Monash Memo - 25 July 2001

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Biomedical research attracts global interest

Monash took its biomedical research to the world at the recent Bio2001 international biotechnology conference in San Diego, California.

The conference, attended by Victorian Premier Mr Steve Bracks and State and Regional Development Minister Mr John Brumby, attracted about 16,000 delegates, making it the largest biotechnology conference ever held.

Bio2001 gave Monash an opportunity to launch its research on a global stage, build recognition and awareness of its new consortium, Monash Institutes of Health (MIH) and promote Australian technology and capabilities.

Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences dean Professor Nick Saunders led the MIH delegation, which included representatives from the Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development, Monash Research Cluster for Biomedicine, Baker Medical Research Institute, and Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research.

"We wanted to capitalise on the major investments in biotechnology research, development and commercialisation that we are making at Monash," Professor Saunders said.

"This was an excellent opportunity for us to showcase our expertise and capabilities and to look for new partnerships and opportunities.

"The benefits that flow on include excellent education, research and training facilities for our students and staff and the ability to ensure that Australia reaps the rewards from its own research, with subsequent economic benefits and employment opportunities."

Developments resulting from Bio2001 will include:

• a series of symposiums held by MIH for selected Australian and international venture capital groups to showcase opportunities within the MIH research portfolio for potential investors;
• the availability of a national synchrotron facility to be built at Monash;
• the announcement by Monash-affiliated start-up company ES Cells International Pty Ltd that it was ready to provide stem cells for the international market through its collaboration with researchers in Singapore and Israel; and
• new opportunities for two Monash start-up businesses, CopyRat and IngenKo, to provide gene technology related to rats and mice to international companies, particularly in North America.

For further information, contact Mr David Ward on extn 55971 or at david.ward@med. monash.edu.au or by accessing the website www.monashinstitutes.org.