Monash mRNA Workforce Training Centre

Introduction of Centre

The disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the potential of mRNA to provide considerable benefit as a platform medicine. However, this event also demonstrated that as a new technology, many manufacturing infrastructures were under equipped to support large scale manufacture of mRNA medicines

One critical barrier was the lack of a skilled workforce that could support the manufacture of mRNA medicines and its needed growth. In partnership with mRNA Victoria, Monash University established Australia's first dedicated mRNA workforce training centre to address this workforce shortage.

Through a landmark agreement supported by a $10 million grant from the Victoria Government, the Monash mRNA Workforce Training Centre (the Centre) was established.

“If you don’t have the staff with the competency and the confidence to do this work, to make these breakthroughs … then that ecosystem will always be held back.” Former Victoria Premier the Hon. Daniel Andrews (March, 2023)

The Centre’s Objectives

The Centre develops courses to deliver best-practice education and training programs across the mRNA vaccines and therapeutics pipeline - from research and development, through clinical trials, manufacture, and beyond. In parallel to supporting the mRNA industry, the Centre also offers training to the general pharmaceutical training where there are transferrable skills and knowledge.

In the development and delivery of its training courses, the Centre has two broad objectives:

  • 1

    To establish knowledge and skill development across the mRNA manufacturing life cycle - with an initial focus on mRNA/nucleic acid discovery, development and production.

  • 2

    To support growth of the mRNA and pharmaceutical manufacturing sectors through the delivery of technical competencies and practical, hands-on training”

Courses currently delivered by the Centre include:

Short Course Testimonials

The Centre has delivered its short courses several times. The learning provided to the participants have had a positive impact. Here are some of the positive experiences that the participants have shared:

  • “Thank you all for the knowledge and experience shared, it is definitely worth it! Keep on rocking!”

    • mRNA workforce training centre candid

  • “The workshops consolidates the learning and strengthened my understanding. It also helps me to ask questions that I would not otherwise asked if only following lectures.”
  • “The design of experiment approach was very engaging, …, I have never learnt maths in a more entertaining way, but it has helped me really start to understand the importance of design of experiment in my work every day.”
  • “I must say for every pharmaceutical research student who is planning for vaccine-based industry or CRO then, they should be a part of this training for better understanding of the manufacturing essentials.”
  • “I will be recommending this course to friends and colleagues, as I strongly believe it benefits both the industry and society by upskilling more individuals. I’m extremely pleased with the experience and proud to have gained the knowledge and experience I sought.”
  • “Special mention to all the facilitators who took the time to explain each topic clearly and thoroughly. Their ability to break down complex concepts and answer questions with patience really enhanced my understanding.”

Find out more information about the Monash mRNA Workforce Training Centre’s Team here.