International BioFest 2016 is coming to Melbourne

From 24–27 October 2016, Melbourne Convention Centre will play host to International BioFest — a series of three major life sciences conferences taking place at the one time.

Hosted by AusBiotech, the conference series will focus on innovation in Australian public policy. It includes:

• 17th International Biotechnology Symposium (IBS 2016), presenting the most advanced issues in biotechnology green chemistry and its related fields.
• AusBiotech 2016, providing a vital forum to gather, learn and connect and the flagship event to advance Australia’s life sciences sector.
• Australia Biotech Invest 2016, Australia’s life science investment showcase.

The event will feature more than 270 biotechnology experts from around the world and include 100 exhibitors representing industry, research and investment in the life sciences. Almost 40% of delegates are expected to attend from overseas, travelling from almost 40 countries.

The conference will also draw a large delegation of pharmaceutical companies, including Bristol-Myers Squibb, which is seeking investment opportunities in Australia’s world-class pipeline of biotechnology. AusPartnering, AusBiotech’s business matching program, will facilitate meetings between delegates and a host of satellite events will offer valuable networking opportunities.

“The International BioFest offers a holistic view of the global biotechnology ecosystem with events dedicated to academia, industry and investment,” said AusBiotech CEO Glenn Cross. “Drawing researchers, industry leaders, investors and companies to Melbourne, it facilitates valuable discussion in life sciences innovation and offers outstanding networking opportunities to delegates.”

The event will be headlined by life science researchers such as 3D bioprinting expert Professor Gordon Wallace (University of Wollongong) and wound healing researcher Professor Sally McArthur (Swinburne University). Professor Wallace is investigating the potential to print living cells, which can be used to tailor treatments, while Professor McArthur is developing wound dressings that attract bacteria out of the wound and into the dressing.

Other speakers will include:

• Paul Perreault, CEO and Managing Director, CSL, USA.
• Distinguished Professor Margaret Brimble, Chair of Organic Chemistry and Director of Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Auckland, describing how the discovery and development of peptide therapeutics become cancer vaccines and agents to treat neurogenetic disorders, infectious disease and diabetes.
• Radek Sali, CEO, Swisse Wellness, presenting The Science of Swisse.
• Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, Chief Science Advisor to the Prime Minister, Office of the Prime Minister, New Zealand, discussing biotechnology and innovation, risk and precaution.
• Professor Dennis Liotta, Executive Director Emory Institute for Drug Development, Emory College, Atlanta USA, exploring  A new model for drug development in academic institutions.
• Professor Ian Gust AO, delivering the Millis Oration and reflecting on the biotechnology industry past.
• Professor Laura Cipolla, Milano-Bicocca University, Italy, presenting nanostructured biomaterials for tissue regeneration.
• Dr Kade Roberts, Senior Research Scientist, Monash University, talking about improving ‘last resort’ antibiotics.

To view the full program, registration details and further information, visit www.internationalbiofest.org.