New industry alliance focused on biotechnology

New industry alliance focused on biotechnology

With the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding last week, the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) and industry co-operative HunterNet have formed a united front to encourage the growth of medical manufacturing and health investment potential within the region.

HMRI Director Professor Michael Nilsson and HunterNet Vice Chairman Michael Sharpe sealed the inaugural agreement in an official function at the HMRI Building on Friday, 16 October 2015.

It coincided with a formal visit by the Ambassador of Sweden P√§r Ahlberger and a Swedish health delegation, as Hunter researchers work closely with Swedish biotech companies, medical research institutes and government representatives to extend the reach of HMRI’s research programs globally.

“Through our alliance with HunterNet, researchers will be able to create more of these type of international arrangements,” Michael Nilsson said. “This initiative is really about the future as it marks a new level of cooperation between our institute and local industries.”

“HMRI has increasingly become pro-business in its thinking because there are great opportunities for knowledge sharing. With a world-class environment for smart people to work in, we can create both a healthier and wealthier future for this community.”

The MoU aims to spur new collaborations through research investment, advanced manufacturing technologies and the exchange of technical information, with HMRI and HunterNet sharing a strategic vision to establish a biotech cluster for pharmaceuticals, medical devices and healthcare delivery in the Hunter New England Health region.

Michael Sharpe said that formalising linkages and fostering new synergies between researchers and advanced manufacturers was a logical next step in the evolution of the Hunter’s industry base.

“We are extremely excited to sign a collaboration agreement with our friends at HMRI. Over the past few years we have witnessed an accelerated transition of businesses moving into advanced manufacturing processes and technologies, particularly in the medical sector,” he said.

“We know the region possesses the capabilities ‚Äì now it’s time we match these capabilities with the needs of Hunter researchers to support their delivery of ‘world’s best’ medical solutions.”

Image | HMRI Director Michael Nilsson with HunterNet Vice-Chairman Michael Sharpe

Hunter Medical Research Institute

The Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) is a translational research institute. Since 1998, its pioneering partnership with the University of Newcastle and Hunter New England Local Health District has delivered key translational health and medical research and technology closely aligned to community health needs.

Throughout Newcastle and the Hunter, more than 1200 clinical and biomedical researchers and support staff are employed across seven HMRI Research Programs, striving to prevent, cure and treat a diverse range of serious illnesses by translating research findings made in the laboratory and through advanced imaging techniques, into real health treatments and preventative strategies for the community.

HMRI provides vital funding and facilities to fuel research, but the heart and soul of the Institute are people, the researchers, the generous donors and supporters, the committed volunteers, and the patients who participate in trials and ultimately benefit from the research results.

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