Strategic Plan

We reviewed our Strategic Plan to provide a framework from which the CBNS can deliver world class, innovative research in bio-nano science. This work was done through a broad consultation process with members of the CBNS and stakeholders. Through this Strategic Plan, the Centre will leave a legacy of research excellence and innovation, together with a highly skilled and professional workforce, ready to lead bio-nano science research into the future. Below is a summary of the Strategic Plan. A detailed version can be found on our website.

Our Vision

The CBNS envisions a world where new technologies are used to understand, treat and diagnose conditions with nanoscale precision.

Our Mission

The CBNS will conduct cutting-edge research and discovery science to understand the interface between nano-engineered materials and biological systems, and translate these discoveries into better methods, tools and technologies.

Our Values

Excellence

The CBNS is a global leader in bio-nano science discovery research and innovation, delivering excellence across the scientific endeavour.

Belonging

The CBNS welcomes and embraces all members, perspectives, ideas and experiences; fostering an environment with equal opportunity for all.

Nurture

The CBNS is a place where new ideas are nourished, and members are inspired, motivated and empowered to move towards their personal career goals.

Collaboration

The CBNS promotes team approaches that capitalise on the multidisciplinary expertise of its members to innovate, imagine and lead research in bio-nano science and technology.

Integrity

Responsible, respectful, honest, ethical and professional conduct underlies all CBNS research activities, leadership and operations.

Our Priorities

1. Conduct world-class transformative research that is innovative, collaborative and informed by the multi disciplinary expertise of CBNS members and their strong national and international networks. 2. Inspire, train and nurture the next generation of Australian leaders in science and technology. 3. Strengthen connections with stakeholders, industry and end-users. 4. Connect CBNS to the public. 5. Foster a diverse, equal-opportunity and family-friendly workplace.

Organisational Structure

A revision of the governance and organisational structure of CBNS has led to the addition of an Industry Partners Program. This change was made to ensure appropriate oversight was provided to meet the strategic priorities focused on increasing industry and stakeholder engagement. All other governance and organisational structures remain in place.

Scientific Advisory Board Chair: Professor Alan Rowan

Centre Administration

Executive Committee

Director: Professor Tom Davis Deputy Director: Professor Frank Caruso

Centre Manager Dr Natalie Jones

Chair Education and Training Program

Chair Outreach Program

Chair Industry Partners Program

Governance Board Chair: Professor Peter Doherty AC

Monash node

Node Leader Professor Tom Davis

UoM node

Node Leader Professor Frank Caruso

UQ node

Node Leader Professor Andrew Whittaker

UNSW node

Node Leader Professor Justin Gooding

UniSA node

Node Leader Professor Benjamin Thierry

Education and Training Program

Chair Professor Maria Kavallaris AM

Outreach Program

Chair Associate Professor Matthew Kearnes

Industry Partners Program

Chair Professor Kris Thurecht

Research Program

Research Themes

Delivery Systems and Vaccines Sensors and Diagnostics Imaging and Visualisation

Overarching Projects/Signature Projects

Chief Investigators, Co-lead Investigators, Postdoctoral Researchers, Research Staff, Research Students

Strategic Fund

Strategic Priorities and Goals

PRIORITIES

Conduct world-class transformative research that is innovative, collaborative and informed by the multi-disciplinary expertise of CBNS members and their strong national and international networks.

Inspire, train and nurture the next generation of Australian leaders in science and technology

Strengthen connections with stakeholders, industry and end-users

Connect CBNS to the public

Foster a diverse, equal-opportunity and family-friendly workplace

GOALS

To better predict, control and visualise the myriad interactions that occur between nanomaterials and the biological environment, and translate these research discoveries into better methods, tools and technologies.

To facilitate new opportunities for CBNS collaboration and create processes for increased sharing of knowledge, expertise and ideas across the Centre.

To be a place where research leaders are created and armed with the skills and network they need to meet future challenges.

To increase engagement with stakeholders, industry partners and other relevant end-users, to support ongoing research activities, promote translation of research findings, and ensure the research directions of the CBNS respond to the changing social and political environment.

To be a conduit for information transfer between the scientific community and the public, increasing awareness, understanding and acceptance of bio-nano science and technology.

To be an environment that reflects and embraces diversity, provides equal opportunity for all, and is family-friendly, so all members feel welcome, supported and safe.

Goals and Initiatives

To better predict, control and visualise the myriad interactions that occur between nanomaterials and the biological environment, and translate these research discoveries into better methods, tools and technologies • Establish bio-nano standards for international use • Develop new imaging technologies, assays, tools and capabilities to understand the nano-engineered material and biological interface, including 3D bioprinting, multicellular organoids/spheroid models, lab-on-chip and microfluidics • Use virtual reality technologies to explore and enhance society’s understanding of new bio-nanoscale technologies • Promote collaboration and utilise the multi-disciplinary expertise that exists across CBNS • Encourage discovery, by supporting and testing new ideas and new ways of thinking about bio-nano science and technology

To facilitate new opportunities for CBNS collaboration and create processes for increased sharing of knowledge, expertise and ideas across CBNS. • Create time for both professional and social networking at CBNS events • Promote the use of videoconferencing as a platform for regular exchange of knowledge, ideas and information between members located at different sites and nodes • Increase awareness of CBNS exchange programs that support placement of CBNS members to work in laboratories of other CBNS members To be a place where research leaders are created and armed with the skills and network they need to meet future challenges. • Develop a centrally coordinated career pathways and professional development program for CBNS members, that recognises the diverse career paths open to CBNS staff and students • Develop PhD and EMCR networks at each node, and a PhD and EMCR CBNS committee, comprised of the leaders of each network from each node • Continue to support the Education and Training program to provide members with ongoing scientific skills and professional training • Improve and coordinate communication across CBNS to ensure all members have timely and equitable access to information, opportunities and resources regardless of their geographical location • Establish pathways for succession planning

To increase engagement with stakeholders, industry partners and other relevant end-users, to support ongoing research activities, promote translation of research findings and ensure the research directions of CBNS respond to the changing social and political environment. • Build the profile of CBNS to ensure its reputation as a national focal point of research excellence in bio-nano science is recognised by other scientists, industry and end-users. This will create new opportunities for continued scientific endeavours, including implementation and uptake of research outcomes • Develop an Industry Partners Program, to coordinate industry engagement activities, build networks, expand mentoring program and support ongoing relationships and communication with industry and end-users. This program will: – Develop formal partnership events, to promote

CBNS research to industry and end-users – Create a translation strategy, with advice from broader industry and end-user groups, including health services and agricultural scientists, to create a pipeline from knowledge creation to implementation and impact

To be a conduit for information transfer between the scientific community and the public, increasing awareness, understanding and acceptance of bio-nano science and technology. • Continue to support and build on the current Outreach

Program to communicate information about bio-nano science and technology to the public, through primary and secondary schools, public events, national science week and other university and CBNS initiatives • Evaluate and increase social readiness for bio-nano science and technology innovations, to ensure research outcomes are attractive, understood and suitable for the public • Build the reputation of CBNS as the focal point of bio-nano science knowledge and expertise in Australia and facilitate bi-directional communication between the scientific community and the public To be an environment that reflects and embraces diversity, provides equal opportunity for all and is family-friendly, so all members feel welcome, supported and safe. • Raise awareness and regularly review the diversity, gender equality and family-friendly practices within

CBNS policy, to ensure it supports the creation of an inclusive, equitable and family friendly culture • Promote opportunities for career development for all members, to demonstrate our support and commitment to inclusion across sex, race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience. This includes participation in the mentoring program, and on internal and external committees, providing opportunities to present at conferences, workshops and forums, representing

CBNS at scientific societies, participating in advocacy roles and in the media and public events • Seek ongoing feedback and suggestions to increase support for those with families and care responsibilities to attend internal CBNS and external events

Research Goals

Delivery Systems and Vaccines

• To facilitate a priori design of nanomaterial-based delivery systems that can 1) target specific organ and cell types and 2) deliver therapeutically active cargoes to precise cellular and intracellular destinations.

• To understand interactions of nanomaterials with the immune system to enable nanoengineered materials to improve vaccine design and efficacy.

Sensors and Diagnostics

• To be able to detect and quantify, with minimal sample preparation and without calibration or amplification, rare biomolecular entities directly in biological fluids. • To be able to detect, characterise and manipulate rare mammalian and bacterial cells in whole blood.

Imaging and Visualisation

• To lead the field of the science of imaging and visualisation by addressing the three main elements of the imaging

“pipeline”: 1) image acquisition, 2) simulation & modelling and 3) visualisation. • To provide clear teaching of all aspects of synthesis of high-performing and responsive imaging agents, image acquisition and interpretation of results (including development of physics-based models) and visualisation.

Research