ESR is taking a leading role in microbiological research in the Asia Pacific thanks to a KAREN Capability Build Fund grant.

Funding of $320,000 has been awarded to ESR (Environmental Science and Research) to assist them to establish portals for microbiology research and education in NZ and the Asia Pacific region.

Asia Pacific presence

PulseNet Aotearoa New Zealand is initially focusing on the three most common notified bacterial diseases in New Zealand - Campylobacter, Salmonella, and E. coli.

Dr Virginia Hope, Programme Leader at the National Centre for Biosecurity and Infectious Disease at ESR and the project leader, says that the PulseNet Asia Pacific portal (PNAP) will connect New Zealand researchers to expertise at major international research laboratories.

“Our connection to PulseNet will enable New Zealand to research infectious disease in new ways. For example, we will be able to undertake laboratory and computer analysis via live, interactive video microscopy, where analytical tests are performed under guidance of experienced scientists, rapidly and without compromising containment issues. We will also be able to consult in real-time across a number of sites on the next research steps and to transfer techniques and methods.”

“Initially New Zealand was not able to be involved with the PulseNet Asia Pacific project due to poor connectivity. However with KAREN we now have the opportunity to be the hub for the Asia Pacific region. New Zealand researchers will be able to access the International PulseNet network, not only as an equal partner, but with a leadership role.”

Collaboration at home and abroad

PulseNet will also mean access to international funding, including the possibility of direct funding from Asia Pacific participants of the PNAP portal and also through collaborative research, as well as access to international research funds in USA, Europe, Japan and elsewhere.

At the same time, a parallel New Zealand Microbiological portal will be established making use of the same architecture, and many activities and resources. This portal will have a focus on training and education of New Zealand researchers and students, and collaborative projects within New Zealand.

“We have an amazing wealth of talent in New Zealand in the field of microbiological science. KAREN will enable us, through the New Zealand Microbiological portal, to tap into and share this talent much more readily.”

More about PulseNet

PulseNet is an important international microbiological laboratory network instigated by the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to develop worldwide regional networks providing early warning on food borne disease outbreaks, emerging food borne infections, and acts of food bioterrorism.

More information

http://www.esr.cri.nz/capabilities/Pages/PulseNetAotearoa.aspx

Image: Salmonella bacteria. Courtesy of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Updated 8 October 2008