BCEC Launches Life Sciences Bursary with Life Sciences Queensland

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) has unveiled a new 30th Birthday legacy initiative in partnership with Life Sciences Queensland (LSQ), aimed at strengthening Queensland and Australia’s research capability and commercial uptake across health, biomedical and agritech bio-innovation.

LSQ is the state’s peak body for medical and agricultural science and investment attraction in one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions. Scheduled to run over three years, the programme will fund mid-career researchers seeking to deepen industry collaboration and increase research impact within the life sciences sector.

Managed by Legends Global, BCEC carries a mandate to attract major national and international conferences that bring innovation to Queensland while generating visitation and economic impact. The Centre works closely with Queensland universities and institutes, Brisbane Economic Development Agency, Tourism and Events Queensland and Tourism Australia to secure these events through a coordinated approach.

The bursary forms part of BCEC’s Convention Advocates Partnership – a by-invitation group of internationally recognised leaders who understand the role conferences play in bringing innovation to Brisbane and showcasing Queensland’s capabilities globally.

Since its launch in 2010, the programme has secured 163 national and international conferences, generating $358 million (€215 million) in economic impact and significantly strengthening Brisbane’s reputation as an Asia-Pacific hub of innovation and expertise.

Representing more than 100 industry members across the life sciences ecosystem, LSQ connects industry, government and research organisations to build a dynamic, competitive and sustainable sector. Queensland’s life sciences industry contributes $2.11 billion in gross value-added, employs 12,400 people and generates an estimated $534.3 million in export value.

LSQ also plays a key role in shaping strategic direction, influencing public policy and providing members with tools, services and access to global networks to accelerate growth – making it a natural partner for an initiative designed to bridge research and industry.
 

Kym Guesdon, General Manager of BCEC, said the bursary reflects the Centre’s long-standing collaboration with Queensland’s research community, “For three decades, BCEC has partnered with science leaders to showcase Queensland’s innovation to the world. This 30th birthday initiative honours that legacy by investing in future talent and strengthening the connections between research and industry that drive global impact.”

The concept was developed in consultation with multiple BCEC Convention Advocates, including Professor Trent Munro, Chair of LSQ and a leading voice in Queensland’s bio innovation sector. Trent said, “BCEC fundamentally understands how research innovation is transferred, and it’s between people, and usually at specific technical conferences.

As the peak body for bio innovation in Queensland, LSQ is proud to partner with BCEC to invest in the next generation of researchers, clinicians and global industry experts, and to mark gratitude to those that bring the world to Brisbane in their field.”

Incoming LSQ Chair Professor Frank Gannon added, “It’s been a pleasure to work with fellow Advocates and BCEC to craft this new Bursary. It reflects Queensland’s maturity in cross disciplinary and sectoral collaboration to accelerate innovation transfer in bio innovation.

We’re proud to collaborate with the Centre on an initiative that not only supports individual researchers but strengthens the entire ecosystem for bio innovation in Queensland.”

He continued, “As a Convention Advocate, I’ve seen firsthand how partnerships and conversations facilitated by BCEC have elevated Queensland’s global profile.

This bursary is a powerful way to support mid-career researchers at a critical stage in their careers. By fostering industry engagement, we’re helping position Queensland as a global leader in life sciences and bio innovation for the long term – that’s about health, longevity and food supply for us, our region and the world”.

Application details and programme guidelines will be released in the coming months at LSQ.com.au.

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