The Australian Government is funding expansion of the internationally recognised Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL), providing the international research community with increased access to its specialised pathogen containment space.
Collaborative infrastructure to safeguard Australia
Hosted within the internationally recognised Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) in Geelong, this National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) project is providing external researchers with greater access to the physical containment level three (PC3) and four (PC4) space, within the world-leading Australian facility.
The microbiologically secure laboratories can be used by Australian and overseas researchers, benefiting Australia's national disease diagnostic capability and strengthening the country's biosecurity framework.
An international resource
This shared resource, called the AAHL Collaborative Biosecurity Research Facility (ACBRF), will make around 2000 square metres of specialised laboratory space available for projects requiring a high biocontainment environment.
The ACBRF will offer:
The world-class infrastructure and related technology platforms are designed for investigations into infectious diseases that affect the health of:
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humans
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domestic animals
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wildlife.
All staff working on the Geelong site must comply with AAHL's microbiological security, health, safety and environment (HSE) and animal ethics requirements. Most staff will also need to obtain an Australian government security clearance before working at the facility.
AAHL Biosecurity Microscopy Facility
The new PC4 and PC3 facilities of the ACBRF will incorporate a specialist microscopy service, including live-cell imaging and advanced electron microscopy capability.
This specialist microscopy service – called the AAHL Biosecurity Microscopy Facility (ABMF) – is a Linked Laboratory of the Australian Microscopy & Microanalysis Research Facility (AMMRF), another national facility funded by NCRIS.
The ABMF is available to the Australian and international research fraternity. It is a national diagnostic and research facility specialising in viral identification, characterisation and microscopy of infectious diseases.
Equipment and expertise available to users includes:
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live cell imaging
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laser dissection microscopy
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confocal microscopy
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advanced transmission and scanning electron microscopy, including cryo immuno-electron microscopy and tomography.
The ABMF will be networked throughout Australia providing a common real-time interactive platform. Read more abou the AAHL Biosecurity Microscopy Facility: high biocontainment imaging facilities.
Access to the ACBRF
A great deal of flexibility is available in arrangements for accessing the facilities of the ACBRF, however arrangements will generally be one of two types:
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project-based, where the user will use facilities to conduct one or more specific projects
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time-based, where the user will occupy facilities for a specified period of time.
In either case, the work undertaken may or may not involve direct participation by CSIRO staff, where CSIRO’s participation could be on a fee-for-service or a collaborative basis.
More information on accessing the facility is available in the document: AAHL Collaborative Biosecurity Research Facility: Access Policy and Guidelines.
Application process
Existing PC3 facilities were made available for use in July 2009. The new 370 square metre PC4 facility is scheduled to open in late 2010. Further specialised PC3 entomology facilities are under development and should be constructed and available for use in 2011.
To express interest in using the ACBRF PC3 facilities, please complete the online application form. The dynamic PDF facility application form can be downloaded: AAHL Collaborative Biosecurity Research Facility: Application form for facility use.
Pricing
Generally, a marginal cost recovery fee is levied per square metre of PC3 or PC4 space used. For Australian higher education institutions and public sector research organisations using the facilities for non-commercial purposes, a nominal fee schedule is used.
Commercial usage will incur costs that take into account market factors and Australian Government competitive neutrality guidelines.
More information on pricing is available in the document: AAHL Collaborative Biosecurity Research Facility: Access Policy and Guidelines.
Other services available
Access to other equipment and services at AAHL (not part of ACBRF) is available to external researchers subject to availability and on a cost recovery basis.
The type of scientific services and equipment potentially available for use includes:
About AAHL
AAHL is one of the most sophisticated laboratories in the world for the safe handling and containment of infectious microorganisms.
The facility has an international reputation for excellence in research, diagnosis and containment of exotic and emerging diseases.
AAHL is a major facility of CSIRO Livestock Industries.
Learn more about Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL): a national facility for animal health.
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