Queensland’s life sciences industry has experienced substantial growth in recent years. The Queensland Life Science Industry Report 2010 indicates that total employment has grown 27 percent since 2007 to around 20,000. Additionally, total annual revenues for the Queensland life sciences industry have grown 58 percent since 2007 to approximately $5 billion (AUD 5 billion).

Industry groups, the research sector, and the Queensland Government have recognized that further growth of the industry will be facilitated by the establishment of a life sciences industry organization, Life Sciences Queensland (LSQ).

The intent of LSQ is to engage all of the Queensland life sciences industry, to assist the growth of individual firms and organizations, and to build the profile, capacity and capability of the sector to ensure long term economic, social and environmental benefits to Queensland.

The contributions of life sciences and biotechnology globally continue to expand and provide opportunities for economic development while contributing to social and environmental sustainability. LSQ is an opportunity for Queensland to bring together all industry stakeholders, and for the industry to play a combined strategic role in growing a dynamic and sustainable life sciences industry in Queensland over the next decades.

LSQ will build upon the achievements of the industry and the Queensland Government’s significant investment in the life sciences sector, which indicates significant economic and social benefits for the State. A diverse and dynamic industry has grown in Queensland from the combined State Government and industry investment, which has led to an enduring commitment by the local industry to build Queensland’s national and international reputation as a centre of excellence in biotechnology.

Through the establishment of LSQ we will develop a competitive difference for Queensland’s life sciences industry, building an environment where stakeholders will be more productive and profitable. This will reflect to our partners and competitors a unified and flourishing industry and provide a logical “connection portal” to facilitate and encourage collaborations with our global network of partners.

The life sciences industry is defined as entities involved in the application of life science technologies in the research, development, manufacture, marketing, technology transfer and commercialization of products and services. Industries may include the health and medical industries (biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, medical technologies and diagnostics) industrial, energy, mining and agricultural sectors.
LSQ’s role will be to:

• Facilitate business development of new and existing companies
• Facilitate investment opportunities which benefit Queensland firms and organizations
• Provide the main avenue for national and international profiling and marketing of Queensland’s life sciences industry capabilities
• Promote an understanding of the issues and opportunities facing the industry
• Develop and advocate approaches to deal with the issues, or take advantage of the opportunities that exist for the Queensland industry
• Collaborate with Queensland’s existing strategic partners
• Identify relevant international strategic partners (and networks) and establish appropriate relationships to leverage B2B opportunities for members
• Work with and support local life science industry forums, including existing organizations.

Membership of LSQ is open to the broad range of Queensland life sciences industry stakeholders where R&D is a key element of their work practices.

LSQ will include companies and organizations from the health and medical (pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, bio-products, medical technologies and diagnostics), agricultural/food/marine, animal health, industrial biotechnology, including bioindustrial products/biofuels, bioremediation and mining sectors.

“LSQ will build upon the investment of the Queensland State Government and the previous achievements of the life sciences industry here to develop a competitive difference for Queensland’s life sciences sector whilst building an environment where members will be more productive and profitable and looking to collaborate with our partners,” says Dr Peter Riddles – Chair of the Steering Group responsible for the establishment of LSQ.

The Queensland Government has committed to providing financial support to LSQ during the implementation phase and its first four years of operation. In addition to this, a number of leading life sciences industry organizations and universities have pledged financial support and committed to being founding supporters.

Foundation Supporters include Alchemia, Australian Insitute of Marine Science, Davies Collison Cave Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys, Ernst and Young, Griffith University, IpediMed, James Cook University, PriceWaterhouse Coopers, Queensland University of Technology, Sanofi Aventis, The University of Queensland, and the University of the Sunshine Coast.

For more information on LSQ please contact:

Strategic Partner