Monash Institute of Medical Research

The Monash Institute of Medical Research (MIMR), is an Australian medical research institute located in the Melbourne suburb of Clayton, Victoria, consisting of 400 scientists and students belonging to the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at Monash University. The institute occupies two buildings on the Clayton campus at Monash Medical Centre and has close interactions with the hospital, Southern Health, Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Monash Health Research Precinct and Monash Infection and Immunity Network.

The focus of the work of MIMR is research into the characterisation and application of stem cells, the cause and treatment of inflammation and cancer, and the improvement of women's, men's and children's health. The reputation of MIMR has been built on advances in assisted human reproduction, the reduction of Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), advances in stem cell research and the treatment of arthritis. Together with the collaborative resources of Monash University and the Monash Health Research Precinct, the impact of MIMR research by translation from 'bench to bedside' is increased by the commercialisation of its activities.

History

The Monash Institute of Medical Research was founded in 1991 by Emeritus Professor David de Kretser AC. de Kretser's passion for reproductive and developmental health was the driving force behind the formation of the then named Monash Institute for Reproduction and Development. Throughout its short but dynamic history the Institute has evolved into an internationally recognised research institute, conducting world class research, in seven research centres with a staff of 400 scientists and students.

While the original themes of fertility, preterm infant health and prostate cancer are still key research areas, the research focus of MIMR has broadened to include research into cancer, inflammation and infectious diseases, women’s health, stem cell research, pain medicine and palliative care.

Professor de Kretser retired as Institute Director in 2005 to become the Governor of Victoria. In January 2006, Professor Bryan Williams, an internationally recognised cancer expert, commenced as Institute Director. Under Professor Williams’ leadership, MIMR’s reputation continues to grow as he oversees the next chapter of research, innovation and discovery.

Facilities

MIMR has a number of core facilities available for external use. These include the Gandel Charitable Trust Sequencing Centre, a facility MIMR shares with its fellow Monash Health Research Precinct Members, Prince Henry’s Institute and Southern Health, providing high-quality, long read DNA sequences;^[1] the Immunoassay Facility that utilises MIMR scientists' 20 years experience in measuring hormones and other anaylates in biological fluids;^[2] the Monash Gene Targeting Facility, providing customised, genetically modified mice to the academic research community;^[3] and the MIMR Histology Laboratory that provides a fundamental service for research scientists, preparing tissue samples for microscopic examination of their structure at cellular level, that can be fixed in paraffin or snap frozen for cryosectioning.^[4]

References

External links

• Monash Institute of Medical Research website