Queensland innovator honoured at international BIO congress

Brisbane-based life sciences industry leader Mario Pennisi has been awarded the prestigious BIO Leadership and Legacy Award in Industrial Biotechnology and Agriculture at the 16th BIO World Congress in Des Moines, Iowa.

The award is presented to a person who has shown exemplary leadership and who has dedicated a significant portion of their career to advancing industrial biotechnology and growing the bio-based economy.

Speaking from the congress, Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick congratulated Mr Pennisi on the award, which recognises 30 years of dedication to the pursuit of life sciences.

“As Queenslanders, we’re proud of this significant achievement by one of our own,” Mr Dick said.

“It’s a huge accolade for Mario, and so very well deserved.

“Mario has been pivotal in building Queensland’s international reputation for world-leading medical and bioscience research.

“He’s now also the first person from the Asia-Pacific region to receive this award, which shows the high regard both he and our state are held in when it comes to biotech.”

Mr Pennisi is resident director of Elo Life Systems and the former CEO of peak industry group Life Sciences Queensland. He is also a member of the Queensland Government Biofutures Industry Advisory Group.

The 2019 BIO World Congress on Industrial Biotechnology has taken place in Des Moines, Iowa, with more than 900 attendees representing over 570 companies from 35 countries.

Queensland is the only Australian state government represented at the BIO World Congress, which is a forum to share the latest advancements in biofuels, synthetic biology, food ingredients, enzymes and renewable chemicals.

The Queensland Pavilion at BIO World Congress is delivered in partnership with the Queensland Government, Life Sciences Queensland, the University of Queensland and QUT.

ENDS

Media contact: Ben Doyle 0400 775 561