style!
It has been a monumental effort from the entire AHMB team to get to this point. From build out of the lab, finalising protocols and official documents, through to organising an official event, it has been months of hard work and dedication. We are proud to share that we have officially opened our world-class, state-of-the-art facility and are accepting donors. Read on to find out how the day went – hint: it was a great success!
We were privileged to host over 120 guests at the event, ranging from fellow researchers, clinicians, industry partners to members of the general public. At registration, guests were greeted with a goodie bag containing branded merchandise, including a custom made Keep-Cup, and welcomed to the event with tea and coffee.
Delegates were welcomed to proceedings by the master of ceremony, Dr. Suzanne McCusker. Suzanne welcomed everyone to country, and acknowledged the traditional owners of the lands where AHMB now stands.
Professor Gene Tyson, Director of the AHMB, spoke on how his vision for a high-throughput cultivation platform led to the creation of the biobank, the research which contributed to achieving the funding to support it, and the progress the team has made since the project began. He spoke on the significance of the biobank, including current gaps in our understanding. Prof. Tyson not only discussed how the project will advance science knowledge in the field of human microbiome research, but also how it has the potential to assist scientists in discovering a range of disease modifying therapeutics, improving diagnosis and quality of life for patients. Prof. Tyson showed a virtual lab tour of the AHMB facility, where the team explains how a sample makes its way through the different phases of the process and the specialised equipment that is used. You can watch the virtual lab tour here.
We next heard from Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Pro-Vice Chancellor for Research, Professor Paula McDonald. As the AHMB operates within the framework of QUT, Prof. McDonald discussed how the biobank aligns with the strategic goals of QUT as a university for the real world. A highlight of her presentation were the fun facts she provided at the end of her speech, including that the human microbiome weighs between two to three kilograms! A fun insight into the significance our microbiomes play in our life and the history of studying them.
Professor Scott Bell, Chief Executive Officer for the Translational Research Institute where the AHMB is housed, spoke on how the AHMB aligns with the strategic objectives of TRI particularly in relation to their “bench to bedside” approach to translational research. Prof. Bell mentioned his research focus of Cystic Fibrosis, and how a facility like the AHMB could greatly advance research outcomes for diseases such as CF.
Between speakers, guests watched a video sent in from the Hon. Minister Shannon Fentimen, Queensland Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services. It was interesting to hear about how funds provided by the Australian government are going a long way to assist researchers around Australia fill gaps in the field of knowledge. The Minister touched on how the AHMB is set to have a great impact in improving the everyday life of Queenslanders living with disease.
Dr. Garry Bloomfield then spoke to us about one of the major critical pieces of equipment located in the AHMB facility, our custom-designed and built anaerobic chambers. These anaerobic chambers allow us to control the environment we grow our isolates in, keeping oxygen levels at almost zero. They house all of our equipment and are three-times the size of a standard chamber you might find in a regular lab. He explained how anaerobic chambers operate, and how we move consumables, samples and anything else we need from the lab space environment inside of the chamber without letting any oxygen in.
After the conclusion of the speakers, the team and collaborators were called upon to unveil the official AHMB plaque by Prof. Greg Cook and Prof. Paula McDonald, signifying the official opening of the facility, a very proud moment for the entire team.
Following official proceedings, we welcomed guests to a catered networking lunch held in the atrium of the building. Alongside catering, we had stalls from the event’s industry partners Thermo Fisher Scientific, Cytek Biosciences and Pathtech. Patrons could visit stalls to find out more about how the vendors’ products were used in the biobank, and how these products could be useful for their own research. The sunny winters day provided a welcoming atmosphere for bustling conversations as our guests enjoyed catering provided by Marco Polo and chats with fellow peers to wrap up the event.
Of course, this day, and the facility itself, would not have been possible without the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) grant that we were very privileged to obtain. We are thankful to receive funds which have allowed us to build and operate a world-class facility which will assist researchers Australia-wide to advance their research. In turn, we hope this will drive clinical knowledge, improving treatment options and quality of life for patients suffering from a vast range of diseases which impact their everyday life.
We must also extend thanks to our institute partners – Queensland University of Technology, our host university, and the and the Translational Research Institute, the housing institute of the facility – both of which have been instrumental in the establishment of the AHMB.
Finally, on a personal note, we must thank the biobank team. This incredible team has gone above and beyond in their efforts towards building out the facility which now stands as the Australian Human Microbiome Biobank. We are very privileged to have such a great group of people driving the research underpinning the AHMB, and are proud to support them in their research endeavours.
The official opening of our biobank marks a significant milestone in our journey towards advancing medical research and improving public health. This state-of-the-art facility will enable groundbreaking studies and innovations that can lead to better treatments, preventive measures and ultimately, cures for various diseases.
However, the success of our biobank relies heavily on the generosity and participation of individuals like you. By registering to donate, you contribute to a vast resource that researchers can use to uncover vital medical insights. Your donation can have a monumental impact on the health and well-being of future generations.
Join us in this important endeavour. Register today to become a donor and be a part of a community dedicated to making a difference.
Together, we can help improve Australian health.