New Labs Study How Insects Adapt to Climate Change
Media Release, Monday 3 December 2007
Innovation Minister Gavin Jennings today opened cutting-edge laboratories for the Centre for Environmental Stress and Adaptation Research (CESAR) in Victoria.
Based at the Bio21 Institute in Parkville, CESAR will focus on studying the genetics and genomics of insects, particularly the vinegar fly, as they adapt to climate change.
“Climate change is an issue that inextricably links economic growth, resource use, environmental and social impacts, as well as long-term prosperity,” Mr Jennings said.
“Insects are the first species to adapt to changes in the environment, and their biological responses are often indicative of how other species will adapt.
“By identifying and studying the genes involved in adapting to environment stress, CESAR is instrumental in developing biodiversity-based markers of pollutants and environmental health.
“CESAR’s work is playing an important role in shaping how we monitor and manage ecosystems. This will be vital in ensuring life sciences and environmental technologies are helping shape sustainable development.”
Speaking at the opening, Mr Jennings said CESAR would play a strategic role in the kind of bioeconomy outlined in the Victorian Government’s 2007 Biotechnology Strategic Development Plan.
“The 2007 Plan calls for building a bio-economy by integrating the bio-medical, agri-food, industrial and environmental sectors and biotechnology responses to climate change,” he said.
“It is about taking a whole of government approach to biotech-driven opportunities to adapt to the impact of climate change and help create a less carbon-dependent society and economy.”
The Victorian Government supported the work of CESAR through funding the Bio21 precinct that is home to the 80 person Centre. The University of Melbourne contributed $5 million to the building of the new facilities. CESAR is an Australian Research Council backed Special Research Centre and is a collaboration between Melbourne and Monash Universities
Professor Ary Hoffmann
Tel: 8344 2282
Mob: 0408 342 834
ary@unimelb.edu.au
Associate Professor Philip Batterham
Phone: 0418 598 562
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