A unique partnership between the Andrews Labor Government and biopharmaceutical company Pfizer is set to advance Victoria's standing as a world leader in mRNA research.
Through mRNA Victoria, the Labor Government will support a fellowship for one Victorian based researcher to spend up to nine months working at Pfizer's Emerging Science and Innovation Unit RNA Accelerator in the United States next year.
The mRNA Victoria and Pfizer Joint Industry Fellowship is open to early career researchers working at a Victorian university or research institute in a related field with a strong RNA background.
The successful applicant will have the chance to gain valuable knowledge and skills at Pfizer's recently established accelerator centre, specifically set up to advance potential applications of mRNA technology.
The Fellowship is part of the Government's strong relationship with Pfizer and joint aim to increase global collaboration opportunities with Victorian researchers.
mRNA Victoria and Pfizer will together cover a portion of the costs including travel, accommodation and living expenses for the nine months of the Fellowship.
mRNA technology has most recently been applied successfully to COVID-19 vaccines and has potential application across a range of diseases and conditions, including HIV, muscular dystrophy, Alzheimer's and cancer.
The Government has invested $1.3 billion in medical research since 2014 and has helped create more than 100,000 direct and indirect full-time jobs in the state's biotech sector.
Further information on the fellowship and application process is available at djpr.vic.gov.au/medical-research/initiatives/mrna-victoriaExternal Link.
As stated by Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford
"Victoria's medical research capability is world class, and this is another opportunity to showcase that expertise and knowledge."
"It's why Melbourne has been chosen by Moderna, the Cummings Pandemic Therapeutics Centre and many other global firms as one of the great world centres for medical research."
"This new Fellowship will see many benefits for Victorians, from future breakthroughs and job opportunities."
