Published on the 26th February 2019 by ANSTO Staff
ANSTO has welcomed a $12.5 million commitment from the NSW Government to support the expansion of its Innovation Precinct in Southern Sydney.
Funding will be used to create a globally connected, vibrant and inclusive community for researchers, start-ups and industries. A key initiative will include a next-generation nuclear medicine cluster where businesses will collaborate and share knowledge to fast track the development of advanced diagnostics and therapeutics, such as personalised medicine, for the treatment of cancer and other diseases.
Funds will also support the establishment of a Graduate Institute to match up young researchers with start-ups looking to benefit from working alongside with one of Australia’s most significant and globally-recognised science facilities.
ANSTO CEO, Dr Adi Paterson said State Government support for ANSTO’s Innovation Precinct would not only create smart, sustainable jobs for Southern Sydney and NSW, but would also lead to medical and technological advances that will benefit all Australians well into the future.”
“Creating a global centre of excellence in next-generation nuclear medicines would lead to more clinical trials of promising nuclear medicines, providing novel treatments currently not available to Australian patients.
“For example, a commercial partner of ANSTO is currently engaged in clinical trials of an implantable radiotherapy device containing nuclear medicine created in ANSTO’s OPAL reactor. It’s being tested in patients with inoperable pancreatic cancer. The hub will connect businesses with similar organisations here in southern Sydney.
“ANSTO is already a critical part of NSW’s economic, education and skills base. We look forward to significantly enhancing our contribution,” he said.
The NSW Government has pledged $12.5 million over four years to:
• Create a new incubator for the development of next generation nuclear medicines to treat cancer and other diseases
• Help establish a Graduate Institute, including 25 new scholarships for PhD students; and
• Support collaboration between start-ups, researchers and industry to grow advanced technology businesses in NSW.
