AusBiotech has delivered is 2024-25 Annual Report outlining a pivotal year of renewal, growth, and strengthened national advocacy on behalf of Australia's life science sector.
Chair of AusBiotech, Dr James Campbell, said the past year has been "both transformational and defining" for the organisation.
"The role of national peak bodies has never been more important, as critical sectors like ours navigate global headwinds and shifting geopolitical dynamics. These pressures demand agility and leadership, and AusBiotech has shown up where it matters for our members.
"Across the 2024-25 financial year, AusBiotech invested in new capabilities, built stronger advocacy and communications functions, and enhanced our member engagement, ensuring we are a trusted advocate, connector, and enabler for our thriving ecosystem," Dr Campbell said.
AusBiotech CEO, Rebekah Cassidy, said the report comes at a pivotal time as the sector navigates complex global challenges and expanding opportunities.
"Every day, our members deliver health and medical breakthroughs that not only change lives, but also have the potential to strengthen Australia's economic resilience, health security and homegrown capability," Ms Cassidy said.
"As our sector matures and the global environment continues to shift, our role as the national peak body is clear: to advocate, convene, and amplify the collective voice of more than 3,000 members shaping the future of Australian life sciences here and globally."
This year's report reinforces the enormous potential of Australia's life sciences sector, which is home to more than 2,900 organisations and employs one in every 60 Australian workers. Key highlights from the year include:
• Policy leadership: Advanced a revitalised advocacy and policy agenda that strengthened our wide-ranging discussions with governments, regulators, and international partners.
• Convening the ecosystem: Hosted flagship events that engaged more than 7,000 people nationwide, including the largest-ever AusBiotech and AusMedtech conferences, and the inaugural Women in Life Sciences Leadership Summit, alongside our continued state events and new webinars.
• Global engagement: Strengthened bilateral and multilateral relationships, including progressing the proposed Australia–UK BioBridge, engaging as Australia's member of the International Council of Biotechnology Organisations, and continuing to strengthen cross-border collaborations with peak international peers.
• Sustainable growth: Invested strategically in organisational capabilities, supported by a strong financial position and continued growth in membership and event revenue.
As the sector continues to mature, AusBiotech is calling for greater recognition of life sciences as a national priority and stands ready to support members and government partners in realising the sector's extraordinary potential in Australia and on the international stage.
"Over the past year, we have transformed every part of our organisation. From advocacy to member engagement, with investments in new capabilities, programs, and strategic projects designed to better position us for long-term growth.
"With continued sustainable financial investment, a renewed strategic policy agenda and strong cross-sector partnerships, AusBiotech is well positioned to support the growth of our sector and cement our sector's role in shaping a healthier, more innovative and prosperous Australia, " said Rebekah.
