Media Release: New centres for native plant remedies, conservation
Using Indigenous and ecological knowledge to find useful compounds from arid-zone plants, and finding technologicalsolutions to major conservation issues, are the focus of two new research centres being launched together today at theӰֱ of Adelaide.
Jointly established by the Ӱֱ of Adelaide and the Ӱֱ of South Ӱֱ, the Ӱֱn BioactiveCompounds Centre will apply Aboriginal knowledge of outback plants and their traditional medicinal uses. This willcomplement the Centre’s existing ecological strengths to help find compounds with potential commercial application inmedicine, veterinary science and agriculture.
Initial research will be focussed on identifying: compounds that inhibit insect attacks on plant crops; veterinary productsthat have antibiotic, anti-parasitic and anti-cancer properties; and topical human anti-melanoma treatment.“The unique advantage of this Centre is that it combines expertise in arid zone plant biology and ecology with experiencein screening for bioactive compounds (those affecting living tissues), along with capabilities in chemistry andunderstanding of existing gaps in the markets for new and novel compounds,” says Co-Director of the Centre, ProfessorPhilip Weinstein from the Ӱֱ of Adelaide.
“We also have a commitment to formal agreements with the traditional owners of the land and local communities overcollection permissions and intellectual property, and their active participation in the research,” says Co-DirectorAssociate Professor Bob Milne, Ӱֱ of South Ӱֱ. “We hope to benefit from their understanding of plantcycles and local ecosystems as well as Indigenous knowledge of traditional uses of the plants.”
The , a Centre of the Ӱֱ of Adelaide, will focus ondeveloping practical solutions that mitigate and manage the risks to the environment from human activity.
The Centre will combine research strengths in biodiversity and biosecurity monitoring, conservation and restoration, andidentifying illegal trade in wildlife and other biological products. Four key aims will be improved biosecurity; habitatrestoration; reducing wildlife crime; and enhancing the success of conservation projects throughout Ӱֱ andglobally.
“The Ӱֱ of Adelaide has a great deal of research expertise using science and technology in the conservation ofspecies and healthy ecosystems,” says Centre Director, Professor Andrew Lowe. “The Centre will draw this expertisetogether and add value through shared knowledge, research capability and opportunities, and stronger partnerships withgovernment, industry and other researcher organisations.
“Working together, we can better provide tools for improved conservation and natural resource management outcomes.”
The two centres are being launched during the , 13-15 April, in The Braggs lecture theatre.
Media Contacts:
David Ellis, Ӱֱ of Adelaide
Phone: +61 8 8313 5414
Mobile: +61 (0)421 612 762
david.ellis@adelaide.edu.au
Michele Nardelli
Ӱֱ of South Ӱֱ
Phone: +61 8 8302 0966
Mobile: +61 418 823 673
Michele.Nardelli@unisa.edu.au
Jointly established by the Ӱֱ of Adelaide and the Ӱֱ of South Ӱֱ, the Ӱֱn BioactiveCompounds Centre will apply Aboriginal knowledge of outback plants and their traditional medicinal uses. This willcomplement the Centre’s existing ecological strengths to help find compounds with potential commercial application inmedicine, veterinary science and agriculture.
Initial research will be focussed on identifying: compounds that inhibit insect attacks on plant crops; veterinary productsthat have antibiotic, anti-parasitic and anti-cancer properties; and topical human anti-melanoma treatment.“The unique advantage of this Centre is that it combines expertise in arid zone plant biology and ecology with experiencein screening for bioactive compounds (those affecting living tissues), along with capabilities in chemistry andunderstanding of existing gaps in the markets for new and novel compounds,” says Co-Director of the Centre, ProfessorPhilip Weinstein from the Ӱֱ of Adelaide.
“We also have a commitment to formal agreements with the traditional owners of the land and local communities overcollection permissions and intellectual property, and their active participation in the research,” says Co-DirectorAssociate Professor Bob Milne, Ӱֱ of South Ӱֱ. “We hope to benefit from their understanding of plantcycles and local ecosystems as well as Indigenous knowledge of traditional uses of the plants.”
The , a Centre of the Ӱֱ of Adelaide, will focus ondeveloping practical solutions that mitigate and manage the risks to the environment from human activity.
The Centre will combine research strengths in biodiversity and biosecurity monitoring, conservation and restoration, andidentifying illegal trade in wildlife and other biological products. Four key aims will be improved biosecurity; habitatrestoration; reducing wildlife crime; and enhancing the success of conservation projects throughout Ӱֱ andglobally.
“The Ӱֱ of Adelaide has a great deal of research expertise using science and technology in the conservation ofspecies and healthy ecosystems,” says Centre Director, Professor Andrew Lowe. “The Centre will draw this expertisetogether and add value through shared knowledge, research capability and opportunities, and stronger partnerships withgovernment, industry and other researcher organisations.
“Working together, we can better provide tools for improved conservation and natural resource management outcomes.”
The two centres are being launched during the , 13-15 April, in The Braggs lecture theatre.
Media Contacts:
David Ellis, Ӱֱ of Adelaide
Phone: +61 8 8313 5414
Mobile: +61 (0)421 612 762
david.ellis@adelaide.edu.au
Michele Nardelli
Ӱֱ of South Ӱֱ
Phone: +61 8 8302 0966
Mobile: +61 418 823 673
Michele.Nardelli@unisa.edu.au
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