Welcome to the Centre for Bioinnovation. We take an integrative approach to combine our deep understanding of biological systems, including bioactives at chemical, molecular and micro levels, and apply our strengths in advanced-omics and bioinformatics to develop biotechnology applications like rapid point-of-care diagnostics, one-dose vaccine therapeutics, tools to enhance sustainable aquaculture, and bioinsecticides.
Research highlights
News highlighting how the Centre successfully bridges cutting-edge research with impactful outcomes.
Antioxidant ‘bee glue’ creates buzz for new Australian industry
A nutrient-rich product discovered in honeybee hives across Australia could generate a new homegrown health industry, following UniSC-led research.
Scientists deliver UniSC vaccine to wild koalas
In a major milestone for a decade-long project, UniSC scientists have vaccinated a wild koala in New South Wales with the chlamydial vaccine.
Spotlight on unusual and elusive wildlife for Threatened Species Day
The University of the Sunshine Coast is focusing on animals in danger of disappearing forever and quirky species that deserve the limelight, in the lead up to National Threatened Species Day.
Bioinnovation supports Australia's onshore aquaculture industry
UniSC's Centre for Bioinnovation is playing a vital role in Australia's new, sustainable Tropical Rock Lobster industry and positioning it at the forefront of global aquaculture innovation.
Study finds the happy place of the ibis
University of the Sunshine Coast researchers have identified the favourite haunts of white ibis – and why they choose them – in a bid to find more effective ways to stop one of Australia’s smelliest and messiest native pests from taking over parks and urban streets.
Spider venom to be developed into insecticide against locusts
A University of the Sunshine Coast researcher is using arachnid venom to help farmers fight locusts, after being awarded a $240,000 Advance Queensland Industry Research Fellowship.
About us
The Centre for Bioinnovation Research Plan 2025-27 emphasises the full cycle of (bio)innovation – from discovery to application and translation – ensuring scientific breakthroughs lead to tangible, practical solutions that contribute to human and animal health, food production and security, and conservation and biodiversity.
Our vision
- Contribute to society through innovation in creating knowledge and solutions using bio-inspired approaches, to improve societal outcomes
- To support our ecosystem through conservation of biodiversity and heritage
Our values
- Excellence and scientific integrity
- Collaboration and sharing of knowledge
- Collegiality and respect
Our mission
- Bring together local, national and international leading researchers to enable the Centre to lead international efforts in solving key biological challenges
- Promote innovation through the creation of new technologies that are applied for the benefit of society and the environment
- Support the advancement of knowledge and the achievement of excellence through the promotion of state-of-the-art facilities and strong national and international collaborations
- Provide high quality training of future scientists and ensure they are exposed to innovation and opportunities to expand their research and horizons
- Promote productive partnerships with industry to ensure research is applied and solves real world challenges, being built on innovative basic science
- Work closely with commercial partners to ensure research outcomes are industry relevant
- Create an internally supportive and collegiate research environment that would foster excellence and international standing
Locations
Our team spans UniSC locations across South East Queensland including:
- UniSC Sunshine Coast;
- UniSC Moreton Bay; and
- the Sunshine Coast Health Institute (SCHI) at the Sunshine Coast University Hospital (SCUH).
Nestled within UNESCO biospheres, our locations uniquely position us to develop bioinnovations that make a significant positive impact on the health and environmental outcomes of our regions.
Co-location with industry partners
Our team members are also co-located with industry partners to tackle priority problems together including at the New South Wales Government Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (NSW DPI) at the Port Stephens Fisheries Institute. We are working on the development of genetic tools to improve management of captive Mulloway broodfish for ongoing stocking into estuaries to boost recreational fishing.