Our Association and our Mission
Proteomics and metabolomics are new areas of science offering exciting benefits in many areas including biology, biotechnology and medicine. Proteomics combines classical skills in protein chemistry with cutting edge equipment and data analysis. Similarly, metabolomics investigates metabolites and other small molecules holistically. Brought together, proteomics and metabolomics offer a powerful new dimension of fundamental and applied research in Victoria.
Proteomics & Metabolomics Victoria aims to provide a constructive forum for scientists that use these technologies and the trade that supports them. This cross-sector collective encourages its members to share ideas, discuss problems, present new data, establish training programs and devise strategies to foster effective growth of the disciplines.
Through this initiative, it is intended that scientists and the trade will interact more effectively, procure and utilise equipment/supplies more efficiently, have better trained staff, and alleviate the skills shortage that currently limits growth of the field locally.
Our key goals are to:
- hold scientific meetings and workshops – of joint interest to scientists
and the trade - disseminate information – to PMV members and the public
- undertake strategic planning – workforce development, major
equipment issues - foster education and training – high school/VCE, training schemes, scholarships
History
PMV, which became an incorporated association in August 2007, emanated from a network of like-minded proteomics practitioners and trade representatives developed over the preceeding four years. The visible inclusion of metabolomics was spurred by Federal Government funding in 2007 to establish Metabolomics Australia alongside Proteomics Australia, under the National Collaborative Research and Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS)
The PMV initiative can be traced back to 2003 when Mike Hubbard (Melbourne University, Departments of Paediatrics and Pharmacology) moved to Melbourne and saw potential for coordinated growth of the local proteomics sector. Others with similar views were soon identified and, with co-leadership from Ian Smith (Monash University, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology), a cross-sector forum was held to discuss how current strengths might be developed and general problems rectified.
Recognising strategic importance to Victoria and benefits accruing from more efficient use of resources and knowledge sharing, the Government's Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development (DIIRD) hosted this forum – and afterwards they encouraged establishment of a cross-sector collective, the Victorian Proteomics Consortium (VPC).
With widespread backing from the science and trade communities, Mike and Ian then proceeded to secure a substantial grant from the State Government of Victoria to help fund establishment of the VPC. Additional funds were offered by the founding companies and institutions. As outlined in the timeline below, although NCRIS events delayed implementation of the VPC, its rebirth as PMV with a broader scope and sprightly new leadership (Tony Purcell, Ute Roessner) was well worth the wait.
Key events timeline
- Late 2004, Victorian Proteomics Practitioners group meetings – initial assembly of senior practitioners from academia and industry considering a coordinated, cross-sector approach to growth of their field
- October 2004, start-up grant from University of Melbourne, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Science – to help initiate a cross-sector proteomics network locally
- November 2004, VPC capabilities and infrastructure database established – audit made of practitioners' expertise, equipment status, and perceived needs
- December 2004, Victorian Proteomics Forum – meeting of over 90 practitioners, stakeholders, suppliers and clients. Hosted by DIIRD. Agreement to form the Victorian Proteomics Consortium (VPC)
- May 2005, inaugural VPC session at the Discovery Science and Biotechnology conference, Melbourne – VPC's first education event, supported by DIIRD
- June 2005, proteomics added to Victoria's "skills wanted" list – VPC's first workforce development event, supported by Victoria's Skilled Migration Program
- July 2005, concept plan for VPC Technician Training Scheme formulated – draft submitted to DIIRD in support of funding bid to help establish the VPC
- December 2005, Victoria State Government grant received to support establishment of VPC – funding for project officer and other set up costs, supplementing in-kind contributions from Melbourne and Monash Universities and cash contributions from other founding members
- 2005-2006, VPC representations to NCRIS planning meetings – inputs made at State and Federal levels
- June 2007, Victoria State Government funding contract renegotiated in view of NCRIS outcomes – VPC was reborn as PMV
- June 2007, PMV Project Officer (part time) appointed
- July 2007, inaugural PMV working party meeting
- August 2007, PMV was registered as an incorporated association
- June 2008, PMV website test online
- November 2008, PMV and website launched by Victorian Minister of Innovation
PMV acknowledges:
Start-up funding (VPP) – Professor James Angus, Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, University of Melbourne
Establishment funding and support (VPC, PMV) – State Government of Victoria (special thanks to Xavier Csar, Megan Smart & Philip Marley at DIIRD)
PMV founding institutions and companies – The University of Melbourne, Monash University, Baker Institute, La Trobe University, Metabolomics Australia, Proteomics Australia, St Vincents Institute, Agilent Technologies, Applied Biosystems-MDS Sciex, BioRad, Bruker, Dionex, GE Healthcare, Invitrogen, Perkin Elmer, SGE Analytical Science, Shimadzu, Waters
Funding and support for Mike Hubbard – Melbourne Research Unit for Facial Disorders (special thanks to the Director, Andrew Heggie, and principal benefactors, Allan & Maria Myers)
The PMV Website
This portal website is intended to assist practitioners of proteomics/metabolomics, their suppliers and the public alike through information and links provided in each of its three main sections.
Our Learn section is aimed at students and the public wanting straightforward explanations about proteomics and metabolomics – what do these terms mean, who uses these disciplines, what successes have been achieved locally, are these topics covered in the VCE curriculum, which labs or companies can I visit to learn more about this exciting new field?
Our Get Help section is targeted primarily at scientists wanting assistance from local experts in proteomics and metabolomics – where can I get service work done, who might best help me with my specialist problem collaboratively? Also, this section provides information about job vacancies, workforce development and useful resources available locally and further afield.
Our Purchase section is intended to facilitate intercommunication between supply companies and practitioners – who supplies what products locally, what website has the details, which representative should be contacted and how?
Additional sections relate the ambitions and history of PMV, and advertise current news and events.
PMV website credits:
Graphic concept, design and implementation – Suzanne & Sharon
@ Bluebicycle Designs
Collation, photography and management – Sri Ramarathinam
Original concept, design and content – Mike Hubbard
The PMV Logo
The PMV logo signifies the two core elements of our field – proteins and small molecules. The spiral motif depicts a key building block of protein structure (called an alpha helix). For simplicity, a water molecule (i.e. H2O) is used to represent small molecules, recognising that water serves as the common solvent for metabolites and proteins.
Reflecting PMV's ecosystem-based tagline, small molecules are positioned as being the foundation to a complete understanding of protein function. Proteins, on the other hand, provide higher-order molecular assemblies that comprise crucial ingredients in the soup of life. An additional connotation is that progress will be hastened by approaching proteomics and metabolomics jointly (cf. the "protein arrow", and apposition of protein/molecular elements).
PMV logo credits:
Concept and graphic design – Sharon @ Bluebicycle Designs and
Mike Hubbard
Disclaimer for PMV Website
PMV seeks to ensure that all content and information published at this website is current and accurate. Accordingly, all content, information and architecture of the PMV website might be updated or changed without notice. However, PMV gives no assurance or warranty regarding the accuracy, timeliness or applicability of any of the contents, and PMV disclaims all liability in respect of such information.
Reference within this website to any specific commercial or non-commercial product, process or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer or otherwise does not constitute or imply an endorsement, recommendation or favouring by PMV.
In addition, PMV cannot be held responsible for the contents of externally linked pages. Links to external websites are provided solely for visitors’ convenience. Links taken to other websites are done so at your own risk and PMV accepts no liability for any linked websites or their content.