Well it’s day two of four-day-long AusBiotech2009 and I must say Melbourne is putting on a cracking show!
It’s not just the weather, which is a most un-Melbournely, mid twenties and sunny with consistent blue skies, but also the biotechnology bods who are dusting off their labcoats and giving all of us a sneak peek into what’s going on in their laboratories.
The UK has one of the biggest overseas delegations here at AusBiotech, Asia-Pacific’s premier annual biotechnology conference, but there are also sizeable delegations from countries including Canada, South Korea, USA, and also South Africa, making an appearance for the first time.
The UK’s satellite event ‘Brains of Britain’ kicked us off in good spirits yesterday with the room packed to the rafters to hear Dr David Rhodes from the Health Protection Agency update us on its latest programmes and partnership opportunities. It was a full day of talks as a procession of the UK’s top talent briefed us on the latest developments in protein modelling, IP, stem cells, livestock vaccines and even a new method for quantifying antioxidants and free radicals.
Although the talks drew the crowds it was afterwards that the real business was being done and I’ve already heard a few whispers of Aus-Brit deals and partnerships going down, more to report shortly.
Luckily, just before my brain reached capacity, we were shepherded outside for networking drinks and then bussed to Government House for the official Welcome Reception. An amazing building Government House, right in the middle of the Melbourne Botanical Gardens with beautiful, historic architecture and a jaw-droppingly large ballroom. Someone told me that it’s larger than the ballroom in Buckingham Palace, but I’m not so sure – has anyone got a tape measure?
Jake Waddell, Head of Communications, UK Trade & Investment, Australia