Education key to growth: MTPConnect and ARCS sign MoU

10 August 2016

MTPConnect and ARCS Australia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), agreeing to work closely together for the benefit of the MedTech, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry.

In a signing ceremony at the ARCS Scientific Congress today, MTPConnect Chair, Dr Bronwyn Evans, said she was delighted that ARCS were now officially one of MTPConnect's education affiliates, given the huge importance of up-skilling the sector in order to drive growth.

"ARCS is well respected for its role in the education, training and networking people working in the scientific disciplines of regulatory affairs, clinical research, health economics, medical affairs, medical information, pharmacovigilance and associated disciplines in the MTP sector, with a 2,000-person strong membership.

"This expertise in education dovetails with MTPConnect's remit to maximise the sector's competitive advantage and establish Australia as an Asia Pacific hub for medical technology, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.

"Building a skills and knowledge base to embed a commercialisation culture that pulls research through to market development is one of our six strategies to drive sector competitiveness and productivity. Our affiliation with ARCS will certainly assist in achieving this goal, and we are anticipating similar MoUs with key industry organisations to support the breadth of our remit in future," Dr Evans said.

ARCS Australia CEO, Dr Shanny Dyer, said that "an appropriately skilled workforce will enable Australia to compete internationally and develop a vibrant sector".

"The goals and objectives of ARCS and MTPConnect are complementary, and through our formal affiliation, we are able to amplify our efforts for the sector as a whole.

"In particular, we can jointly promote the capabilities and capacity of Australia in the sector, provide a hub for training, professional development, certification and qualifications, and build a skilled and knowledgeable work force in Australia - all vital components for a globally competitive MTP sector," Dr Dyer said.