US commercialisation expert wins QLD life sciences competition
Issued: 25 Oct 2018
A Californian commercialisation specialist will share his expertise with Australia's life sciences industry after winning his way to the upcoming AusBiotech National Conference, in Brisbane from 31 October to 2 November.
Dr Rubén Flores-Saaib, Director of Commercialisation for the Office of Innovation and Commercialisation at the University of California, San Diego, was selected via an online competition out of more than 180 entries from around the world.
The annual AusBiotech Conference attracts representatives from medical device manufacturers, as well as medical, industrial and agricultural biotechnology firms.
Dr Flores-Saaib has substantial experience in worldwide product development, approvals, clinical trials and licensing and his attendance at the conference will prove invaluable.
The Queensland Government is sponsoring this year's conference, which is expected to attract up to 1,000 business leaders, investors and scientists from Australia and overseas.
The first-ever Experience Queensland Life Sciences competition asked entrants to explain in 25 words or less why they wanted to experience life sciences in Queensland.
The winning package includes two full delegate passes, return airfares, accommodation, and the opportunity to visit life science institutes around Queensland.
Dr Flores-Saaib said he was excited by the potential of the visit and would like to use the knowledge gained to investigate partnership opportunities between Queensland's life sciences sector and the US.
"I'm also interested in learning about the role the Australian/Queensland life sciences sector plays in south-east Asia, while sharing my knowledge of life sciences in America," Dr Flores-Saaib said.
"As the world becomes smaller, it is imperative to explore new partnerships and business models to sustain and grow international knowledge exchange in life sciences.
"Only then can we fully realise the industry's social and economic impact."
AusBiotech CEO, Lorraine Chiroiu, said that AusBiotech 2018 offered delegates the opportunity to challenge approaches, discuss new ideas, and to form collaborations with other industry thought- leaders.
"We have international delegations from more than 15 countries in attendance and we look forward to welcoming Dr Flores-Saaib to the largest gathering in the Australian life sciences," Ms Chiroiu said.
Life Sciences Queensland CEO, Mario Pennisi, said that it was important for Queensland to aspire to global outcomes for the state's research and development.
"Building international connections is critical to achieving these aspirations," Mr Pennisi said.
"Key meetings like AusBio are important because they provide the reason for delegates to come here and see first-hand what we are doing, and more importantly, meet the people doing that work."
Register for the AusBiotech 2018 national conference.