Department of Primary Industries

Working Towards a Bioeconomy

The Biosciences Research Division (BRD) is part of the Department of Primary Industries and represents the scientific research and development capacity of DPI in biotechnology and biosecurity. This capability is organised via science platforms which are defined as aggregations of knowledge based capability and outputs. The platforms aim to have high impact and high value in the following  areas: 

  • Food, feed and bioenergy
  • Plant and animal industries
  • Productivity and biosecurity outcomes
  • Biodiversity and environmental outcomes
  • Across sectors - agrifood, biomedical

 

BRD is comprised of two science platforms - Biosciences and Bioprotection. The head office of BRD and the Biosciences platform are based at the Victorian AgriBiosciences Research Centre.

The vision for BRD is to underpin - through leading science and strong science capacity - innovation in biosciences and bioprotection essential to the prosperity and well-being of Victoria’s primary industries, ensuring high impact and relevance,and leading to significant industry and societal benefits.

BRD’s research strengths in biotechnology at VABC can claim world leadership in several areas including:

  • Forage genomics, molecular genetics and molecular plant breeding;
  • Dairy functional genomics for identification of milk bioactives;
  • Cereal crop transgenesis for productivity gains;
  • Sheep, beef and dairy cattle genomics and genomic selection;
  • Integrated microbial, plant, and animal systems biology for climate change applications; and
  • Genome mapping and molecular breeding for improved vegetable and oilseed Brassicas.

 

Victorian AgriBiosciences Centre