From a ‘game-changing’ koala chlamydia vaccine to a trial of a needle-free flu vaccine, the University of the Sunshine Coast’s success in research and bioinnovation has been recognised at today’s Life Sciences Queensland GENE Awards.
UniSC Clinical Trials was presented with the Cytiva Company of the Year Award that celebrates an outstanding company that has made a significant impact on the biotechnology sector over the past year.
UniSC Professor of Microbiology Peter Timms, a global expert in chlamydial infections in both humans and animals, was awarded the Merck Life Science Rural and Regional Service Award for his dedication to the ongoing success and sustainability of Queensland’s life sciences industry.
Professor Abigail Elizur, who is the Director of UniSC’s Centre for Bioinnovation, was a finalist in the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute Woman of Influence Award.
UniSC Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Helen Bartlett, said it was an outstanding result for the University and reflected its commitment to increasing knowledge and finding solutions focused on ensuring healthier people and a healthier planet.
“Professor Peter Timms is a talented, devoted researcher whose contribution to chlamydial disease research spans decades, including supervising a UniSC research team that leads international research and development of new diagnostics and treatments,” Professor Bartlett said.
“He has taken applied research through to a real-world vaccine roll-out for one of Australia’s iconic and endangered animals, the koala, with a recent study confirming the UniSC vaccine can reduce deaths from the disease in wild populations by at least 65 percent.”
Professor Timms was previously recognised for his extraordinary scientific contribution to Queensland when presented with the Queensland Great Award in 2022.
Professor Bartlett said UniSC’s Clinical Trials had built an enviable international reputation for delivering safe, high-quality, patient-centric research.
“This involves clinical investigations of vaccines and potential treatments for a range of chronic diseases and illnesses – including cancer, heart disease and stroke, dementia and diabetes – and testing medical devices across all phases of development.
“This award also recognises the valuable partnerships that UniSC Clinical Trials establishes with medical experts and industry, locally and globally, to advance healthcare outcomes and improve access to innovative new therapies, devices and diagnostics across communities,” she said.
“Over the past year alone, over 2,000 participants were enrolled in approximately 45 clinical trials that brought more than $14 million to Queensland, with future projects potentially adding more than $20 million to the local economy.
“Based on this success, UniSC is set to double its clinical trials capacity on the Sunshine Coast and at Moreton Bay, in a $11.5 million expansion project.”
Professor Bartlett also congratulated Professor Elizur on being a finalist in the GENE Awards, an acknowledgement of her dedication across more than 30 years to increasing understanding of aquaculture molecular biology and biotechnology.
“Professor Elizur has been instrumental in building an internationally recognised research group at UniSC that is focused on developing and implementing novel tools in the field of reproductive technologies in aquaculture species,” Professor Bartlett said.
The Award Ceremony at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre was attended by around 200 scientists, industry leaders, research executives and policy makers.
The GENE Awards celebrate the contributions and advancements made by the life sciences sector in Queensland that made a significant local and global impact.
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