Biotechnology in Canberra

Canberra has established capability in a number of niche markets in the biotechnology sector including plant science, neuroscience, hypertension, immunology, genetics and medical services and devices. This strong R&D core has underpinned the growth of Canberra's biotechnology industry. Successful commercialisation strategies have resulted in the spin-off of over 24 firms from Canberra’s R&D institutions.

Canberra's well-established world-class scientific institutions and research centres contribute to Canberra's scientific base and infrastructure, providing a strong foundation for specialist biotechnology research.

Canberra possesses a range of world-class strategic infrastructure in the area of biotechnology, including the Australian National University, the Australian Defence Force Academy, the Research School of Biological Sciences, the John Curtin School of Medical Research, the University of Canberra, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and the National Health Sciences Centre.

• Canberra is home to 5% of Australia's dedicated biotechnology companies. Per capita, this equates to more than twice as many biotechnology companies in Australia overall and the highest in ratio versus population of all States and Territories in Australia.
• Of the total $642 million spent on public sector R&D in Canberra (12% of the national spend) during 2000/01, approximately $177 million was spent on biotechnology R&D.
• 13% of National Biotechnology Industry Funds have been awarded to Canberra companies.
• The Australian National University is ranked 97th in the world for the quality of its immunology research.
• The John Curtin School of Medical Research has received several international awards, including two Nobel Prizes.
• The CSIRO is responsible for around 10% of Australia’s research and development activities, and is ranked in the top five research institutions in the world for environment/ecology and agricultural sciences.

Canberra's biotechnology industry including its research institutions employs about 650 people. Although most of these jobs are in research, an ever-increasing number of jobs are focussed on commercialising biotechnology research. The Australian Phenomics Facility, located in Canberra, is also home to Australia's largest biotechnology start-up, the Phenomix Corporation.

Canberra's capabilities and research institutions make it well placed to capitalise on the potential and global growth of this new and exciting industry. The biotechnology industry in Canberra is an expanding sector that is increasingly focussing on the commercialisation of biotechnology research. For instance, industry leaders have estimated that the biotechnology industry in Canberra could employ up to 4000 people by the year 2010. This estimate demonstrates that Canberra's biotechnology industry is a growth sector that is building upon the strong R&D culture that exists in the industry.

Australia-New Zealand Biotech Alliance (ANZBA)

The ACT Government is a member of a number of national organisations and committees that aim to streamline and have a cooperative approach to biotechnology industry development at a national level.

The Australia-New Zealand Biotech Alliance (ANZBA) is a partnership to promote leading R&D and business opportunities in the region, working directly with industry and the research sector. The members of the ANZBA are the Australian Sate and Territory Governments and the Government of New Zealand. For further information visit the ANZBA website www.biotechalliance.org

• Outstanding research undertaken at the ANU's John Curtin School of Medical Research resulting in several international awards, including two Nobel Prizes.
• Phenomix Corporation - Australia's largest biotechnology start-up, and a global leader in mouse phenomics - a highly valued branch of biotechnology used by pharmaceutical companies worldwide to test their drugs and chemicals.
• FDT Visual Field Instrument - a portable and affordable screening instrument for glaucoma which provides test results within minutes.
• Human vaccine development programs particularly for the lungs and middle ear.
• Novel strategies and technologies based on use of immunity-based contraceptive approaches for control of important vertebrate pests such as foxes, mice, rabbits and carp.

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