Murphy moves up to the ministry

BioMelbourne Network CEO Tim Murphy is leaving the organisation he has led for six years to take up a senior advisory position on innovation to the new Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator Kim Carr.

The role will encompass the whole innovation agenda, from services through to the traditional areas of innovation such as science and technology, Murphy said.

His main focus for the first half of the year will be the review of the national innovation system, announced by Carr last month. The review will be chaired by Dr Terry Cutler and will examine the multitude of assistance packages and programs available to industry from all levels of government.

"The focus is to really look at the whole system, every element of it, and give it a good shake if it needs it," Murphy said.

"We have a once in a generation opportunity to see where we are competitive globally and what we can do nationally and in relation to the states on how we can work collectively to strengthen our position.

"There will be discussion on taxation, discussion on collaboration and the whole CRC (co-operative research centres) model, collaboration on the state and federal relationship. Everything is on the table."

Murphy said the entire innovation landscape was exciting. "Science and tech should also be excited that the focus is well and truly on them."

Murphy will finish at BioMelbourne Network on February 29 and jump straight into his new position, starting in the minister's office on March 3.

He has a science background, having worked as a researcher at the Peter McCallum Cancer Centre for a couple of years, and has experience in the arts, tertiary education and business.

He has a master's degree in business and worked on the development of Melbourne's Federation Square before helping to establish the network with the Committee for Melbourne, the City of Melbourne and the state government.

The network now has about 200 members, including biotech and pharma companies, the major research institutes and government agencies.

Murphy said his successor has not yet been chosen but the chairman of the network's board, Dr John Ruff, will lead a panel to select a replacement. A statement will be issued in the next fortnight outlining interim measures until a new CEO can be appointed, he said.