25 years of discovery: UNSW’s Ramaciotti Centre celebrates milestone
2025-06-17T15:00:00+10:00
NSW Member for Coogee Dr Marjorie O’Neill, Emeritus Professor Ian Dawes, Professor Vanessa Hayes, Associate Professor Dr Martin Smith, Professor Marc Wilkins and Dr Helena Mangs at a reception honouring the Ramaciotti Centre for Genomics.
Photo: Ken Leanfore
One of Australia’s leading genomics research and resource facilities held a special event to mark a quarter of a century of advancing scientific discovery.
The Ramaciotti Centre for Genomics is the largest genomics facility at any Australian university and has been pivotal in supporting scientific breakthroughs from protecting endangered species to driving advances in clinical trials and health equity.
At a special event this week, industry, research and community partners honoured the Ramaciotti Centre’s achievements over 25 years. Past and present leaders highlighted the facility’s continued leadership and support for groundbreaking research across disciplines, and its pivotal role in transforming the field of genomics.
The Centre has analysed more than 1.2 million samples since it opened in 2000, delivering world-class data, analysis, and expert guidance to over 500 global research groups across diverse fields, including conservation biology, agricultural science and public health.
At the forefront of genomics research
Deputy Dean (Research and Enterprise) at UNSW’s Faculty of Science, Professor Marc Wilkins, who directed the Ramaciotti Centre from 2011 to 2022, said the facility had played a key role in shaping genomics research.
“The Centre was one of the first in Australia to sequence human genomes and do many analyses at scale,” Professor Wilkins said. “It has always been at the cutting edge of emerging technologies. Its success has also been in its capacity to integrate new technologies into a sustainable business model.”
Over the last 25 years, UNSW’s Ramaciotti Centre for Genomics has been instrumental in landmark research projects, including:
- New biological information on the bilby, with researchers sequencing the entire genome of the Australian animal for the first time in 2024.
- A landmark study of the koala genome, published in Nature Genetics in 2018, which led to a to help protect the species from disease and other threats.
- Genetic analysis of data in a landmark aspirin trial in 2018 as part of the .
- Advancing research into prostate cancer health disparities in collaboration with .
Scientia Professor Vlado Perkovic, Provost at UNSW, said the Ramaciotti Centre for Genomics remained a cornerstone of Australia’s national research infrastructure.
“I’m extremely proud of the Ramaciotti Centre’s contribution to Australian and global science. As a recognised leader in genomics, the Centre provides not only cutting-edge services but also fosters deep collaboration across research, clinical, and academic groups,” Prof. Perkovic said.
“UNSW is committed to supporting this vital work, and I look forward to the outcomes of both current and future projects - research that will undoubtedly drive innovation and deliver real-world benefits to communities.”
Driving collaboration and transformation
Established in 1999 and operational from 2000, the Ramaciotti Centre has driven the development and application of genomics in Australia. It is equipped with state-of-the-art sequencing platforms and gene expression analysis tools, continuing its mission to support groundbreaking research and improve health outcomes.
NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Transport and Member for Coogee, Dr Marjorie O’Neill, said the Ramaciotti Centre is a shining example of how long-term, bipartisan investment in science and innovation can deliver lasting impact.
“The Centre continues to play a key role in strengthening the state’s biomedical and public health capabilities,” Dr O’Neill said. “By fostering collaboration, training and research that directly benefits the community, the Ramaciotti Centre is driving high-impact discoveries across health, agriculture, and environmental science.”
We aim to continue supporting the translation of genomic discoveries into meaningful societal impact that spans from precision medicine to sustainable farming and environmental resilience as well.
Looking to the next 25 years
The Current Director of the Ramaciotti Centre for Genomics, Associate Professor Martin Smith, said the facility would continue to evolve and pioneer new frontiers in genomic science.
“As we look ahead over the next 25 years, the Ramaciotti Centre remains committed to staying agile in the face of rapidly evolving genomic technologies,” A/Prof. Smith said.
“We aim to continue supporting the translation of genomic discoveries into meaningful societal impact that spans from precision medicine to sustainable farming and environmental resilience as well.”
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