Over 300 representatives of the Australian biotechnology sector will form a delegation to the 2018 BIO International Convention, led by AusBiotech in partnership with MTPConnect.
The convention, which this year will be held in Boston, is the biggest annual gathering of the global biotechnology and life sciences sectors.
Australia has consistently had one of the single largest delegations to the convention and this year will be no different. The delegation welcomes the participation of government with federal health minister Greg Hunt attending and speaking at this year’s convention.
The government’s participation follows the recent 2018-19 Budget in which the Turnbull government confirmed investment in clinical trials would be exempted from changes to the R&D Tax Incentive program. It also announced the exemption of placebos from changes to import tariff arrangements.
AusBiotech welcomed these decisions and believes it reflects the wider understanding of our sector’s contribution to the Australian economy.
The sector’s contribution continues to grow with support from researchers, research institutions, investors and policy-makers.
The introduction of programs like the Medical Research Future Fund, including the Biomedical Translation Fund, have further energised the sector and provided an all-important boost in confidence and financial support in what is an increasingly competitive global environment.
These are positive messages our 300-strong delegation with take to the 2018 BIO International Convention in Boston.