ARC Training Centre to examine health effects of bioactives in food

 15 August 2022

ARC Training Centre to examine health effects of bioactives in food

The Australian Research Council (ARC) today launched the ARC Training Centre for Facilitated Advancement of Australia’s Bioactives (FAAB), which will train the next generation of biotechnology researchers to harness economic opportunities in the expanding bioactives industry.

The Centre will research the potential benefits or harms of bioactive compounds naturally present in food products, such as amino acids and carbohydrates, and improve quality control processes to make Australian consumers safer.

Based at Macquarie University, the Centre is collaborating with 25 organisations across research institutions, industry, and government.

ARC Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ms Judi Zielke, said it is important that Australian consumers have access to safe, quality-controlled food products.

“With many food products being marketed to Australians with little scientific evidence to support the health claims for bioactive ingredients, there is a demand for research that informs regulation,” Ms Zielke said.

“The work of the ARC Training Centre for Facilitated Advancement of Australia’s Bioactives will contribute to a better understanding of the true health-benefits – and harms - of bioactive ingredients in food.”

Early career researchers will have the opportunity to gain practical skills and experience through placements with industry partners facilitated by FAAB.

“I am thrilled that the Centre is nurturing the next generation of world leading biotechnology research scientists, who will drive new developments in the bioactives industry,” Ms Zielke said.

The Centre will help Australia to make the most of the growing global market for bioactive ingredients, which is expected to be worth $45 billion by 2030.

With $4.9 million in ARC funding over 5 years, the Centre aims to build a sophisticated and flexible Australian workforce that can translate world-leading biotechnology research into economic benefits.

Media contact: 

ARC Communications
0412 623 056 or communications@arc.gov.au