A new cancer research facility will be built at the University of NSW.

The Commonwealth government has outlined AUD$6.5 million in urgent funding for 33 research projects aiming to prevent, detect or control avian influenza and other respiratory disease outbreaks.

The Commonwealth government has confirmed that it will add 1.8 million courses of Relenza to the National Medical Stockpile in preparation for a possible influenza pandemic.

Sydney antimicrobial developer Biosignal (ASX:BOS) has been awarded a AUD$1.5 million Commonwealth government grant to develop new antibacterial coatings for medical implants and devices.

Ruth Beran asked Sir Gustav Nossal about Australia's latest institute -- which just happens to bear his name.

Sunshine Heart (ASX:SHC) has raised AUD$3.3 million through a private placement to fund the development of its C-Pulse heart assist device.

Unlisted Melbourne biotech Hatchtech has been awarded a AUD$2.4 million AusIndustry Commercial Ready grant to support its head lice treatment R&D program.

The latest commonwealth government funding announcement for health and medical research will see AUD$292 million allocated to more than 600 projects across 52 Australian universities, hospitals and medical research institutes.

Premier Bionics (ASX:PBI) subsidiary Pulmosonix will continue with the development of its PulmoScreen device which measures lung damage following the successful completion of a proof-of-concept trial.

The Western Australian branch of industry association AusBiotech has held a forum to examine the issues facing agricultural biotechnology in the state, and the challenges that must be faced if it is to move forward.

Brisbane cancer-drug developer Progen Industries (ASX:PGL, NASDAQ:PGLAF) has been offered and intends to accept a AUD$3.39 million AusIndustry "Commercial Ready" grant for further development of the company's drug discovery program over the next three years.