Melbourne's west will be the epicentre of world-leading scientific research and development with the opening of the Southern Hemisphere's largest testing laboratory in Ravenhall on Thursday, 16 March.
Leading analytical testing provider Symbio Laboratories is proud to open the state-of-the-art Ravenhall facility, where it will drive innovation in scientific testing, including in the development of tests for virus detection and early cancer diagnosis.
Symbio Laboratories Managing Director, Bruce Chen, said the new laboratory is a significant investment in the future of science and technology.
"We are committed to staying at the forefront of technology and innovation, and this new, world-class facility will allow us to do just that," Mr Chen said.
"The facility is equipped with the latest technology and equipment to support innovative research and development and holds the title of the Southern Hemisphere's largest laboratory of its kind.
"Not only will it push the boundaries of scientific research and development, but it will also bring 200 new job opportunities to the local community."
Australian-owned Symbio Laboratories is a market leader in the provision of rapid turnaround, high-quality analytical testing of food, agriculture, pharmaceutical products, cosmetics, water, and other environmental samples. It services almost 8,000 clients throughout Australia, conducting 35,000 tests on more than 11,000 samples each week.
Along with this core work, almost 40 per cent of the 8,600sqm, three-level Ravenhall lab will be dedicated to research and development. Its R&D commitment includes plans to genetically map human illnesses for the development of rapid tests to detect viruses before they can evolve and become resistant to specific drug treatments, as well as tests providing early diagnosis of cancers, such as breast and ovarian cancers and chronic myeloid leukaemia.
The new lab will also spearhead developments in genome sequencing and PCR based tests to provide Australia with cutting-edge, local solutions to complex public health challenges gripping the globe.
Microbiology expert Professor Enzo Palombo, from Swinburne University, will be a guest speaker at the Ravenhall laboratory's official opening. Professor Palombo will speak about the important role the new lab will play in the future of diagnostics.
Bronwyn Halfpenny MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Jobs and Member for Thomastown, and Councillor Lara Carli, Mayor of Melton will join Mr Chen at the opening ceremony.
The official opening will take place from 12.30pm-1pm on Thursday, 16 March, at Symbio Laboratories, 36 Business Park Drive, Ravenhall.
