Cutting edge technology at Southern Cross University

A new Laboratory Information Management System (LIMs), which will put Southern Cross University at the cutting edge of research technology, will begin operation at the Lismore campus on Monday (November 13).

The Federal Member for Page, the Honourable Ian Causley, will log the first sample in the system, which is the first of its type to be implemented in an Australian university.

The project received $500,000 through the Australian Government’s Sustainable Regions Program last year and will automate the operations of the Natural Plant Products Research Institute.

The Institute represents the agricultural biotechnology capability of Southern Cross University and includes the Centre for Plant Conservation Genetics and the Environmental Analysis Laboratory.

Professor Peter Baverstock, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research), said the system placed Southern Cross University at the forefront in research laboratories.

“This allows simple tracking from receipt in the lab, through testing and experiments by researchers to final storage or disposal,” Professor Baverstock said.

“When you give a blood sample at the doctor, they stick a label on it straight away and that label represents all of the information that stays with the sample, as it moves through multiple tests in different laboratories.

“The Southern Cross University LIMs provides the same type of sample tracking for plant or environmental samples – including analyses, accounting and invoicing information.”

Professor Baverstock said the system would improve the efficiency and throughput of the labs.

“This allows for future expansion in both labs, by providing extra infrastructure for commercial and research services,” he said.

The software for the new system has been provided by Labware Australia Pty Ltd.

Photo opportunity: Centre for Plant Conservation Genetics, S Block, Southern Cross University Lismore campus, Monday, November 13 at 11am.