PlatformsIntegrative Neuroscience Facility

A state of the art animal phenotyping capability, providing behavioural, anatomical, physiological and pharmacological assessments of animal models for neurobiological and psychological research and pre-clinical drug testing.

The Integrative Neuroscience Facility (INF), under the leadership of Professor Malcolm Horne, has established a state-of-the-art animal phenotyping capability for Australia, providing behavioural, anatomical, physiological and pharmacological assessments of animal models for Australian neurobiological and psychological research, and pre-clinical drug testing for industry.

Objectives
The objectives of this platform are to create partnerships and to provide specialised services to researchers and industry partners through three principle streams of activity:
Comprehensive phenotypic assessments (behaviour, morphology, physiology and pharmacology) of animal models affected by genetic, mechanical or pharmacological manipulation
In Vivo preclinical testing for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, including the testing of receptors and molecules in brain activity
Intramural neurobiological research to develop new knowledge, Intellectual Property and commercially viable therapeutics for the major neurological and psychiatric disorders


Facilities and Expertise
A central facility at the Howard Florey Institute and specialist facilities at The Mental Health Research Institute form the core of the INF.

Services currently available within the INF include:
Behavioural, morphological and functional assessments for genetically altered animals
Pre-clinical neurobiological testing of new therapeutics for neurological diseases, including epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and dementia
Analysis of complex behaviours, including anxiety and addictive states
Drug discrimination / dependence testing
Research partnerships in neurology
Education and training services in neurobiological assessments for research and industry
Facilities for environmental adaptation of experimental animal models

Key Personnel
Professor Malcolm Horne - Platform Leader Howard Florey Institute
Professor Mike Calford - Chair, Scientific Advisory Committee University of Newcastle
Ms Julie-Anne Quinn - Platform Manager Howard Florey Institute
Dr Rachel Nally - Senior Research Officer Howard Florey Institute
Dr Georgia Giannakis - Scientific Project Officer Howard Florey Institute

Advisory Personnel on Platform Management Committee
Dr Kelvin Hopper Innovation Dynamics
Dr Henry de Aizpurua The Howard Florey Institute

Advisory Personnel on Scientific Advisory Committee
Professor Sarah Dunlop University of Western Australia
Professor Pankaj Sah University of Queensland
Professor Paul Hertzog Institute of Reproduction and Development, Monash University
Associate Professor John Drago Howard Florey Institute
Associate Professor Iain McGregor University of Sydney
Dr Maarten van den Buuse Mental Health Research Institute
Dr Andrew Lawrence Howard Florey Institute
Dr Tony Hannan Howard Florey Institute
Dr Tim Karl Garvan Institute of Medical Research and NISAD
Dr David Finkelstein Mental Health Research Institute

Key Achievements 2005-06

During the 2005-06 financial year, the Platform continued to consolidate its behavioural testing program, adding new equipment to its range of test apparatus and embarking on a process of test validation. A new microscopy and histology suite was opened in October 2005, staffed by histologists with specialist expertise in the morphology of the brain. The Platform continued to provide access to Australian researchers wishing to conduct their own phenotyping experiments within the facility as well as offering a full fee-for-service program. Several commercial preclinical drug testing contracts were completed. The INF also attracted interest from outside Australia, undertaking both academic and commercial projects for New Zealand customers, and responding to a query from a Japanese pharmaceutical company. In response to the growth of the INF since its inception, the INF restructured its Platform Management Committee and established a Scientific Advisory Committee. Data generated within the INF has appeared in numerous scientific publications and poster presentations.

The Platform was officially launched in August 2004.

For further information go to http://www.hfi.unimelb.edu.au/inf/

 
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