Premier

Victoria Strengthens Biomedical Ties With Israel

28 June 2019

Victoria will continue to build global connections and international research collaboration after the Andrews Labor Government announced an Israel liaison officer would be based at Parkville’s Melbourne Biomedical Precinct.

Minister for Priority Precincts Gavin Jennings confirmed today that as part of a new grant agreement with the University of Melbourne, the liaison officer will support research collaboration and commercialisation opportunities within the Victorian and Israeli biomedical sectors.

The Israel liaison officer will work on opportunities across Victoria’s entire biomedical sector, including other universities, research institutes and industry.

The University of Melbourne-based Israel liaison officer role will support the work of the Victorian Government’s existing Tel Aviv-based biomedical director and will connect Israeli organisations with Victoria’s biomedical sector.

The officer will also collaborate with the Victorian Trade and Investment Office in Tel Aviv. The office was established as part of the Victoria Israel Biomedical Innovation and Commercialisation Exchange program announced during Premier Daniel Andrews’ visit to Israel in 2017.

The liaison officer will act as a conduit to Israeli, Australian and Victorian government funding opportunities to support research and co-operation, including the Labor Government’s Victoria-Israel Science Innovation Technology Scheme – VISITS.

Many relationships already exist to the mutual benefit of the Victorian and Israeli economies.

In 2016 alone, there were 92 collaborations on biomedical publications between Israel and the Melbourne Biomedical Precinct partners.

The Government is working closely with the University of Melbourne to help attract talented candidates to the new appointment.

Victoria’s Priority Precincts focus is on delivering jobs, development and improved liveability to key urban areas with the Victorian Budget 2019-20 containing a $25 million allocation for works and programs.

There are five declared precincts – Parkville, Arden, Fishermans Bend, Sunshine and the Richmond to Docklands corridor.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Priority Precincts Gavin Jennings

“The Government is maintaining Melbourne’s place as a world leader in the biomedical sector and collaborations like this will help ensure our standing for many years to come.”

“This agreement will further strengthen the work already being done at Parkville’s Melbourne Biomedical Precinct, helping bring the world’s best to Victoria.”

Quote attributable to University of Melbourne Vice-President Enterprise Doron Ben-Meir

“This commitment will help build a base of joint research activity that will generate industry partnerships, commercialisation opportunities and stimulate the creation of high-value jobs.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

Was this page helpful?