About Us - Department of Economic Development and Tourism

Press Release
Sunday, 26 October 2008

Michael Aird, MLC
Minister for Economic Development

Tasmania ’s Biotechnology Industry Showcased to the Nation

Some of Tasmania’s finest biotech researchers and company representatives will attend Australia’s leading biotechnology conference for the Asia Pacific region this week.

The Department of Economic Development and Tourism will lead the delegation to the AusBiotech 2008 ‘Building a Bioeconomy’ conference to be held in Melbourne from today until Wednesday.

Five Tasmanian organisations will be represented on a Tasmanian Government stand at the biotechnology exhibition – Marinova, Xderma, Menzies Research Institute, the Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science, and the School of Pharmacy from the University of Tasmania.

The Minister for Economic Development, Michael Aird, said the conference would focus on important biotechnology areas such as climate, food, health and fuels, as well as opportunities for investment.

“The Tasmanian Government stand will assist in promoting the state’s biotechnology capabilities, and attract investment and collaboration in the state’s biotechnology sector,” Mr Aird said.

“The conference will provide an excellent opportunity for the Tasmanian delegates to network, gather knowledge and learn more about what Tasmanian scientists can do to further develop our biotechnology industry.

“Event organisers are expecting more than 1500 delegates from both Australia and internationally including business professionals, policy makers, investors, and scientists.

“It provides an excellent platform for Tasmanian companies to stay abreast on what is happening in biotechnology throughout the country to stay competitive.

“Tasmanian organisations will have the chance to discuss deals and form partnerships to develop products and markets.

“Developing the state’s biotechnology industry is part of our vision for growing the Tasmanian economy.”

The organisations making up the AusBiotech 2008 contingent are:

Marinova – an innovative marine biotech company, Marinova extracts compounds from seaweed for use in a variety of pharmaceuticals and ‘over the counter’ products.

Xderma – a newly-formed company developing evidenced-based topical animal and human health products from a Tasmanian native plant species

Menzies Research Institute – an established centre for population health research with a global reputation in epidemiology and expanding roles in genetics, clinical epidemiology and biomedical research.

Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science - an internationally respected centre working in the field of separation sciences, with research structured into focused programs providing fundamental and applied outcomes for chemical and biochemical analysis.

University of Tasmania – a key research institution in the biotech industry in Tasmania, UTAS offers a bachelor degree in Biotechnology and has internationally-recognised strengths in the areas of agricultural, marine science and chemistry.

Further information:

Margaret Lindley 6233 2451