Health minister Greg Hunt will be joining the BIO Digital 2020 International Plenary, addressing 'How are global leaders collaborating to combat the pandemic?'
For the first year ever, the annual BIO International Convention is being delivered in a digital format due to the travel restrictions in place due to COVID-19. Hosted by the Biotechnology Innovation Organisation (BIO), it is the largest and most influential global event for the biotechnology industry. This year more than 6,500 biotechnology and pharma leaders from more than 60 countries will congregate virtually.
AusBiotech has led the Australian delegation to BIO for more than ten years, and while it is regrettable that we cannot gather in person, Australia’s strong presence will continue to be felt at BIO Digital 2020.
The International Plenary aims to answer how governments, regulatory agencies and the global biotech sector are cooperating to combat the current pandemic and facilitate the development of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments.
The Covid-19 pandemic is creating unprecedented healthcare challenges with far-reaching effects yet to be measured. There is a need for greater global collaboration and communication throughout the life sciences ecosystem and the public.
Speakers joining the panel with Minister Hunt include: Dr Ami Appelbaum, Chairman of the Board, Israel Innovation Authority and Chief Scientist, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Israel; Her Excellency Agnès Pannier-Runacher, Secretary of State to the Minister of Economy and Finance, France; Steve Bates, Chief Executive Officer, UK BioIndustry Association (BIA); and Christophe Bourdon, Vice President and General Manger, Oncology (US operations), Amgen. It will be moderated by Chris Smith, Virologist and Podcast Host, The Naked Scientist.
The panel will be broadcast on 10 June 2020, 1:30 AM - 2:55 AM AEST, and will be available to view online afterwards.
Lorraine Chiroiu, AusBiotech CEO, will deliver a 'Global Innovation Hubs' presentation on behalf of Australia. 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.
The strength of the Australian life sciences across the states will also be present, with Queensland, Victoria and South Australia also presenting at the Congress.
These on-demand presentations will also be available for 30 days after BIO Digital ends and will be included as part of the ‘Company Presentations’ online.
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 is enthusiastic to reconvene next year, as travel allows, to continue leading the Team Australia delegation in person, and to host 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.
