November 9th 2005 BioBreakfast - Biotech facilities of the future - Sponsored by Bassett Consulting Engineers.

More than 150 biotech industry decision makers attended the BioMelbourne Network’s November 9th BioBreakfast, which looked at the design and construction of biotechnology facilities of the future. This seminar brought together a panel of leaders from the laboratory research, facilities design and consulting engineering fields to look at what makes for a successful biotechnology infrastructure project. The November BioBreakfast was sponsored by Bassett Consulting Engineers.

Dr. Gareth Forde, VESKI Research Fellow & Lecturer in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Monash University spoke to the audience from the end user / customer perspective, and introduced the need for various levels of security and sophistication in laboratory design and construction. Dr Forde then went on to provide a summary of the design and construction of the recently completed, large scale PC2 laboratory in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Monash University. Gareth offered some advice to the audience from his recent experiences - ensure that you hire experienced and thorough architect & engineers, hire a contractor that is experienced in Physical Containment (PC) construction and very attentive to details, and be involved in regular 'on site' project meetings. Gareth also advised that it is important for the 'project owner' to be on site regularly to check work quality and to involve equipment suppliers in both the design and construction phase.

Mr. John MacDonald, Director of DesignInc., one of Melbourne's leading life sciences architectural firms, presented his views on the key design factors that can make a successful biotechnology facility. John proposed that a facility design which allows for these factors will provide the best opportunity for innovation success and staff retention. Managers are advised to think about design that fosters innovation and the development of ideas through inter-disciplinary communication opportunities, flexible laboratory modules - to allow for process change; facilities that can adapt to rapid changes of requirement, integrated environmental systems the deliver operational cost efficiency, and an expressive research identity which stimulates staff and creates a cohesive team environment.

Mr. Ian Fitton, Manager Industrial with Bassett Consulting Engineers, spoke on engineering design for regulatory compliance in large or 'scale up' biotechnology facilities. Global biopharmaceutical production in 2006 is expected be valued at US$70 billion (expected to make up 50% of global pharma production by 2010), which means that biotech managers need a good strategic understanding of what is required to 'scale up' to commercial production levels. To meet these targets the University of Waikato in NZ estimates that global mammalian cell culture capacity will need to increase by 200% over the next 5 years. Ian also said that it is imperative for managers contemplating a 'scale up' biotech facility get their project strategy and plans right, as large scale cell culture bioreactor plants are expensive to build, and have long lead times to 'live' production (Genentech’s 100,000L facility in California took 5 years and cost US$400m). Ian also advised biotechs looking to scale up production to: have a well documented strategy, prepare a detailed user specification, get regulators and local government involved early in the project, rigorously audit vendors and contractors, and appoint an experienced steering committee with decision making power to ensure timely delivery.

For more information contact

John MacDonald, DesignInc.  jmacdonald@melb.designinc.com.au

Ian Fitton, Bassett Consulting Engineers. i.fitton@bassett.com.au

Dr Forde kindly addressed the Bio Melbourne Network as part of his ongoing commitments as a VESKI Fellow, to ensure that his research and scientific activities are communicated to the broader Victorian community.