1. Background
The research of several groups within the ANU involves the discovery
and study of the chemistry and biology of bioactive molecules isolated
from natural sources. In recent years, there has been a progressive
shift towards extensive collaboration between these groups, resulting
in joint research programmes as well as concerted efforts directed
towards seeking external funding. Thus the expertise in the areas
of natural products isolation, synthesis and biological chemistry
are consolidated towards achieving a common goal. The scholars from
the groups wish to create a formal structure to support their aims,
and propose the creation of a Centre for the Study of Bioactive Molecules.
2. Role of CSBM
The goals of the centre are to:
a. Promote and provide a focus for research into Bioactive Molecules
being undertaken in BAMBI, the Department of Chemistry and the Research
School of Chemistry through joint research meetings, seminars and
discussion groups.
b. Enable us to more effectively publicise the research at ANU both
nationally and internationally; to this end a website will be created
c. Provide a base from which we may effectively seek outside funding
and enter into joint projects with scholars in other universities,
both in Australia and worldwide.
d. Contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate programmes (e.g.
B. Med. Sci., or the new Medical School) with components on bioactive
molecules.
e. Facilitate the flow of ideas, enable more efficient pooling of
resources and provide a cross-disciplinary platform from which research
students in the Centre will draw knowledge and experience.
f. Provide high quality graduates with multi-disciplinary skills.
3. Resources
The Centre is a virtual centre and allocations of material and staffing
resources will be made by the individual participants' departments
and schools through their internal allocation processes.
4. Governance and accountability
The Centre will have a convener, who will coordinate activities.
The duration of the convenership is for one year in the first instance
and will be on a rotational basis. The Centre will be attached to
the Faculty of Science.
5. Membership of the Centre
Membership of the Centre may be granted to any members of the academic
staff, graduate students, adjunct appointees, visiting fellows of
the ANU and any appropriately qualified and interested scholars
from outside the ANU.
Membership of the Centre will not in itself confer any right or
status within the ANU other than the opportunity to participate
in the Centre’s activities. For members within the ANU, their
rights, responsibilities and status within the ANU will continue
to flow from their substantive staff or adjunct appointment or student
enrolment.
The initial list of academic members of the Centre is as follows:
Dr R.A. Barrow (Department of Chemistry)
Dr C.L.L. Chai (Department of Chemistry)
Professor J. Elix (Department of Chemistry)
Emeritus Professor R. Rickards (Research School of Chemistry)
Dr G.D. Smith (BAMBI)
Dr P. Waring (Department of Chemistry)
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