Victoria backs Monash mRNA work with $10 million

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has announced a $10 million investment in the Monash Centre for Advanced mRNA Medicines Manufacturing and Workforce Training which will provide highly specialised training to workers across all aspects of the mRNA manufacturing life cycle.

Andrews, who was joined on a visit to Monash by the Minister for Industry and Innovation Ben Carroll, met with Monash’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) Professor Sharon Pickering, the Centre’s new Director Associate Professor Jennifer Short and future mRNA workers – who will provide Victoria’s sovereign mRNA manufacturing industry with the highly skilled workforce we need to produce the next generation of vaccines and medicines.

Located on Monash University’s Clayton Campus, the centre will develop the skills and capabilities of the future specialist workforce required for Victoria and Australia’s mRNA vaccine and therapeutic manufacturing ecosystem, as well as training people from across the Asia-Pacific region.

Monash is home to Australia’s largest network of RNA and mRNA researchers, according to Deputy Vice Chancellor, Enterprise & Engagement, Professor Doron-Ben-Meir.

Professor Ben-Meir said: “We’re building an RNA ecosystem that will lead to the rapid development of life-saving vaccines and therapeutics.

“The Centre will draw on Monash’s exceptional pool of biotechnology talent and knowledge to deliver best-practice education and training programs across the mRNA medicines pipeline.”

Professor Doron-Ben-Meir said the funding was another major step forward in the mutually reinforcing integration of industry, education and research within the Monash Technology Precinct.

Picture: Doron Ben-Meir