Description

The Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute is built on the grounds of the University of Melbourne’s Western Precinct, which was first established as the university's Veterinary Precinct in 1908. From the late nineteenth century, the site was a livestock market. The heritage-listed remains of the market wall stand by the entrance of the institute, while a horse head sculpture from the market sits at the entrance on the corner of Story Street and Park Drive. In 1930, CSIRO Animal Health moved from Parkville to Geelong. One of the former CSIRO buildings now serves as the Bio21 Institute Business Incubator. 

In 2001, the State Government donated the land from the Western Precinct (previously a Crown lease to the University of Melbourne) as part of their contribution to the Bio21 Project. Building of the Bio21 Institute commenced in May 2002 and the first phase was completed in December 2004. The Bio21 Institute was officially opened in June 2005 with major funding from Atlantic Philanthropies, the University of Melbourne, and state and federal governments.

Bio21 Institute’s David Penington building has been the recipient of three awards: the 2005 Marion Mahony Award for Interior Architecture, the 2005 Lab of the Year Award and the 2006 Public Building Award.

What's On

Join us for a free interactive exhibition of various research projects led by our scientists, or take one of our public tours of the buildings and grounds.

Located in the atrium space, each booth in the exhibition will be a fun, immersive experiential display of a project or research being conducted at the Bio21 Institute. Learn more about the topics being studied and the various outcomes expected. This exhibition is suitable for families and includes a kid’s corner with simple science activities on offer.

There will also be organised tours designed to showcase the building, physical laboratories and various projects operating at the Institute. 

Children's Activities

There will be kids' colouring printouts, plus arts and crafts activities to make molecular structures using plasticine, paddle pop sticks, glue and toothpicks!