Perth (Australia) Group

[Benedict]

Hi, does anyone know if there are any groups in Perth? If not, are there any individuals here from Perth doing DIYBio work by themselves?

[Brian Degger]

Go talk to symbiotica at uwa. Its more bioart but there are overlaps in techniques with diybio. Plus they have some cool and interesting projects like looking at the stromatolites in nearby bay.
Cheers b

On 5 Jul 2013 16:36, "Benedict" <bjn...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi, does anyone know if there are any groups in Perth? If not, are there any individuals here from Perth doing DIYBio work by themselves?

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[Benedict]

Thanks, I'll drop by UWA. Have you checked out Artifactory? I notice they have a few DIYBio events from time to time.

[Brian Degger]

Thanks for the heads up about artifactory : great that Perth has a hackerspace :) 

Every few years I get to Perth, having spent in total a month over the last 10 years or so :) , was easier when I was Adelaide based , but in Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK currently.

Perth has a great art scene, bakery was good last time I was there, they have run tech workshops from time to time.

 

One of the interesting things SymbioticA ,does from a tech/diy viewpoint, is the production of bioreactors for the exhibition of living mammalian tissue engineered sculptures in an art gallery environment. 

More on one of the SymbioticA themes. 

 http://www.symbiotica.uwa.edu.au/research/projects/adaptation

Based at Lake Clifton, Western Australia, Adaptation uses residencies, events and a community outreach program to stimulate debate about human inaction, intervention and responsibilities regarding ecology.

Lake Clifton has Thrombolites, one of the oldest microorganisms colonies :)  

Lots of interesting environment to explore in WA in a microorganism way.... look at the mining industries.

cheers,

Brian

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http://makerspace.org.uk

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[Luis B. Guzmán]

Hi guys, Its good to hear about Perth. I´m going there in January to meet the people from Symbiotica. I´m really interested in engaging into bio art. I´m planning to spend some time there doing my research so it would be great to  stay in touch with people who´s interested in biological arts. Regards Luis 

[BigSteve]

Hi,

saw this old thread and thought I would check..

any news on a DIYbio scene in Perth? 

I'm south of the river (Murdoch), if there are any interested individuals or groups.

[Meow-Ludo]

Hi I'm keen to start one of there in conjunction with Symbi potentially.

Give me a bell on 0466 965 321 or skype me: meow-ludo

I setup BioFoundry in Sydney

[Benedict]

I never really pursued DIYBbio but I'm still interested; I've been playing with mycology instead. However, if there's a couple of people who are experienced and willing to share their knowledge, I'd been keen to organise a meetup in Perth.

[BigSteve]

That could be a good plan.

Any other interested people out there??

Would you be interested in a meet-up sometime before or after the New Year?

-Steve

[Brian Degger]

I'm not a resident of Perth, but have spent time visiting the bioart and new media communitys there since 2002.

Perth has a wealth of potential partners/collaborators for setting up a biohacker space. Here are one3s I think would be great to talk to. They are North of the river..but will should have contacts south of the river in the universities there. 

Cheers

Brian

  

Symbiotica at UWA

http://www.symbiotica.uwa.edu.au/  

they make space for Artists like Tissues Culture and Art Project to make artwork using biological systems/materials, and develop apparatus to show their live works in gallery contexts, in a human biology department of UWA.

centre for interdisciplinary arts Studios  http://ciastudios.com.au 

host interesting interdisciplinary groups and artists

and PVI collective http://pvicollective.com/

one of those groups hosted and instigated CIA that is in the tactical arts (like Critical Art Ensemble) 

and PICA http://pica.org.au/

Here I saw the Biennale of Electronic Arts Perth (BEAP) 2002, BIOFEEL: Art and Biology, curated by Oron Catts. and attended the  The Aesthetics of care? symposium at Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA), Northbridge, Western Australia.

Let me know if you need any other pointers.

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[Harristotle]

Yes.

I have an interest in getting the biological sciences viewed as STEM, my colleagues seem to think it is just robots.
I have a background in arduino, some linux, and instrumentation, and, of course, biology.
I am so busy that I am more able to come along and contribute as a "follower", but if anyone wants to set up a group I'd love to join.

I am also south of the river.

Cheers,
H.

[BigSteve]

Hi All,

I'm going to jump the gun and organize a meeting. Mike (a champ from BioFoundy in Sydney) will be in town.

4pm-7pm on 29th of December at Clany's Fish Pub in Fremantle.

Please spread the word, all are welcome.

-Steve

On Friday, 5 July 2013 12:00:37 UTC+8, Benedict wrote:

[BigSteve]

We a are on the big couches out the back. Of Clancy's Fish Pub, Fremantle. Will be here till 7ish.

[Harristotle]

Hi Steve.
Good to meet everybody tonight. I think we may have the start of something.

Here is the write up on making microbial fuel cells. My students did this in 2012, and we got detectable voltage and current. I reckon it would be great to throw this out to the community, not just in Perth but around the globe to see if we can find some good isolates. Maybe we could organise a competition/challenge?

So How is this for an idea to kick off our new group:

Grab a sample of mud, or soil, or even sand that exists near the interface of an aerobic to anaerobic zone, and see who can get the best power out of a microbial fuel cell.


Details on making one are cut and pasted from an article I submitted to Helix, a few years back (minus photos, to be nice on diybio!).

Making Microbial fuel cells

All aerobic organisms gain the majority of their cellular energy from the movement of high energy electron carriers through their electron transport chains. In humans, as in other animals and plants, this occurs through the electron transport chain located on the inner mitochondrial membrane. In bacteria and other prokaryotic organisms (prokaryotic = cells without a nucleus), it occurs on their cell membrane. There is a lot of interest in finding ways to intercept these high energy electron carriers and using their energy to force electrons through an external circuit^1,2. In other words, it is possible to make a battery out of bacteria, or more precisely, a fuel cell. Fuel cells differ from batteries in that they never go flat, so long as they are continuously fed with a source of chemical energy.  It is remarkably easy to make a simple fuel cell, using only mud, graphite art pens, wire, and a source of cellulose such as tissue paper. This makes the activity very suitable for a science extension or specialist class, or any class with an integrated STEM focus.

Activity: Stealing electrons from bacteria: making a microbial fuel cell.
Our extension students researched and made a microbial fuel cell, then visited Murdoch University to see a lab where such cells were being researched.

 

 

Figure 1 Construction of a microbial fuel cell

To Do

Step 1: Collect a polystyrene cup, two 6B graphite art blocks (Koh-i-Noor, www.koh-i-noor.eu, or similar), 2 lengths of 20cm insulated copper wire("old ethernet wire"), and silicone.

Step 2: Prepare the electrodes: Drill a small hole with a pin or pcb drill into the graphite. Strip some wire to make approximately 2cm of wire bare. Bend the bare wire end over so that it presses against the hole you drilled in the graphite and makes good electrical contact. Cover the bare wire joint, and the end of the graphite rod with silicone, and allow to dry for 24h. You may optionally attach a tube and a syringe connector to the electrode so that you can feed the microbes on it with other substances such as sugar.(Diabetic students (or staff !) with insulin pumps are great sources of this type of syringe connector!) (Fuel Cell Figure 1)


Step 3: Place one electrode on the bottom of the polystyrene cup and completely cover with creek mud, mixed with a small amount of torn up tissue paper (food for the microbes). You should have approximately the bottom quarter of the cup covered with mud and paper. (fuel Cell Figure 2)

Step 4: Gently fill the cup up with creek water. Place the other electrode and wire into the cup. Don't let the two electrodes touch!

Step 5: Connect a sensitive micro-ammeter (eg a multimeter set to read microamps) to measure the current flow between the two electrodes. It wont be much! It also is likely to decrease while you are measuring it. How does it change over time? What is the potential difference (voltage) between the two electrodes? (Fuel Cell Figure 3)

Possible extensions

Do the cells produce different amounts of energy when they are fed different types of chemicals (eg sucrose versus glucose vesus acetate?)

It is known (R. Cord, pers comm.) that if you “train” the microbial fuel cell by slowly decreasing the resistance of the external circuit, it becomes capable of producing more energy. What visible changes at the electrode surface accompany this? Can you selectively grow organisms that conduct electricity? It is known that such organisms may be important in some sediment communities³.

Can you design a more efficient fuel cell (the one you just made was very weak!)?. Think about flow rates, surface area, and oxygen transport.

Finally, here we all are at Murdoch University, in the lab of Dr Cord, looking at his fuel cells!

 

 

References

1.       Tweed, K (2012) http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/microbial-fuel-cell-treats-wastewater-harvests-energy/  accessed 16/07/2014

2.       Connolly, N; Yecha, P; Beyenal, H; Lantz, B; & Dewan, D (2009) http://voiland.wsu.edu/modules/2009/introduction_to_sediment.doc  accessed 16/07/2014

3.       Stromberg, J (2012) http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/live-wires-newly-discovered-seafloor-bacteria-conduct-electricity-92123933/ accessed 16/07/2014

[Andrew Gray]

Oh man we almost have Aus covered now! Great work guys please be sure to post back here if you start any web resources that can keep the rest of the Australian community up to date with your activities!  I'm Andrew from BioQuisitive in Melbourne add me on skype at Andrewyay8 

[BigSteve]

Hi Everyone,

What Happened:

We had a great meet-up at Clancy's in Fremantle yesterday. 

Harristotle offered a great wealth of formal and DIY experience and is well connected within WA.

Mike (from BioFoundry) discussed a number of the challenges and opportunities that come with creating a biohacking community.

There is already a fantastic network of DIYBio throughout Australia. We do not need to reinvent the wheel, we are not alone in this endeavor.

The handful of us who met yesterday are enthusiastic and motivated. We are confident that with some online exposure and time, many more people will become involved. It has become blindingly apparent that there is a LOT of garage and kitchen science happening in WA schools and homes, let us build on that!

In short, 2016 will be an exciting year for DIyBio in WA!

Short Term Plan:

As a community, it would be great to build the online presence and find out who else in WA is interested. Please cross-link to any other groups and spread the word!

Building an online group is delightfully free of cost and not reliant on anyone person. Post, Discuss, Argue, Collaborate!

Medium Term Plan:

I am hoping that we can engage with one of the maker-spaces in WA, it would be great if we could combine the creative talent and hacker/maker ethos.

Anyone involved in Artifactory or West Coast Makers, please raise your voice!

Another suggestion was to approach the various Universities from a Community-Engagement perspective. We should also aim to engage high-school or university students and teachers. There is a great deal of knowledge, expertise and energy out there.

Any students who are reading this, your involvement would be welcome! Experience or Level doesn't matter (I am a very proud high-school drop-out :) )

Something to start with:

In the meantime, Harristotle has posted an interesting, easy and safe experiment on this forum. It's a great place to start for getting your feet wet (or muddy).

Any posts about projects are welcome.

ACTION REQUIRED:

How about we plan for another meet-up at the end of January 2016?

The specific date and location around the greater Metro Area is flexible.

[Harristotle]

In typical style, I ignored the "Action required" bit.
I am happy to meet most places near a train.
Or ...
How about we meet at the Artifactory?

With this in mind, I have sent an email to see if they are open to this. Wed night (Arduino U) and sat afternoons are their most active times. It would also let us mingle and make contacts.

The email I sent is attached below.


Hi,
a bunch of people are looking to start up a biohackers group in Perth.
At our inaugural get together on the 29th of December, we noticed that there is a lot of overlap between our two groups of people.

Would it be possible to hold a get together for our people at the Artifactory, so we might meet some of your guys, and scope out any possibilities for interaction/collaboration? Our next meeting will be late in Jan 2016. I am thinking perhaps wed 23rd evening.

At this stage, we are busily trying to form our core community and group. I speak with no authority for no members. This makes this a "scoping" message. Nevertheless, I think that there are loads of room for common ground, and I know that a bit of biotech certainly spices up arduino projects!


Cheers,
Leon



Regards,
H.

[Biotech Ryan]

Congratulations guys on starting the community in Perth and glad you've connected with the team at Biofoundry, welcome to the DIYBio community! 

Let us know if you need any advice on getting started? I've been involved in the DIYbio community since the start with a few friends here in Silicon Valley and LA, together a bunch of us co-founded Sudo Room, Counter Culture Labs and Berkeley Biolabs (now LAblaunch and a few others too). 

I've also started a new site to link us all together, bio.science, to list and track new diybio spaces as they emerge and currently we (IndieBio) are trying to help fund a few more DIYBio type startups, feel free to apply if you'd like to join us here in SF or in Cork!

[BigSteve]

thanks for the support!

We're kind of stumbling our way at the moment. Any advice on "how to get started" would be welcome.

-Steve

[Andrew Gray]

man there are so many ways you can get started its both exciting and daunting at times. As you move forward your unique path will become more apparent. Input based on my experiences in Melbourne.

I guess the basics would be to have some sort of forum/social media/website (or all of them) for people to be able to stay up to date with whats going on re updates, events, etc... 

Passion and drive trump experience/knowledge in the early-medium stages, definitely a marathon vs a sprint mentality.

Be realistic about what you ask from others in your community, everyone is a volunteer, and life has a way of coming in to make things difficult so be understanding. A lot of strangers promised a lot of things but in the end you can only really expect from yourself, still open your arms to everyone :) Eventually, you will have a team that is in it for the long haul who have eachother's backs and its absolutely amazing.

talk to everyone you can about this too, whatever is your connection to biohacking/diybio should come from the heart, so that when you speak about it, people feel what you're talking about. There are so many ways biohacking can help make science, the economy, education better in Aus its not funny. Students, professors, creatives, talk to erbody. Whenever some one asks "hey how you doing", I always go into a mini pitch :P but it's interesting and people are generally happy/interested to hear about how you plan on making the world a better place, which we are right? Try to unify those garage scientists you guys mentioned, stay active, be strategic in how you reach out to people, and people will start to seek you out.

This is how BioHackMelb started, simple random reddit post (didn't have a huge impact, but it was a start, and thats the main thing!)
https://www.reddit.com/r/melbourne/comments/2s505k/biohackerdiybio_community_in_melbourne/

Start asking people like lab managers or building managers (whoever is in charge of equipment at unis, biotech, or research organizations) if they have stuff they don't need like glassware, tools, equipment etc. explaining the cause that its going to. I've always gotten good feedback from ice breaking emails like that from biotech...may not have always gotten equipment but it's spreading awareness that you're out there. While biotech and universities are an obvious go to, also check out IT, electronics shops and more. Posting pics of equipment will also give you a lot more traction as people see that this is something that is really happening even if you're not using the equipment until you get a space. Aim for the basics of whatever type of lab you want equipment wise...also remember you can make almost all of it now too, so maybe its worth checking out other hacker/makerspaces in your area to see if you can start making some equipment there. This doubles as a meetup/event and gets you networking with people that will be important to have good connections with in the future. Maybe they could potentially have space for you in the future to set up your lab in!

Keep having your meetings/workshops/events, eventually when you get like 5-6 people who really want to see this work you'll have enough people to form a board for a company get bank accounts, ABN etc.. Before you do this though you should have draft business model and have had a discussion about what your activities are, how you generate revenue, and create a few different versions of costing models to accommodate various set ups re the space and your activities. Also a "memorandum of understanding" or a similar code of conduct should be created that outlines how you all interface with each other clearly outlining what the expectations are from everyone in order to achieve your mission. This will prevent arguments from happening and quickly resolve them if they do. Also good to have a couple of "flagship" projects you want to dive into, but that really depends on how you guys decide to operate.

We were doing sausage sizzles all over the place for a while to get some cash, we'd get $150-$300 a day doing that, if you're also putting in like $25 each a month or something like that, you'll ensure you have at least some funds to cover admin costs of getting set up. Fundraisers are also a great way of meeting people and attracting new people to the scene, so if you can find out where the scientists live in your area, have BBQ's around those areas! Try to aim for a fundraiser every month, be creative about how you guys raise funds, more science involved the better!

Good rule of thumb is 6 months of operating costs in the bank (you'll need a bank account and before you get a bank account you'll want to think of what kind of set up you want regarding your company). Lawyers are handy but accountants can explain things a bit more in depth, both can help you tease apart the pros and cons of the various legal entities you can run your lab as. If you can find an accountant who believes in what you're doing and wants to work pro-bono, score.

Best advice i can give though is get organized! get some sort of task manager software going so you can keep track of what you're doing and what needs doing. It can be overwhelming just jumping into the deep end with so many possible things to get done and avenues to go down. 

It may be a bit too soon but i started looking at real estate for industrial zoned properties/rooms for rent like this in Perth
http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/welshpool/parking-storage/warehouse-space-to-let-in-welshpool/1099398185

$150 pw for a warehouse?! thats a bargain! basics to look for in a space is access to a toilet, at around16 M floor space minimum, able to be enclosed, electricity, good lighting, some sort of ventilation, water, or at least an option to install all of that yourself, and the ability to be able to seal up/paint surfaces that are porous (OGTR doesn't like porous surfaces ;) )

Don't beat yourself up if and when things don't go as planned, it's all part of the process, learn, reiterate and have fun!

Super happy to help via skype and provide feedback/advice on any and everything. 

Best of luck guys.

[Johannes Debler]

Hi there,

haven't looked at the list in a couple of weeks and missed the Perth meeting. Just wanted to put my hand up as very interested.

Cheers :-)

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[Benedict]

Thanks for the great advice Andrew! I didn't make it along to the meeting but am keen on coming to the next one.

I don't have any experience with DIYBio but am very interested to learn and help out however I can. My background is in software and entrepreneurship, I also have some experience building online communities. How do you guys feel about moving general discussions across to a different platform? I think Slack (slack.com) is a good option - it's free, easy to use and doesn't have the moderation headaches of setting up a forum. If so, I'll invite anyone who's interested to the DIYbio Perth team to discuss logistics for the next meeting.

Also happy to create a basic website and set up the infrastructure that we can use for keeping in touch with people, e.g. email newsletters.

[BigSteve]

Hi Benedict,

Thanks for setting up this Google Group! It would be great to set up a dedicated forum, I don't mind if it is here/slack/reddit.

I'm looking forward to the next meeting.

-Steve

[Benedict]

I think Slack is a good option. Reddit is fine for asking questions although it will be easier to organising meetings through Slack.

Since Slack is invite only, and I can't see anyone's email address in Google Groups - please fill out this form if you want to be added to the slack channel: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1uipoIFywqWmDlJ4c_Co8GLsavSicxasS1kX6qYCgK1w.

The team name is DIYbioPerth (https://diybioperth.slack.com) until someone comes up with something else.

[Michael Strack]

Hi all! Sorry it took me a while to reply. Yeah the meet-up was a good start. I'm based in Coffs Harbour but might get a job in Perth this year - tbc. I'm currently somewhat involved with BioFoundry in Sydney (mainly focusing on finishing my thesis though). Get in touch if you have any questions. I'm not going to make much progress on the biohacking stuff until after I submit my thesis in March, but looking forward to helping out more then.

Get in touch if you want to chat. Lots of ideas and work to be done, so I'd be ecstatic if someone wants to take the ball on this, but I'll get more involved after March.

mix...@gmail.com (hangouts)

michael-strack (skype)

@mixtrak (twitter)

[Biotech Ryan]

That was some super advice from Andrew and fully agree, this is a marathon not a sprint, funnily enough, I've seen and worked with dozens of groups globally as they were starting up and the difference between those that failed and those that succeeded was a focus on community first and physical infrastructure second (not the other way around), community trumps space, resources, equipment and money!

1. Use a group like meetup.com to start planning and having regular meetups, this will help grow the community, coffee shops, bars, pubs and etc are good first meeting places, get consistency and if you can have weekly meetings at first

2. Build a core team, i.e. people who get shit done, the rest of the community as Andrew pointed out is incredibly important but most people can't commit to regular effort, just occasional attendance and that's okay

3. Be visible - SUPER important for your group to have a forum and social media presence (twitter, facebook and website) this way people can find you!

I have to admit, Australia is now on the map with biohacker spaces and really looking forward to seeing how things evolve!

Onwards and Upwards!

Ryan

[BigSteve]

Thanks for the awesome advice, Ryan!

There's talk on the slack forum about having a get together this Thursday evening.
We'll post some more details once we sort out a venue.

-Steve

[BigSteve]

Current plan is to meet at the Grill'd at Cockburn Gateway which is near Cockburn Central Train Station.

I'll be there 6pm-8pm.

Anyone and everyone is welcome!

-Steve

[Rhiannon Morris]

Oh my goodness! Synthetic bio people in Perth!!!?? I had no idea that there were more of us!

Hello to all, I'm Rhiannon or Rhee. I'm a student in the synthetic biology lab at Harry Perkins. Glad to have found you all. Will have to alert my lab mates as to this forum.

[Johannes Debler]

Hey Rhee, you should join our Slack group. I have sent you an invite. :-)

2016-01-30 10:49 GMT+08:00 Rhiannon Morris <rhiann...@gmail.com>:

Oh my goodness! Synthetic bio people in Perth!!!?? I had no idea that there were more of us!

Hello to all, I'm Rhiannon or Rhee. I'm a student in the synthetic biology lab at Harry Perkins. Glad to have found you all. Will have to alert my lab mates as to this forum.

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[BigSteve]

Hi Everyone,

It has been a while since an update, but a lot has been happening!

I met with JJ Hastings last week, who was a WEALTH of advice and experience. I'll post a summary of the conversation shortly (I've been on a lot of night-shifts since then).

I visited Artifactory today. They have a great facility and an AWESOME attitude. They are excited by the idea of a collaboration. We are welcome to operate as a sub-group until we figure out a "grand plan" and become established. 

They have a few members who are interested in being involved with some of our discussed projects (eg. Arduino Temperature controller for thermocycler/incubator/brew-kit/solder-reflow oven/fibre-resin baking).

As of today, I have paid for a full-membership with 24/7 key access. DIYBioPerth can host activities there under my membership, with each attendee as a casual member ($10/day).

I appreciate that the casual fee is a sunk-cost for hosting activities, but means we can draw on the experience and tribal-knowledge of Artifactory. 

On advice of a number of people, I have created a Facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/diybioperth

please Like and Share the page! Please post as well.

[BigSteve]

FIRST EVENT:

Shall we hold our first event?

We have a tentative booking at The Artifactory for Saturday 20FEB2016 starting 3pm.

Hosting a hack-sprint would be fairly easy to set-up.

Attendees can construct Dremel-fuge centrifuges, inoculation loops and 3D print micro-pipettes. There is also the option for alcohol burners or bioreactors (as per the post by harrisotle). These would be "shiny things" for attendees to take home.

We could construct a Vertical Garden as per guidance by hirsch as a Group Project.

If there are enough people, there can be a side-lecture covering future planning or bio-safety.

Finish up with a BBQ and drinks.

Artifactory has CNC mills and 3D printers, I'm not sure of the print/mill time and we will need to check the material costs.

I would be aiming at $20-30/person. Casual attendance at the venue costs $10/person/day and the remaining $10-20 would be to cover materials. I don't want any one individual to be out of pocket...

What does everyone thing?

[BigSteve]

gah.. typo.. "what does everyone THINK?"

[BigSteve]

I've posted a summary of the meeting with jjhastings on the slack group.

Please check out:

https://diybioperth.slack.com/messages/general/

Read, comment, discuss!

[Nathan Thompson]

Hey DIY BIO in Perth! Great.
My name is Nathan, Ive interest and some experience.
Long time member of Artifactory, current SymbioticA resident and I help out at the Human Biology Lab at UWA .

Last year I built a DIY C02 Incubator to culture mammalian cells and a class 2 Sterile hood. It was for this artwork by Guy Ben-Ary: http://guybenary.com/work/cellf/

I cant make it to the next event as Im flying out of Australia that day but am keen to meetup when I return in April.

[Leon Harris]

Hey Nathan, great CO2 incubator.

Looksury lad, tha's looksury. When I were a wee lad, I had to make do with Eno and icecream containers.....

(Admittedly, I was culturing poilkilotherms).

Look forward to seeing you around.

Cheers,

Leon

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[BigSteve]

Hey everyone,

Met with Harrisotle the other day.

Let's go ahead with a meet-up at Artifactory on Saturday 20FEB2016 3-7pm (or parts there-of).

$15-20 per person for the event to cover materials, entry to Artifactory and BBQ at the end.

Current plan: Brief introductions at the start, hands-on building some tools (inoculating loop is an easy start), demo/show-case projects that people are happy to bring in, discuss what and when to have the next meet-up and finish with a BBQ.

Please give some input as to what you would like to do on the day. Any thoughts or input would be welcome.

-Steve

[BigSteve]

Hey everyone,

I've posted the event on the facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1700729653474050/

I'm happy to add some more admins for it. Please comment!

[BigSteve]

Looking forward to the meetup at Artifactory in Osborne Park!

[Andrew Gray]

Nathan,

Can we chat on the side about that custom made class 2 safety cabinet? I was at Guy's presentation in Melbourne recently and had a nerdgasm when i saw a custom Class 2 hood shaped like a cochlear bone canal. Had a chance to meet Stuart as well, but yeah would love to chat about it. We have an air hockey table we're thinking of turning into a mini Class 2 Cabinet!

Cheers,

Andrew.

[Nathan Thompson]

Hi Andrew.

Sorry for the late reply.
Ive been offline (intentionally) overseas, just got back.

Work on cellF is to ramp up again very soon.
Im by no means expert on these things... just someone that experiments incessantly.

Happy to help out anyway I can.

Im actually coming to Melbourne for some gigs around April 19-22.
If there is time we can meet in person.

Kind regards
Nathan

---

Date: Fri, 18 Mar 2016 05:01:50 -0700
From: andrew....@gmail.com
To: diy...@googlegroups.com
Subject: [DIYbio] Re: Perth (Australia) Group

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[BigSteve]

Hey everyone,

A couple of us will be meeting up at Artifactory today (02APR) at 3pm. Harrisotle is setting up a DNA extraction demo that we will be photo-documenting to post online.

Come along to meet the people, have a look at the facilities and maybe learn some MAD-SCIENCE!

[Philip Wijesinghe]

Hi Everyone!

Really great to see DIYbio spreading to Perth! I've been watching what you've been doing on the east coast - it's super impressive. But I've only noticed this group a few days ago.

I'm really keen to join in. I'm a postgrad at the optical+biomedical engineering labs at UWA. 

I've been trying to do some DIYbio for some time now - from the engineering side..

We already have 5-6 students working on a paper microscope project (based of the foldscope from stanford), which was run at 3 schools already.

I'm mentoring a few student from the UWA Makers club, and we're trying to build a really cheap automated x,y + focus DIY microscope within a cell incubator so we can take timelapses of growing cells through a web interface.

Any more meeting lining up soon?

Philip

[Leon Harris]

Hi Phillip.

Four of my students from Willetton SHS are currently doing this.

Would you be interested in talking to them?

Cheers,

Leon Harris

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[Philip Wijesinghe]

Hi Leon,

Happy to talk to them.

What's their project?

[Michael Strack]

Howdy all.

I'm visiting Perth from 25th June to 4th July.

Would be great to catch up. Sunday 26th work for anyone?

Also going to SupaNova on Saturday 25th if anyone wants to join me in geekery =p

[BigSteve]

Hey Mike!

I'm working on Sunday 26 and Monday 27 June. I have some free time on the Saturday and during the week.

What would work for you? What would work for everyone else?

-Steve

[Philip Wijesinghe]

[cross-post from facebook]

Hi All. Anyone interested in a meetup in the near future? There seem to be 3-4 different diyBio/maker related groups and projects in Perth, running somewhat independently (and on different social media and team comms apps). It would be good to join in collective efforts.

Also, would anyone be keen on participating in the BiohackAcademy 2017 (~30Jan17 for 2.5 month), if I start looking at feasibility and sorting logistics to host it in Perth?

https://waag.org/en/project/biohack-academy-biofactory

Also, anyone keen on doing the upcoming GovHack? https://www.govhack.org/

Cheers,

Philip

[Leo Mason]

Hi philip.
I am definitely interested in a meetup soon and would also be super keen on a biohack academy workshop if we can get it happening in perth.

Interesting you say there are a few groups here as I've only found one at the artifactory and been to a single meeting.
Like you say it would be a good idea to all team up/collaborate as i dont think its very organised here yet.
Could you post links to the other diybio/maker spaces so i can check it out?
Cheers

[Philip Wijesinghe]

Hi Leo,

Maybe it's too strong to call each a diyBio/makerspace, but

At UWA

I'm running a small group of students who are working on building an diy automated incubator+microscope with the goal of monitoring cell growth in developmental and synthetic bio. I'm also trying to pull off some diy tissue decellularisation + monitoring with an optical coherence microscopy system.

There is always SymbioticA - quite known in the bioart space (see Nathan above).

UWA has a makerspace: http://www.web.uwa.edu.au/engage/innovation-quarter/current-prototypes#new_div_2830652

They are running a few bio related projects.

UWA is also ramping up bioprinting (less diy, more professional research)

Another student group is working on a project similar to the stanford foldscope: http://www.foldscope.com/ , going around schools.

The problem I see is that there is a disconnect between higher research and students, and students and 'citizen' scientists.

I'm trying to help solve this to some extent. This is part of the agenda of the new uwa bioengineering program, so there is hope.

I think a lot has to do with lack of awareness through social / web media. (I've applied for both free uwa and externally funded web space a few months ago, but it's taking quite a while)

Many of these projects have started only this year, with the exception of SymbioticA, so it will take some time to establish a good presence.

I know diyBio is supposed to be somewhat decentralised from university, but so far it's been much easier finding space, money and participants here.

BTW, there is an open day on the 14th Aug, if you want to check out all of these.

With biohack academy, it looks like it is quite intense and quite pricey (~4k euro + 500 per person). And it is held right in the middle of when I am supposed to submit my phd. 

I will apply for funding, hopefully to waive most of out of pocket expenses. Or alternatively, I'll see if we can do a 'lite' version.

Cheers,

Philip

[Andrew Gray]

Hey Philip,

I'd have to agree with what you're saying regarding how there is a part for DIYbio to play in the formal science ecosystem. Here in Melbourne, many of our members are students, and members of the formal science ecosystem are very supportive of this movement, every now and then some are skeptical but once they come in to check it out, their concerns tend to be eroded away.  We've also been able to help out with some fairly big studies being done by Universities through coordinating projects and volunteers here in Melbourne through our DIYbio space.

UWA is lucky to have someone like you supporting this though, at my University Monash, students are trying to move something similar along. A maker space that has both a maker side and a DIYbio component but the safety/OH&S is too difficult, and many lecturers and University staff are skeptical about supporting DIYbio. Thankfully now there is a precedent being set! Keep up the good work!

[BigSteve]

Hi Philip,

Thanks for reaching out! I've involved with the Artifactory group

The Biohack academy sounds amazing! What would it take to make it happen?

It sounds like there will be another Artifactory meet-up in September, it would be great to collaborate!

-Steve

[Philip Wijesinghe]

Hi All,

Andrew - thanks for the kind words. Student engagement and the whole atmosphere seems to be more energetic at UWA than when I was an undegrad : I have high hopes for the new bioengineering and data science degrees, and all that will come with it. Thanks for taking the time to mentor and nurture us, really appreciated.

Steve - are you very active at the Arifactory? I'm asking because I'm really interested in checking out the space.

With biohack academy: there was the first organiser's conference call last Tuesday.

It will run from the 31st Jan 2017 for 10 weeks. Each week we would be expected to put in no less than 25 hours (2hrs lectures+2hrs discussion \ 5 hrs organisation \ 16 hours in a lab/makerspace) - this is the first hurdle.

The second hurdle is the costs. For recommended ~10 participants per 2 organisers, the costs are roughly $1k per head. $10k total. Not many people, especially students, have that kind of money, especially if they are giving up so much time.

I'm applying for funding from the UWA to cover most of the costs. I've started outlining a detailed budget estimate - I'll share it once it is done, and we'll see if there is space to trim.

Third is space - we need 3 days\week access to a somewhat clean lab with basic sink/fridge/labcoats etc. This is the least of the problems as there are a few places where we may be able to do it.

Cheers

Philip

[Benedict]

Hey all,

Just a reminder that we've got a meeting at Artifactory this Saturday (3rd) at 2pm - all are welcome. Leon will be walking us through building a magnetic stirrer (I'll bring some liquid cultures to be stirred). I was hoping we'd get to use the laser cutter to create some equipment but I need to get some training and the acrylic we need is on order - we'll do it next time instead.

If anyone else has something they'd like to share, please bring it along.

Cheers,

Benedict

[Nathan Thompson]

Hi Benedict, Philip, Leon and all other Perth based Outsider Biologists.

This Saturday the 3rd, 2pm at the Artifactory looks interesting.
Oron Catts, Christine, Ito and myself from SymbioticA UWA will be attending to check things out.

Looking forward to it.
Regards
Nathan

---

Date: Sun, 28 Aug 2016 21:50:13 -0700
From: bjn...@gmail.com

To: diy...@googlegroups.com
Subject: [DIYbio] Re: Perth (Australia) Group

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[mix...@gmail.com]

G’day all,

 

Fortuitously, I’m moving back to Perth today and might tag along on Saturday if that’s alright?

 

Cheers,

 

Mike

 

Michael Strack
PhD candidate, Macquarie University
Department of Biological Sciences
Ecotoxicology and Freshwater Ecology lab
+61 434 920 666
http://www.twitter.com/mixtrak

 

From: Nathan Thompson
Sent: Wednesday, 31 August 2016 12:49
To: diy...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: [DIYbio] Re: Perth (Australia) Group

 

Hi Benedict, Philip, Leon and all other Perth based Outsider Biologists.

This Saturday the 3rd, 2pm at the Artifactory looks interesting.
Oron Catts, Christine, Ito and myself from SymbioticA UWA will be attending to check things out.

Looking forward to it.
Regards
Nathan

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/diybio/BLU176-W41C3F649E7541C4CC303F5C7E30%40phx.gbl.

[Benedict]

Sounds good Mike, cya there. So everyone's aware, it's $10 if you're not a member of the Artifactory.

[mix...@gmail.com]

Come down with a cold! Shan’t make it today, unforch. Have fun, and see you at a future event!

 

Michael Strack
PhD candidate, Macquarie University
Department of Biological Sciences
Ecotoxicology and Freshwater Ecology lab
+61 434 920 666
http://www.twitter.com/mixtrak

 

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/diybio/4f070a20-9d44-4928-8270-f92ab6179f34%40googlegroups.com.

[Michael Strack]

Hi all. I just moved back to Perth, so I'm keen to get people together for a chat. Particularly interested to see if anyone else wants to start a lab space in the next 6-12 months, and to start planning that. Anyone interested? Sometime in the next week or two, perhaps?

[BigSteve]

Hey Mike!!!

Welcome bad to WA!

I'm on leave for next week and can meet up between Wednesday through till Sunday. What would suit you?

Anyone else keen for a social meet?

-Steve

[mix...@gmail.com]

How's Friday from 1730 at Varsity Bar in Nedlands?

 

Sent from my Windows 10 phone

 

From: BigSteve
Sent: Thursday, 22 September 2016 19:28
To: DIYbio
Subject: [DIYbio] Re: Perth (Australia) Group

 

Hey Mike!!!

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[BigSteve]

I'll be there!!!

[Philip Wijesinghe]

Keen to join - i can make it to varsity 

[Philip Wijesinghe]

Guys-sorry work stuff came up, so I won't be able to make it, but I'm keen to hear the outcomes and join in next time - phil

[mix...@gmail.com]

Hmm... given lack of people to attend and how busy I am this week, Steve, would you mind if we take a raincheck?

 

Cheers,

 

Mike

 

Michael Strack
PhD candidate, Macquarie University
Department of Biological Sciences
Ecotoxicology and Freshwater Ecology lab
+61 434 920 666
http://www.twitter.com/mixtrak

 

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[BigSteve]

Sure thing! Lets plan for in a week or two?

[Michael Strack]

Actually, let's organise a meeting at Artifactory so anyone who hasn't had the chance (i.e. me) can check out the facilities and meet people. Then it'd be good to talk lab spaces, equipment, organisation structure, funding, projects... just throwing ideas around at this stage, to catch up with what you've already done and plan some stuff for the next 6 - 12 months as a group.

How's Saturday 15th October, around 3 pm? At this stage I'm free...

Once we settle on a rough date/time we can reach out to Artifactory and make sure there's someone there to chat with.

[Philip Wijesinghe]

Sounds good.

You should head over to the facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/diybioperth/ 

Might get a better turnout.

Cheers,

Philip

[mix...@gmail.com]

Yeah, cheers mate – didn’t know about that one.

 

Sent from my Windows 10 phone

 

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[Michael Strack]

Sorry everyone, I have to pull out again. Too much going on settling in - I'm not normally this flaky, I promise! Out of interest, would a Sunday Artifactory visit work for many people? Saturdays are difficult for me.

[BigSteve]

I'm on a rotating shift roster.. very much depends on the weekend.
Can do this Sunday or next Sunday.

Either of those work for anyone?

-Steve