This year’s annual Australian delegation to the largest biotech event in the world is the most impressive participation seen to date, with all major states represented on the Australian pavilion, and over 150 companies standing united in the delegation. AusBiotech is leading the Australian contingent at the BIO International Convention 2019 in Philadelphia this week, with the Australian Pavilion as the focal point..
The increased participation from the across the country demonstrates the value and significance of life sciences to the Australian economy. Australian delegates includes: Hon Annastacia Palaszczuk MP, Premier of Queensland and Minister for Trade; Hon Roger Cook, Deputy Premier, Minister for Health, Government of Western Australia; Hon Kate Jones MP, Minister for Innovation and Tourism Industry Development, Queensland Government; Prof Peter Klinken AC, Chief Scientist of Western Australia; Prof Paul Bertsch, Chief Scientist of Queensland; Emeritus Professor Peter Andrews AO, Queensland’s first Chief Scientist; Prof Ian Frazer AC, University of Queensland, Chair of the Medical Research Future Fund; Adriana Platona, First Assistant Secretary, Department of Health; and Erica Kneipp, Assistant Secretary, Office of Medical Research.
The Australian presence will be prominent at the Australian pavilion. The pavilion showcases Australian companies, promotes the strength of the Australian life sciences, and fosters the global connections with its overseas counterparts. The pavilion features major federal supporters: the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, Department of Health, MTPConnect, and Austrade, as well as being supported by New South Wales Government, Queensland Government, South Australian Government, Victorian Government, and Western Australian Government and the City of Perth.
The annual BIO International Convention, hosted by the Biotechnology Innovation Organisation (BIO), is the largest and most influential global event for the biotechnology industry. It draws more than 16,000 biotechnology and pharma leaders from over 7,000 companies and 67 countries, including over 1,800 exhibitors and 800 speakers.
AusBiotech will hold the Australian Wine Tasting Event today, a hallmark feature of the Australian Pavilion. The event draws BIO delegates from all corners of the exhibition hall and the globe to the national exhibit.
Lorraine Chiroiu, AusBiotech CEO, will deliver a Global Innovation Hubs presentation on behalf of Australia tomorrow. This presentation will highlight Australia’s competitive advantage in the life sciences by sharing the top reasons to partner and invest in the Australian sector. Presentations from the Western Australia state government and Queensland will follow.
Ms Chiroiu is also speaking on the Changing Global Face of Biotechnology: Opportunities and Challenges for Healthcare Systems panel, highlighting industry’s role in innovation, and shedding light on some of the opportunities and challenges being faced in the wake of new technology breakthroughs.
AusBiotech will be participating in a meeting with the International Council of Biotechnology Associations (ICBA). This meeting gives high-level government officials from ICBA member countries the opportunity to highlight the monumental innovation agenda in their country, share best practices in fostering an innovative biotechnology sector and learn about new life-saving technologies under development by the industry.
The annual mission to BIO is closely aligned with AusBiotech’s strategic plan, which seeks to facilitate global engagement in strong established markets, including North America and growth markets in Asia. AusBiotech has led the Australian delegation to BIO for more than ten years.