History of AGTA
The Association was built on the generous support of the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) in the form of DNA Resource funds received in 2001. This funding underpinned the early development of DNA microarrays in Australia and provided the means to support communication amongst genomics service providers and researchers. It enabled the distribution and printing of long oligonucleotide microarray libraries across Australia, the ground breaking genome technology of the time, via a distributed funding model with state-based nodes or genomic facilities.
In 2003 at the 3rd Annual Microarray Conference held at Couran Cove, Qld, attendees voted to incorporate an Association to serve as a multi-disciplinary professional and educational forum for the use of microarray and associated technologies in Australasia. It was called the Australasian Microarray and Associated Technologies Association (AMATA). The success of this model and the recouping of funds from the purchase of microarray reagents meant that AMATA had residual funds at the end of the funding period. With confirmation from the ACRF that the residual funds could be used to support the Association, AMATA was formally incorporated in 2004. In the same year, AMATA meetings were officially changed from regular small meetings to annual conferences.
In 2013, the Association’s members voted for a name change to reflect the rapid advances in genome technologies. It is now called the Australasian Genomic Technologies Association Inc. (AGTA Inc.). The Association became a registered charity in 2015 (Education category) and celebrated its 20th Annual Conference in 2022 on the Sunshine Coast, Qld.
Major milestones
2023
New Statutory Rules in place governing incorporated associations in force (Nov. 18th, 2023)
AGTA co-hosts the International Congress Genetics 2023 (Melb.) providing significant conference surplus to the Association.
2015
AGTA becomes a registered charity (ACNC)
AGTA registers its new ‘Model Rules’ / Constitution with CAV.
2012
New Associations Incorporation Act
2012 released
2011
Name change to Australasian Genomic Technologies Association (AGTA inc) registered with CAV.
2004
First AMATA AGM (2004 conference,
Fremantle WA)
2003
AMATA becomes incorporated Association (Vic.)
#A0046227B
2002
Purchase of long oligo libraries from Compugen
Repayment scheme
2001
1st National Microarray Conference
(Melbourne)
2000
Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF) funding – “Distribution of Nucleotide Arrays (DNA) Resource”
Monthly teleconferences of ACRF DNA Resource Committee commence.
Past Presidents
Mark Cowley
2023 – 2025
Marcel Dinger
2020 – 2022
Vikki Marshall
2018 – 2019
Mark Waltham
2016 – 2017
Ruby Lin
2014 – 2015
Daniel Catchpoole
2012 – 2013
Gordon Smyth
2010 – 2011
Sean Grimmond
2008 – 2009
Rik Thompson
2004 – 2007
Founders
A number of scientists with great foresight were major drivers founding the establishment and development of the Association.
- Emeritus Prof. Ian Dawes
- Prof. Rik Thompson
- Prof. Simon Foote
- Prof. John Mattick
- Prof. Sean Grimmond
- Prof. Nigel Swanson
- Prof. Mark Waltham
- Prof. David Bowtell
Founding Node Leaders
The distributed funding model enabled DNA microarray libraries to be centrally managed and shared with cancer research centres across Australia. These libraries were then arrayed using existing equipment, allowing researchers—regardless of their affiliation with a specific genomic facility—to access and use them. This approach helped Australia establish one of the most extensive, integrated, and collaborative array consortiums in the world. The following list of AMATA nodes and their leaders highlight the other group of founders of the Association.
ACT
Facility: The Australian National University (ANU)
Node Leader: Chris Goodnow
NSW
Facility 1: The Ramaciotti Centre for Genomics
Node Leader: Ian Dawes
Facility 2: Garvan Institute of Medical Research
Node Leaders: Chris Ormandy & Robert Sutherland
QLD
Facility 1: QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute
Node Leader: Martin Lavin
Facility 2: Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland
Node Leader: Sean Grimmond
SA
Facility: Flinders University
Node Leader: Wayne Tilley
TAS
Facility: University of Tasmania
Node Leader: James Vickers
VIC
Facility 1: The Postgraduate Medical Council of Victoria
Node Leaders: David Bowtell & Andrew Holloway
Facility 2: University of Melbourne
Node Leader: Erik Thompson
Facility 3: St Vincent’s Hospital
Node Leader: Mark Waltham
Facility 4: Australian Genome Research Facility (AGRF)
Node Leaders: Stephen Wilcox & Sue Forrest
Facility 5: Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI)
Node Leader: Terry Speed
WA
Facility 1: University of Western Australia
Node Leader: Richard Lake
Facility 2: Lotteries
Node Leader: Nigel Swanson