Major boost for neuroscience research at Monash’s Malaysian campus

The Brain Research Institute at Monash University, Sunway Campus (BRIMS) has received a major contribution from two leading producers of scientific equipment through the creation of a joint neuro-proteomics laboratory at its Sunway campus.

The two companies, Shimadzu of Japan and US firm Fisher Scientific, will contribute equipment for the setting up a library that will analyze proteins in the brain and neural system. Shimadzu, established in 1875, is one of the world's leading manufacturers of advanced imaging systems, while Fisher Scientific, a subsidiary of Thermo Fisher Scientific is the world's largest provider of laboratory equipment and consumables.

Monash University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor and President ( Malaysia), Professor Robin Pollard said the joint laboratory would greatly benefit research staff and students at the university.

“This is an important development for the campus and marks a major milestone for the development of neuroscience research at this campus,” he said during a signing ceremony between Monash University, Shimadzu Asia Pacific and Fisher Scientific Southeast Asia recently.

Professor Pollard said the campus was keen to develop BRIMS as a leading regional centre for research in neuroscience and viewed such partnerships with industry as a major boost to this effort.

Mr Tsuguo Kishida, the Managing Director of Shimadzu Asia Pacific said the firm was keen to support the development of research in life sciences & biotechnology.

“We are happy to begin this collaboration programme and support the development of research in neuroscience,” he said.

General Manager of Fisher Scientific Southeast Asia, Mr Kannaper Subramaniyan welcomed the collaboration with BRIMS and Shimadzu to set up the joint laboratory.

He said a key factor in deciding Fisher Scientific’s participation in the project was the high quality of research being carried out at BRIMS. “Few have taken research in this area to such a level and we hope to take this collaboration further in the future,” he said.

Monash University ’s Director of Research and Development, and head of BRIMS, Professor Ishwar Parhar thanked both companies for their contribution saying that the equipment donated by the two firms would advance neuro-proteomics research at BRIMS.

From left: Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte. Ltd. Business Manager Mr Prem Anand, Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd Managing Director Mr Tsuguo Kishida, Monash University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor and President (Malaysia) Professor Robin Pollard, General Manager of Fisher Scientific Southeast Asia, Mr Kannaper Subramaniyan, Monash University’s Director of Research and Development, and head of BRIMS, Professor Ishwar Parhar and Fisher Scientific General Sales Manager Mr Chan Viva.

Monash University’s Director of Research and Development, and head of BRIMS, Professor Ishwar Parhar (right) showing the institute Live Cell Imaging system – the only one of its kind in Southeast Asia – to, from left, Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte. Ltd. Business Manager Mr Prem Anand, Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd Managing Director Mr Tsuguo Kishida and General Manager of Fisher Scientific Southeast Asia, Mr Kannaper Subramaniyan.