New Award expands global connections for Australian Science

An award was announced at the AusBiotech 2006 Conference in Sydney, giving Australian scientists at the forefront of Australian medical research an opportunity to build their networks within the global arena and follow in the footsteps of Australian of the Year, Ian Frazer, taking his Australian research into the HPV vaccine to the global market.

The Advancing BioBusiness Award is being piloted by Merck Sharp & Dohme and Advance.

The award will provide the next generation of leaders in Australian biotechnology with access to leading institutions, companies and individuals in the US involved in commercialising life sciences.

Through the award, two Australian scientists will attend the BIO International Convention in Boston, May 2007, as well as participate in a tailored program of meetings with leading organisations involved in the life sciences sector.

The Australian Biotech industry has boomed from around 190 core companies in 2001 to over 420 in 2006, and the sector employed about 6100 workers in 2005.

But while Australian science is thriving, industry leaders are under no illusion about the challenge of commercialisation.

"Australian science is rich in ideas and innovation," says Professor Ian Frazer.

"But the best medical discoveries will not help one person unless we understand the commercialisation process and can navigate the journey from compound to life-changing or life-saving medicine."

Applications for the Advancing BioBusiness Award are invited from Australian-based scientists who have completed their post-doctoral training and are conducting research in an institution or biotech company in Australia.

Application forms containing full details and conditions can be obtained from the following websites:
www.msd-australia.com.au
www.advance.org.