In Case You Missed It: Here's What The MTPConnect Team Has Been up to in January
04 February 2022
Groundbreaking TTRA Research Centres Announced
Two major new Research Centres will be established in Australia, with $20 million committed through the Targeted Translation Research Accelerator (TTRA) initiative, delivered by MTPConnect. The new Research Centres are The Australian Centre for Accelerating Diabetes Innovations (ACADI) and The Australian Stroke & Heart Research Accelerator (ASHRA). Each Research Centre has been awarded $10 million over four years with thanks to the Australian Government’s Medical Research Future Fund, following an independent, competitive application round.
Information Session for $19.75M Medical Device Program
MTPConnect has commenced the rollout of a new funding program to identify and nurture high-quality medical device projects with strong commercial potential. The Clinical Translation and Commercialisation - Medtech (CTCM) program is a $19.75 million initiative funded by the Australian Government’s Medical Research Future Fund. Funding of up to $1.5M for eligible projects is available and an Information Session was held recently for interested applicants - view the webinar on-demand. Apply by 11 March 2022.
New REDI Fellowships announced
Ten high-skilled Australian researchers, clinicians and professionals from the medical technology, biotechnology and pharmaceutical sector have been selected as the next fellows under the REDI Fellowship Program. The new fellows, from South Australia, NSW, Victoria and Queensland, will be working with major companies from Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe.
Proposal Call for Clinical Entrepreneur Program Closes
At the end of January, we closed the call for proposals to deliver a pilot Clinical Entrepreneur Program in Australia. Delivered through the Researcher Exchange and Development within Industry (REDI) initiative, we’re aiming to develop the commercialisation skills of Australia’s clinicians and healthcare professionals with bespoke training to help turn innovative ideas into high quality medical products and thriving businesses.
Executive Transition
We have just farewelled Dr Dan Grant who has led our team since July 2018. As Managing Director and CEO, Dan leaves an incredible legacy of growth and impact. His passion for the sector and leadership means MTPConnect is well-placed for ongoing success and we wish Dan well for all that the future holds. Stuart Dignam has been appointed as Interim CEO to provide continuity as we continue to deploy our suite of programs to support the development, manufacturing, translation and commercialisation of medical products, and the workforce skills needed to drive those outcomes.
Introducing Jo Close – Director Stakeholder Engagement for South Australia
MTPConnect is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms Jo Close as MTPConnect’s Director Stakeholder Engagement for South Australia. Jo will coordinate, facilitate and accelerate programs and initiatives that grow the medical technology, biotechnology and pharmaceutical sector across South Australia and align and connect the state to MTPConnect’s national strategies, initiatives and programs.
Staff Changes - CTCM and BTB
Danielle Shand has moved from leading the Biomedical Translation Bridge (BTB) program to Director of our new Clinical Translation and Commercialisation - Medtech (CTCM) program where she’s been joined by Kevin Rajasekaran who has been appointed Associate Project Manager following his 2021 internship. Dr Amelia Vom has been promoted to Senior Program Manager of our Biomedical Translation Bridge (BTB) program and joining her is Dr Andionne Parlade who has been appointed Associate Project Manager following her 2021 internship with MTPConnect.
Communications Team Expands with Two Roles Open for Applications
Our Communications team is also expanding with two newly created positions currently open for applications – a Senior Manager Communications and a Social Media Specialist.