Fighting diseases of global impact
The Institute for Glycomics is a world leader in the discovery and development of next-generation drugs, vaccines and diagnostics that fight diseases of global impact.
Established in 2000, we’re the only institute of its kind in Australia and one of only a handful in the world.
We engage globally with industry, philanthropic organisations, government and other premier research institutes to build the human capital driving healthcare solutions that address some of the world’s most intractable diseases.
Our multidisciplinary research primarily targets prevention and cures for infectious diseases, cancer and neurodegenerative disorders, with a focus on translational research.
Our vision
To be a world leader in the discovery and development of drugs, vaccines and diagnostics through the application of innovative, multidisciplinary science.
Our mission
To fight diseases of global impact through discovery and translational science.
What we do
What is Glycomics?
Glycomics is the study of the carbohydrate or sugar language within our body, referred to as the ‘glycome’. Every cell in our body is decorated with these sugars, which are essential to our health and wellbeing.
These simple sugar molecules connect to create powerful structures called ‘glycans’. Cancers and infectious diseases can take advantage of glycans, resulting in major health problems and potentially death.
Compared with genomics (the study of genes) and proteomics (the study of proteins), Glycomics—the study of sugars—is a relatively new field.
Glycomics, however, is now a ‘rising star’ due to the development of tools to effectively identify sugar structures and their involvement in disease.
Our research is focused on the role sugars play in disease. Using that knowledge, we strive to invent new drugs, vaccines and diagnostics to treat, prevent or diagnose cancers and infectious diseases.
This 3D animation illustrates what happens at a cellular level when a pathogen interacts with glycans on the surface of cells, causing infection.
Study with us
The Institute for Glycomics, based at Griffith University's beautiful Gold Coast campus, offers a range of exceptional Honours, Masters and PhD opportunities for the nation's future scientists. Study alongside some of the world's most experienced and well-known research leaders and scientists and help us fight for a healthier future for all.
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Latest news from the institute
Griffith awarded $2.2 million in NHMRC Investigator Grants
02 May 2024
Griffith University has been awarded $2.2 million across the National Health and Medical Research...
Coffee, coastlines and a cutting-edge vaccine: Griffith’s Advanced Queensland...
15 Apr 2024
Griffith researchers among 19 scientists share in $5.56 million of funding.
Global collaboration to combat chronic lung infection
10 Apr 2024
Researchers develop drug target to tackle multi-drug resistant lung bacterium.
New Discovery Unravels Malaria Invasion Mechanism
04 Apr 2024
In a significant breakthrough, researchers from the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute...
Funding to find repurposed drugs to fight bacterial infections
19 Dec 2023
Griffith University will use a $2.95 million NHMRC grant to take a unique focus on targeting sugar...
Griffith researchers draw more than $9m NHMRC funding
15 Dec 2023
Advanced bionic limb development, malaria drug mechanisms, skin immune response to mosquito-borne...