Words by Dr Megan Fisher, Pro Vice-Chancellor Industry Engagement, La Trobe University.
Throughout the year, La Trobe Industry has established and strengthened transformative industry partnerships, achieved significant milestones, and made substantial strides in key domains: agriculture, biotechnology, digital innovation, and health and wellbeing. These endeavours have propelled us towards innovation, collaboration, and advancements that contribute to our continued growth and impact in these vital sectors.
Our Research and Innovation Precinct is now home to an impressive 19 co-located partners, with BioNTech, a global leader in biotechnology, also announcing plans to establish a mRNA facility at the Melbourne campus.
Additionally, a $8 million Bio Innovation Hub, funded by the Victorian Higher Education State Investment Fund, was officially opened by Victorian Government Minister Colin Brooks, representing the Minister for Training and Skills, Gayle Tierney. Located at the Melbourne campus, this state-of-the-art facility is purpose-built to support the growth of early-stage biotech and agritech companies. We were thrilled to welcome VivaZome Therapeutics and Aeterna Health to our hub, and eagerly anticipate introducing more companies in the upcoming year.
At a regional level, the La Trobe University Bendigo Campus is now home to the Deloitte Digital Operations Centre, which serves as the main hub for Deloitte Australia’s Operate Capabilities. As it evolves, it's projected that the Deloitte Centre will encompass 200 roles over the next five years. It will also play a substantial role in driving the digital revolution in the Bendigo region and regional Victoria.
Another major highlight of 2024 was the official launch of the Australian Centre for AI in Medical Innovation (ACAMI). Made possible by a $10 million commitment from the State Government and a $9.3 million pledge from La Trobe, the centre was opened by the Treasurer of Victoria and Minister for Economic Growth, Tim Pallas.
ACAMI is the world's first university innovation centre specialising in the application of artificial intelligence to accelerate the discovery and development of immunotherapies, vaccines, and medical innovation. The centre focuses on fostering innovation through collaboration, Clinical Trials Platforms, and cultivating the future workforce. In the realm of medical AI, our 'Innovation in medical AI' panel event at the 2024 AusBiotech Conference brought together experts from research, academia, industry, and medical discovery and application. The event served to introduce ACAMI to the wider Australian life sciences community and showcase the University’s enthusiasm for harnessing AI in collaboration with industry partners across medical discoveries, development, and manufacturing.
Further emphasising a commitment to innovation, this year we endorsed the first two significant investments, valued at $1M each, as part of the La Trobe University 'Eagle Fund' in collaboration with Breakthrough Victoria. Through this initiative, we aim to stimulate innovation within the fields of diagnostics, agriculture, and food. Watch this space for groundbreaking advancements on the horizon!
We are proud to share our continued success in forging highly impactful interdisciplinary research partnerships with globally renowned companies. One outstanding example is our collaboration with The Australian Ballet, where we have been working hand in hand across various domains such as human performance, diversity, equity and inclusion, and mental health. During The Australian Ballet's season of 'Swan Lake' – a famously challenging ballet – La Trobe researchers, Dr Ebonie Rio and research student Bruna Tessarin, were embedded in roles at the company. They worked collaboratively with the Artistic Health Team, led by Dr Sue Mayes, to implement a monitoring program for injury prevention.
Our collaboration with Zoos Victoria through La Trobe's Wildlife Conservation and Reproductive Endocrinology Lab is another significant partnership driving essential research. Together, we are focused on studying and supporting species like the Pygmy possum, Leadbeater's possum, and Tasmanian devil. Through non-invasive hormone monitoring techniques, these studies are improving breeding success and amplifying global conservation efforts for endangered species in captivity.
These successful partnerships exemplify La Trobe’s commitment to impactful research that breaks boundaries and creates real-world impact. By collaborating with esteemed organisations, we continue to push the boundaries of knowledge, drive positive change, and make a lasting difference in various fields of study and practice.
Above are just a few highlights from an incredible year.
I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to our industry partners, dedicated staff, and the vibrant wider La Trobe community this year. La Trobe Industry is excited to maintain a shared commitment to innovation, collaboration, and community advancement. Through strategic alliances with various industries, government bodies, and the community, we want to continue to provide solutions that foster competitiveness and stimulate growth across sectors.
Our engagement with industry will continue to be multifaceted, encompassing a wide array of collaborative efforts spanning research, education, co-location, and innovation.
I anticipate 2025 as a year overflowing with discovery, transformation, and impact!
