As the country returns after the festive break and the realities of ‘COVID-normal’ and the respective New Year’s resolutions settle on us, AusBiotech starts the year focused on leadership in policy, and a resolution to continue committed advocacy for innovation in life sciences.
With the life sciences industry under the spotlight and being recognised as it never has before, now is the time to be ambitious about how the biotechnology industry cannot just help solve problems, but also generate the long-term economic growth and social capital that will be needed as we emerge from the current pandemic.
Resolution one: Help us write the Biotech Blueprint - Australia’s life science industry’s decadal framework.
If Australia is to build on the critical mass that has been established to date, strong alignment between industry and government over the coming decade will be key.
AusBiotech is developing and leading this important plan. The plan will be valuable, visionary, and dynamic and, as the national voice of Australia’s life science industry, AusBiotech’s Biotech Blueprint is an opportunity for the industry to speak with one voice to governments, identifying key policy priorities that can deliver benefits both for the industry and for the nation as a whole.
The six draft goals that will underpin and drive industry growth through to 2030 are being finalised, following consultation in 2020. As the plan is progressed through 2021, AusBiotech aims to provoke discussion and debate, and to reflect what a vibrant and valuable Australian biotechnology industry could look like in another decade from now.
Resolution two: engage through major Australian life science events
Continuing to facilitate opportunities for investment discussions, collaborations and partnerships is crucial for the growth of Australian life sciences sector and ultimately for continuing Australia’s position in the life sciences sector globally.
AusBiotech’s 2021 events programme is already underway, connecting with international companies virtually during JP Morgan week to demonstrate the value of Australia's clinical trial and medical innovation advantages. Working in Australia offers a compelling opportunity for clinical trials, and this webcast will showcase the country’s opportunities and capabilities that can be taken advantage of.
Save the dates below for more key industry events.
- Australia showcase: clinical trials and medical innovation advantages: JP Morgan week – 14 Jan (PST)/15 Jan (AEDT), online live
- Industry Update – QLD: 20 January, online live
- Industry Update – WA: 10 February, online live
- BioCheers: kicking off from March 2021
- AusMedtech 2021, 17-21 May, online live
- BIO Digital 2021: 14 – 17 June - watch this space for more information!
- Australia Biotech Invest & Partnering, 26 October, online live
- AusBiotech 2021, 27 – 29 October, Brisbane
AusBiotech’s events are run by the industry for the industry. As a not-for-profit organisation, all event registrations are reinvested into driving the industry forward towards its short and long-term goals.
Resolution three: Blow the candles out as we celebrate 35 years
This year marks an important anniversary: your industry organisation has been providing more than 35 years of national representation and advocacy of Australian biotechnology. From humble beginnings with less than 100 members in 1986, AusBiotech has grown to become a strong well-connected, 3,000+ member community representing the entire value chain of biotechnology development.
AusBiotech has representation in each Australian state providing a national network to support members and promote the commercialisation of Australian bioscience in the national and international marketplaces.
Throughout 2021, AusBiotech will celebrate the milestone, the work that we have accomplished together, and the opportunities available to industry to drive the sector forward.
This year is already shaping up to be an exciting year with much to celebrate. Your industry body looks forward to a successful year as it continues to work with you and on your behalf as it facilitates the international growth of the sector.