A strategic partnership agreement between Griffith University's Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics (IBG) and Burnet Institute will strengthen biomedical research, innovation and health outcomes in Australia and internationally.
Announced today at the AusBiotech International Conference on the Gold Coast, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will see Burnet Institute and IBG establish a research relationship that leverages their respective research and technology development strengths through collaborative research programs.
Griffith's Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) Professor Lee Smith welcomed the partnership announcement and research benefits it would bring to the industry.
"Burnet Institute is an internationally recognised medical research institute dedicated to improving health equity through research, education and public health initiatives," Professor Smith said.
"I'm delighted this partnership will enhance research in infectious diseases, global health, diagnostics, epidemiology, and international health programs."
Burnet's work complements the research being undertaken at IBG, a leading institute with internationally recognised strengths in drug and vaccine discovery, and translational research.
IBG Executive Director Professor Paul Clarke said both institutes shared a commitment to translating research into improved health outcomes.
"Together we aim to address the challenges in infectious diseases, diagnostics, First Peoples health, global health, and precision medicine whilst seeking to establish a long-term framework which supports collaborative research excellence, research, workforce development, and health impact," Professor Clarke said.
Although the strategic collaboration will cover a variety of projects, one specific area of endeavour is the development of a novel diagnostic platform that will have application in cancer and infectious diseases.
Burnet Institute Director and CEO Professor Brendan Crabb AC said the partnership reflected a shared ambition to make advances in biomedical research accessible to more people.
"This partnership brings together expertise that can help us tackle shared research challenges and develop new diagnostics, treatments and vaccines," he said.
"Working with Griffith University creates opportunities to bring together complementary research strengths and accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries into solutions that improve health in Australia and across the wider region."
Burnet Institute Director of Commercialisation and Research Translation Jen Barnessaid:
"We look forward to working with the Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics to explore new opportunities for research translation."
"An exciting area of potential is bringing Burnet's ISO-certified diagnostic development capability together with Griffith's therapeutic research programs to explore the development of companion diagnostics and help advance promising discoveries towards clinical application."
