National Drug Discovery Centre: Fast-Tracking Medicines

Fast-tracking the latest scientific discoveries into new medicines

The National Drug Discovery Centre is a state-of-the-art research facility that performs small‑molecule screening for academic, biotechnology and pharmaceutical partners. We support projects of all sizes – from assay development or hit‑to‑lead support, through to ultra‑high‑throughput screening of more than 1 million compounds.

For academic labs, biotechnology companies and pharmaceutical partners – both Australian and international
Biochemical and cell-based assays
From assay development through to hit discovery and early lead optimisation

What we offer

We provide a fully staffed, industry-grade facility, built to run high-quality campaigns at scale, delivering robust and reproducible data.

National Drug Discovery Centre researcher

Advanced screening technologies at the National Drug Discovery Centre.

Assay capabilities

Our facilities are equipped with three ultra-high throughput robotic platforms for biochemical and cell-based assays. Each configurable system combines incubation, plate handling and automated liquid handling, enabling a wide range of detection modes.

Absorbance, fluorescence and luminescence
FRET, including time-resolved
Fluorescence polarisation
Rapid fluorescence imaging (FLIPR)
High-content imaging
Acoustic ejection mass spectrometry
High-throughput flow cytometry

We can advise on suitable technologies or help adapt your existing assay for high‑throughput screening.

What is our subsidised screening program?

Discovery Access

Our Discovery Access scheme enables eligible researchers from Australian research organisations and small‑to‑medium enterprises to apply for a heavily subsidised high‑throughput screen of up to 300,000 compounds, supported by the Australian Government and Therapeutic Innovation Australia (TIA). Structurally‑enabled projects may also benefit from parallel virtual screening at the Bio21 Institute, expanding the search space for new hits.

The subsidy covers 90% of the actual campaign cost. Indicative pricing for a subsidised screening campaign under the Discovery Access program is around $45,000, representing savings of over $400,000.

A limited number of screens are awarded in competitive application rounds, assessed by an independent panel of drug discovery experts.

If you’d like to be considered in future rounds, contact us early to discuss your project and sign up for occasional email alerts on key dates and deadlines.

Get in touch

1

Meet assay readiness requirements

Download requirements

2

Complete the mutual confidentiality agreement

Download agreement

3

Request a login for the secure online application portal

Contact us

4

Complete the online application

Apply now

To be eligible for a subsidised Discovery Access screen, your assay must meet these minimum readiness criteria.

Competitive applications will also demonstrate:

A strong scientific rationale
Clear novelty or innovation
Alignment with an unmet medical need
A feasible path to translation or further development

These factors are considered by the independent selection panel in addition to technical assay suitability.

Need help meeting these requirements?

If you need assistance meeting these requirements, we’re here to help. Reach out to our team today to discuss your options. In some cases, access vouchers may be available for assay development support.

What does a subsidised screen cost?

Applicants from Australian research institutes and small-to-medium enterprises may be eligible to apply for a screening subsidy, generously sponsored by the Australian Government and Therapeutic Innovation Australia.

This subsidy reduces the outlay for a standard screening campaign to a small fraction of the actual cost of running it. Subsidised screens will be awarded competitively through bi-annual selection rounds. Successful applications are chosen by an independent panel of drug discovery experts from around Australia.

The charges for a subsidised project vary but would typically be only around $45,000 to screen a library of 300,000 small molecules, provided that the assay can be miniaturised to 1536-well format by our staff.

Researchers who are ineligible to apply for subsidised screens are still encouraged to contact us regarding the possibility of collaborative or contract-based projects.