AusBiotech 2023 national conference kicks off today in Brisbane, attracting a record-breaking number of delegates from 22 different nations.
Held in Brisbane from 1-3 November, Australia's biggest week in biotech features its flagship event, AusBiotech 2023, which today launches with more than 1,200 registered delegates.
Running for more than 37 years, AusBiotech 2023 features an industry-led programme with more than 170 speakers across 50 sessions developed to inform, educate, celebrate, and inspire the life science community.
Australia's largest life science conference also provides an opportunity for industry professionals from Australia and around the world to connect and develop meaningful connections with the aim of advancing biotech.
Key highlights include: Emeritus Professor Ian Frazer, The University of Queensland; Director, Microba, who will address Australia's biotechnology landscape, the challenges, opportunities, and solutions to building a successful life sciences ecosystem and bioeconomy; Professor Michelle Haber, Executive Director, Children's Cancer Institute, will share her inspiring story on developing novel therapeutic and diagnostic approaches to improve the outcome of children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and neuroblastoma; and Dr Sam Costello, CEO & Co-founder, BiomeBank, will deliver a keynote on donor-derived microbiome therapies, after BiomeBank became the first company globally to receive regulatory approval for a donor-derived microbiome therapy.
AusBiotech Lorraine Chiroiu says, "AusBiotech 2023 aims to lift the profile of Australia's biotechnology industry, share new and ground-breaking knowledge, connect companies, and facilitate access to greater funding sources for companies to develop world-class science into therapies, diagnostics and medical devices.
"This year's record-breaking turn out highlights the growing relevance and importance of the biotechnology industry in Australia."
The Queensland Government has embraced the opportunity with two ministers in attendance. The Deputy Premier Dr. Steven Miles will join CEO Lorraine Chiroiu to open AusBiotech 2023 and will speak at the conference's Welcome Reception; while Hon. Cameron Dick MP, Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment, will speak at the Conference Dinner.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Queensland's life sciences sector was booming.
"This sector employs over 13,000 people and already injects more than $2.2 billion into the state's economy annually, with an estimated export value of more than $534 million," Ms Palaszczuk said.
"As the home of cutting-edge medical research like mRNA vaccine development and needle-free vaccine delivery, we're creating a wealth of opportunities for Queensland's best and brightest minds."
"We're only looking to grow from here with the opportunities from Queensland's Quantum and Advanced Technology Strategy for medicines, diagnostics and sports tech."
Deputy Premier Steven Miles said Queensland was going from strength to strength as the place to work and invest in science.
"Queensland is fast becoming a globally competitive research and innovation hub thanks to our government's investment in state-of-the-art facilities, talent attraction and partnerships," Mr Miles said.
"Importantly, we're growing high-value industries and jobs of the future for Queenslanders, while driving the development of new healthcare solutions on home soil."
AusBiotech 2023 is created by industry, for industry. This year's programme includes a one-day AgriBiotech Summit, the Early-Stage Innovation Forum, a conference dinner, and pre-conference workshops and clinical trials dinner.
AusBiotech 2023 is proudly supported by Host State Partner the Queensland Government.
