MTP Connection | November 2020 No images? Click here Message from the MD & CEOAs the MTP sector continues to rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic, it faces the ongoing challenge of developing, attracting and retaining world-class talent. The sector is also facing a period of transformation as it develops new research and manufacturing efforts to drive economic growth. This month we released the 'MTPConnect REDI Program Skills Gap Analysis Interim Report’ - the first of three medical technology, biotechnology and pharmaceutical sector workforce reports we’re delivering as part of the Researcher Exchange and Development within Industry (REDI) program. In partnership with L.E.K. Consulting, we engaged widely across the sector to identify areas of workforce shortage, strength and competitive advantage. With nearly 1,300 companies and 68,000 jobs, the sector is a major contributor to the Australian economy - but the report identifies some high priority skills gaps which need urgent attention if we are to create a future ready workforce today. Not only have we identified the gaps, around clinical development, research translation and commercialisation, but we’ve also launched the REDI Contestable program of new education and training initiatives to help plug those gaps. This focus is expected to unlock significant value for the MTP sector within the next 12–18 months, so we can take advantage of the post-pandemic growth opportunities. We also welcomed a new REDI partner, GSK Australia, who’ve established a new industry placement program for PhD graduates. The program’s objective is to facilitate the cross pollination of scientific, academic research expertise with real-world experiences in a research-intensive pharmaceutical company. A very timely, workforce enhancing initiative. Applications close on 2 December for the first cohort in 2021, so don’t miss out. And we will soon launch REDI’s Industry Fellowships program to increase collaboration between academia and industry through the deployment of funding for fellowships/ internships with industry sponsors. Look out for further information about an Information Session to be held in December. With an eye on recovery and rebuilding, MTPConnect is rolling out some more funding opportunities and another industry-led catalyst, this time for genomics. MTPConnect has backed the establishment of the Industry Genomics Network Alliance (InGeNA), a consortium of 13 founding members led by the Australasian Institute of Digital Health (AIDH). We’ve established InGeNA as part of our Growth Centre project fund, to unlock the potential of Australia’s genomics and precision medicine sector and build a stronger and more diverse industry that can contribute internationally. For our $47 million Targeted Translation Research Accelerator (TTRA) program for diabetes and cardiovascular disease, the team has been preparing to call for expressions of interest to establish two research centres and open the first round of research project funding in mid-December. Part of this process involved holding a series of roundtable meetings with key stakeholders, to determine research funding priorities. Look out for details about Information Sessions running in December on our website. If you’re interested in securing commercialisation funding, check out our November Seminar Series webinar ‘Show Me the Money: Tips for Preparing Successful Commercialisation Funding Applications’, available as an episode of the MTPConnect podcast series or as a video on-demand. I shared my insights from writing and reviewing funding applications, along with advice from our guest experts, which I’m sure will prove helpful in this competitive research environment. I also enjoyed delivering a keynote at MTAA’s Cyber Security Forum promoting awareness about the cyber security issues affecting medical devices and the medtech sector. The digital evolution is transforming our sector and cyber security should be at the heart of everything we do because lives depend on it. If you couldn’t make the event, the presentation will soon be available as another MTPConnect podcast episode. Our team has grown again this month, with Dr Mana Liao joining us as Director of the TTRA program based in Sydney and Dr Amelia Vom as BTB Project Manager based in Melbourne. Starting a new role during COVID-19 workplace restrictions isn’t easy and we look forward to the time when we can meet as a team again, face to face. In the meantime, we will continue to stay connected to our colleagues and the sector with the help of technology until the time is right. As we move toward the end of this extraordinary year, take care and keep in touch. Kind regards, Dr Dan Grant MTPConnect & Industry NewsGSK Joins REDI with new PhD Graduate Innovation Program Call for Proposals Opens for REDI Contestable Program Australia’s First Industry-Led Genomics Alliance Established Sector Snapshot
Sector Opportunities
Events30 November - 4 December 2020 - ACTA Summit 2020 To see what industry events are happening near you in 2020, visit our events page. Pictured: The Anatomics team at the launch of their 3D printing polymer laboratory at the MAKE Incubator in Melbourne in 2019. Case Study Showcase: Driving Australia's Medtech Manufacturing for Patients Recovering from Brain SurgeryIn 2019, Anatomics saw an opportunity to turn an abandoned car manufacturing facility in Melbourne into an expansive 3D bioprinting warehouse. This facility would allow the research team to advance its state-of-the-art craniofacial implant manufacturing, leveraging 3D printing to drive innovation, whilst reducing process complexity, turnaround time and costs. Read more. Want to showcase your great work? Email media@mtpconnect.org.au to submit a case study. Sector Profile: Qure VenturesQure Ventures manages a globally focused venture fund (US$50mn in size) that invests in clinically relevant digital health solutions and is a strategic innovation partner for leading healthcare organisations. To leverage its returns potential, Qure has signed strategic partnership agreements that provide Qure and its portfolio companies with strong validation and clinical and commercial support. Learn more in our Sector Directory. List your organisation on the MTPConnect Sector Directory. |