Macquarie University has enlisted some help for its push to create the world’s first totally synthetic life form.

Macquarie is the only Australian institution involved in Yeast 2.0 – a project to construct a fully synthesised life form by replicating yeast one chromosome at a time.

Yeast 2.0 is one of the largest and most exciting biological projects going on worldwide, and Macquarie says it will be able to do its part now that it has linked with Bioplatforms Australia.

Bioplatforms Australia is a firm that enables life science research through investments across Australia, building capabilities and expertise.

“This is a project of national significance,” said Andrew Gilbert, General Manager of Bioplatforms Australia.

The project has also received support from the NSW Chief Scientist and the NSW Department of Primary Industries.

The Australian Wine Research Institute is a key partner too, and will provide expertise to help propel the project forward.

The support received will see a continual improvement of Macquarie’s facilities and expertise, as the university aim to put itself on the global academic map through its success on Yeast 2.0

Bioplatforms Australia was established by the Australian Government in 2007 to drive co-ordination and strategic approaches to research in Australia.

It operates as a non-profit company with a mission to build a national research infrastructure network and promote increased collaboration and integration between scientists.