AusBiotech to host inaugural Australia China Life Science Summit

In acknowledgement of the leading role China is expected to take in the future of life sciences globally, AusBiotech will hold the inaugural Australia China Life Science Summit to share knowledge and gain expert views and experiences from others who have successfully created linkages and developed partnerships in the region.

"The Asian Century has already seen a shifting focus on science and technology. Investment in research and development has increased by more than 20% in China. The rate at which Asia develops and adopts technology will continue to accelerate in coming decades, shaping the future prosperity of our region," said Dr Sally Gras, in a series titled 'Australia in the Asian Century' (The Conversation, Oct 2012).

China has made a clear commitment to develop life sciences with biotechnology set as one of seven priority industries in China's 12th Five Year Plan. Australia and China have together established a joint Science and Research Fund, and China is expected to become the second largest pharmaceutical market in the world by 2015.

Registration is now open for the event, to be held 26 - 27 March 2013 in Melbourne. The Summit is an excellent educational and networking opportunity, and will bring together key stakeholders from Australia and China to discuss China's life science industry landscape. Key speakers include:

• The Hon John Brumby - Former Victorian Premier, Vice-Chancellor's Professorial Fellow at the University of Melbourne and Monash University and Director, Huawei Technologies (China)
• The Honorable William S. Cohen, Former U.S. Senator and Defense Secretary, Chairman of The Cohen Group and Senior Advisor to DLA Piper, Vice Chairman, US-China Business Council
• Dr Mona Chung, Deakin University, Cross Cultural Interactions
• Ms Fatima Beattie, Deputy Director General, IP Australia
• Dr Janette Dixon, Vice President Global Business Development, QRx Pharma
• DLA Piper
• Australia China Business Council
• Dr Julian Chick, Chief Operating Officer, Allied Healthcare Group
• Professor Andrew Wilks, Executive Chairman, SYNthesis
• FB Rice
• Burnet Institute

For more information and registration the Summit website. Early bird is open until 15 February.

For further information on sponsorship and program opportunities contact Hayley Laing or +61 (3) 9828 1400