MTPConnect and ARCS Australia sign MoU

The Medical Technologies and Pharmaceuticals Growth Centre (MTPConnect) and ARCS Australia have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that will officially recognise ARCS as one of MTPConnect’s education affiliates.

MTPConnect was formed in November 2015 as part of the federal government’s $248 million Industry Growth Centres Initiative to accelerate the rate of growth of the MTP sector. ARCS, meanwhile, is a professional development association for people working in the development of therapeutic goods. The MoU sees the two not-for-profit organisations agreeing to work together for the benefit of the medtech, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry.

Speaking at the signing ceremony at the ARCS Scientific Congress yesterday, MTPConnect Chair Dr Bronwyn Evans noted the importance of upskilling the sector in order to drive growth.

“ARCS is well respected for its role in the education, training and networking of people working in the scientific disciplines of regulatory affairs, clinical research, health economics, medical affairs, medical information, pharmacovigilance and associated disciplines in the MTP sector, with a 2000-person strong membership,” she said.

“This expertise in education dovetails with MTPConnect’s remit to maximise the sector’s competitive advantage and establish Australia as an Asia–Pacific hub for medical technology, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.

“Our affiliation with ARCS will certainly assist in achieving this goal, and we are anticipating similar MoUs with key industry organisations to support the breadth of our remit in future.”

ARCS Australia CEO Dr Shanny Dyer agreed, saying, “The goals and objectives of ARCS and MTPConnect are complementary and, through our formal affiliation, we are able to amplify our efforts for the sector as a whole.

“In particular, we can jointly promote the capabilities and capacity of Australia in the sector; provide a hub for training, professional development, certification and qualifications; and build a skilled and knowledgeable workforce in Australia — all vital components for a globally competitive MTP sector.”