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Jian Li will fight super bugs in China

21 February 2007

Dr Jian Li will visit China in the fight against 'superbugs.'

A senior research scientist at the Victorian College of Pharmacy has gained a valuable opportunity to further his research overseas into the fight against highly-resistant bacteria, known as 'superbugs.'

Dr Jian Li is one of 64 Australian scientists to have been awarded a grant to visit the Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology at the Qingdao Institute of Oceanology, China. He will embark on the three-week visit later this year.

Dr Li's visit is part of a $4.9 million, three-year commitment by the Australian Academy of Science to international science linkages.

At the Institute, Dr Li will explore the potential to collaborate with scientists on discovering novel compounds active against 'superbugs' from marine organisms. 'Superbugs' are highly-resistant bacteria and the researchers are optimistic that marine organisms may be a promising source of novel antibiotics to treat the 'superbugs.'

Head of Pharmacy Practice, Professor Roger Nation, said the award would help Monash gain an insight into the potential for new anti-bacterial drugs.

"The invitation for Dr Li to participate in the China Exchange Program is a wonderful recognition for this young and talented researcher," Professor Nation said.

"He will have the opportunity to strengthen existing links with Chinese researchers and develop new collaborations. This will not only be to his benefit but also that of Monash University and both Australia and China.

Dr Li is confident that such international collaborations will benefit the current cutting-edge research on antibiotics against 'superbugs' being undertaken at the Facility for Anti-infective Drug Development and Innovation at the college.

More information on the funding program is available from the Australian Academy of Science website.