Queensland partners extend research as biotech delegates meet

Queensland medical and healthcare research has been boosted by a three-year extension of the Johnson & Johnson Innovation Partnering Office at Queensland University of Technology.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk made the announcement as delegates gathered in Brisbane for the AusBiotech National Conference, sponsored by the Queensland Government.

The Johnson & Johnson Innovation Partnering Office @ QUT initiative was launched by the Premier in 2016 and delivers valuable support to Queensland’s life sciences industry by accelerating the commercialisation of health technologies to the market place

“The agreement between the Queensland Government, Johnson & Johnson Innovation and Queensland University of Technology was established to enable innovative research and development,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“This three year extension will help deliver new products to the worldwide market, supporting emerging pharmaceutical, medical device and consumer healthcare start-up businesses and researchers across Queensland.

“This is a commitment to pioneering in our life sciences industry and will support jobs to feed into one of my Government’s key priorities to create jobs in a strong economy.”

Queensland is hosting the AusBiotech National Conference for the third time in six years, bringing together hundreds of national and international delegates.

Innovation Minister Kate Jones said the Government’s $650 million Advance Queensland initiative has backed more than 3600 innovators across the State so far, with their projects supporting more than 12,500 jobs.

“Queensland is internationally-recognised as a centre of life sciences, which is good for our jobs market and for healthcare, medicine and science worldwide,” Ms Jones said.

"Researchers here are world leaders in viral, bacterial and parasitic infection, vaccine research and drug discovery, with tropical diseases a particular strength.

“I join with the Premier in welcoming delegates to Brisbane for AusBiotech 2018.”

Media Contact:Premier’s office - Chris O’Brien 0419 774 004

Minister Jones’ office – Jack Harbour 0419 620 447