Government news
- Adelaide Integrated Biosciences Laboratories launched
- Inaugural Biotechnology Symposium
- International science and innovation projects
- Queensland Innovation Minister congratulates clinical trial facility
Adelaide Integrated Biosciences Laboratories launched
September 18 – A new initiative between Bio Innovation SA, South Australia's three universities, and key bioscience research institutes aims to allow new and existing major bioscience research equipment to be shared by the bioscience research community. The program is known as the Adelaide Integrated Bioscience Laboratories is expected to encourage industry to work with the universities and research institutes, leading to commercialisation of research. The structure of the initiative involves four 'nodes': Flinders University; Adelaide Central (University of Adelaide, University of South Australia – School of Pharmacy, IMVS/Hanson Institute, Child Health Research Institute, and the proposed Adelaide Medical Research Institute for Women's and Children's Health); Waite (University of Adelaide, Australian Genome Facility, Australian Centre for Plant Functional Genomics, Australian Wine Research Institute, and the South Australian Research & Development Institute); and Mawson Lakes (Ian Wark Research Institute, University of South Australia). Each node comprises specialised equipment and expertise.
[Source: Bio Innovation SA]
Inaugural Biotechnology Symposium
September 23 – Australian Science Minister Peter McGauran recently opened the first annual Biotechnology Symposium, comprising more than 100 representatives from investment businesses, biotechnology firms and researchers. Addressing the conference in Sydney, MrMcGauran highlighted the importance of collaboration between researchers, industry and investors. The Biotechnology Symposium aims to bring together all the stakeholders needed to develop and commercialise a biotech idea.
[Source: Ministerial Media Release]
International science and innovation projects
September 25 – Australian researchers are to take part in a number of international research projects with the potential to deliver breakthroughs in a diverse range of areas, including the treatment of brain disorders. Australian Science Minister Peter McGauran said the A$2m program will strengthen international collaboration for researchers in areas such as biotechnology. The funding is aimed at researchers from a range of organisations including private companies, research agencies, universities and cooperative research centres. The next round of competitive grants takes place in October this year.
[Source: Ministerial Media Release]
Queensland Innovation Minister congratulates clinical trial facility
September 16 – Queensland's Innovation Minister Paul Lucas has congratulated the state's only Phase I clinical trial facility, Q-Pharm on its first year of operation. Throughout the year the facility has conducted 18 trials, including a major US contract involving a new heroin addiction treatment. 33 trials are already scheduled for next year, and next month Q-Pharm will start a contract with EpiTan to test a skin-tanning drug candidate, Melonotan. Q-Pharm is a joint venture between the Queensland Institute of Medical Research and the University of Queensland.
[Source: Ministerial Media Release]
