Researchers in the life sciences looking to forge closer links with industry could be given financial help under a new scheme launched by one of Australia's leading convention centres.
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) and Life
Sciences Queensland (LSQ) have launched a bursary to support next-generation
bio innovation leaders and help cement the region’s reputation as a leader in
life sciences.
The bursary is a 30th birthday legacy initiative of
BCEC’s Convention Advocates Partnership, which unites senior academics and
industry leaders to support Brisbane’s bids for international meetings.
Since its inception in 2010, the network has helped secure
163 national and international conferences at BCEC, generating A$358m in
economic impact and reinforcing the city’s reputation as an Asia-Pacific hub
for innovation.
Bursary partner LSQ represents more than 100 members in Queensland’s
life sciences industry, and connects government and research organisations.
Queensland’s
life sciences industry contributes A$2bn in gross value-added, employs
12,400 people, and generates an estimated A$534m in export value.
BCEC general manager Kym Guesdon, said the legacy bursary,
which is available to mid-career researchers across Australia looking to
strengthen industry collaboration and research impact in the life sciences, was
an investment in future talent and would strengthen ‘the connections between
research and industry that drive global impact’.
Incoming LSQ chair Professor Frank Gannon and Convention
Advocate, praised BCEC for facilitating partnerships and conversations that had
‘elevated Queensland’s global profile’
“We’re proud to collaborate with the centre on an initiative
that not only supports individual researchers but strengthens the entire
ecosystem for bio innovation in Queensland.”
