Let me illustrate this with a couple of examples. Bio 21 already houses an advanced Genome Research Facility which the Hall Institute established in 1998 to provide high throughput genetic typing and mutation detection for both academic and commercial scientists. Together with the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, we now plan to create a comparable Proteomics Facility for protein research. Proteins are the products of our genes and they relay chemical messages, in our cells, rather like components in an electronic circuit. To understand how living organisms operate, we need to map all the circuits in all our different tissues and understand how they are triggered into action.
Proteomics is even more difficult than genomics, because the chemistry of proteins is so complex.
The major biotech companies overseas regard it as the next frontier. Melbourne is in a good position to be a world leader in this field, thanks to the expertise of the Ludwig and Hall Institute' s joint protein laboratory, led by Dr Richard Simpson. In conclusion, let me say that for me personally, one of the most exciting outcomes of Bio 21 will be the opportunity to attract more students into science and to provide careers for more bright young scientists. I would like to congratulate the Victorian Government for its vision and its very substantive support.