RGSQ has become a partner with the University of Queensland Institute of
Molecular Biology (UQIMB) in an Australian-first citizen science program dedicated to finding new antibiotics needed in the fight against the scourge of drug-resistant infections, better known as superbugs.
Our members will be collecting soils samples for the UQIMB researchers to help
them discover microbes that could be developed into new antibiotics, and other life-saving medicines.
More than half of all antibiotics available worldwide have been developed from
microbes found in soil and nature, and Australia is one of the most biodiverse
environments in the world,spanning beaches, rainforests, wetlands and deserts.
This vast, untapped landscape is ripe for the discovery of microbes that could be developed into new antibiotics, anti-fungals and other medicines.
There will be a presentation by Dr Zeinab Khalil, IMB Research Fellow and Soils for Science Project Manager to members and friends, to explain the aims of Soils for Science, and the need to develop new antibiotics – plus, to go through the mechanics of what you need to do. Members unable to attend who wish to participate will be given comprehensive instructions.
Date: 5 June 2023
Time: 12:00 – 1:00 pm
Place: Gregory Place. Level 1 / 28 Fortescue St. Spring Hill
Tea, coffee and sandwiches provided
Project Co-Ordinator: Ngoc (Annie) Nguyen
