As Australia’s life sciences sector deepens its global engagement, the need to manage foreign interference risks has become an increasingly important consideration for organisations operating across borders.
Responding to this evolving landscape, AusBiotech has partnered with the Department of Home Affairs’ Technology Foreign Interference Taskforce (TechFIT) and CSL to deliver a dedicated Biotech Masterclass focused on managing foreign interference risks effectively.
The in-person masterclass, to be held in central Melbourne on Thursday, 5 February, will bring together leaders from biotechnology, medical technologies, digital health, and research.
Designed as a highly practical, three-hour workshop, the program aims to strengthen organisational awareness, governance, and decision-making capability, while recognising the importance of openness and collaboration in driving innovation and commercialisation across the life sciences ecosystem.
Australia’s life sciences industry continues to expand its international footprint through global research partnerships, foreign investment, and commercial collaboration. While these connections are critical to growth and innovation, they also introduce new and complex risk considerations. The masterclass has been developed to support organisations in navigating this complexity, providing clear, accessible guidance that enables confident, appropriate engagement with international partners.
Participants will receive practical insights into key issues that arise when collaborating with, or receiving investment from, foreign entities. Topics will include governance frameworks, due diligence processes, and risk mitigation strategies tailored specifically to the life sciences context. A central feature of the program will be interactive, worked case studies drawn from real-world scenarios, allowing attendees to explore challenges and responses in a structured and supported environment.
AusBiotech’s Director of Government and Policy, Karyn McIntosh, said the masterclass reflects the organisation’s commitment to building practical capability across the sector and strengthening engagement between industry and government experts. She noted that life sciences play a critical role in Australia’s economic resilience and health security, and that the sector’s inherently global outlook makes effective risk management essential. The masterclass, she said, is designed to equip organisations with the knowledge and confidence to manage risk while continuing to pursue international collaboration and investment that supports long-term growth and innovation.
Delivered by TechFIT, the program draws on specialist expertise in foreign interference risk management, governance, and compliance, and has been tailored to be relevant for organisations of all sizes, including small and medium-sized enterprises. The event will conclude with a networking lunch, providing attendees with an opportunity to connect with peers, share insights, and continue discussions sparked during the workshop.