Newsroom.

Last week, Australians came together to mark National Science Week — a celebration of the people and companies transforming discovery into innovations that improve lives. 

This year’s theme — Decoding the Universe: Exploring the unknown with nature’s hidden language — invited us to reflect on the power of science across disciplines, from DNA and biology to quantum technologies and diagnostics. 

For Australia’s life sciences sector, science is where every breakthrough begins. Across the country, AusBiotech’s 3,000+ members are shaping the future of health through pioneering research, translation, advanced manufacturing, and commercialisation. From start-ups and ASX-listed companies to global leaders, these innovators are tackling the toughest health challenges, working collaboratively across research, industry, and investment. 

National Science Week is an opportunity to shine a light on this vital work — to celebrate the people who move science from concept to clinic, from prototype to patient. 

Driving innovation for better health 

Erica Bremner Kneipp, Research Director for Human Health at CSIRO and Deputy Chair of AusBiotech, reflected on the national importance of science-led policy and investment. 

Science as the foundation of innovation 

For Noxopharm CEO, Dr Gisela Mautner, science is inseparable from impact. 

“Science is the foundation of so much of our innovation, especially in the medical field where breakthroughs are made that benefit millions of people and save lives,” Mautner said. 

It is collaboration and commercialisation that are foundational to turning years of research into solutions. 

"As a collaborative company developing new technologies targeting inflammation, we are dedicated to maximising the potential of years of deep scientific research and expertise,” she added.  

"We are also grateful to be doing this in Australia, a country that punches above its weight in biotech R&D and offers so much promise by creating new companies and career opportunities while improving our national health and wellbeing." 

Harnessing science to tackle disease 

A/Prof Michael Gantier, Research Group Head at the Hudson Institute of Medical Research, emphasised the role of science in addressing urgent unmet needs. 

“Like many others I have dedicated my working life to science and finding new ways to tackle disease. My research focuses on harnessing the potential of RNA therapeutics to revolutionise autoimmune disease treatments, blocking disease at its source.” 

"This is important because so many Australians and others around the world suffer from these diseases and hope to see new medical advances that can help them." 

He added that Australia’s collaborative ecosystem is critical to translating research into therapies. 

“Australia is a great place to conduct this work as we have a thriving community of researchers and companies that collaborate to develop the most promising drugs and bring them to market, delivering results for the people who need them most.” 

Science as a passport to opportunity 

For Dr Robyn Lindner, Director, State and Committee Engagement at AusBiotech, a background in science has opened doors across careers. 

“A background in science is an incredible passport to opportunity – from fundamental research in universities, to medical discoveries, industry roles developing innovations that improve health, and public health initiatives that change lives. For me, science has been the foundation of a varied and rewarding career, always driven by curiosity and a desire to make a positive difference.” 

Innovation beyond the lab 

For Tim Oldham, CEO and Managing Director of AdAlta and Chair of Skin2Neuron, science cannot reach patients without innovation at every step of the pipeline. 

“How do we deliver better health outcomes to patients in Australia and around the world? It takes more than just great discovery research – it also needs innovation in manufacturing, clinical study design, supply chains, regulatory science, reimbursement and clinical practice.” 

Oldham sees cell and gene therapies as a prime example of this multidisciplinary innovation. 

“At AdAlta Ltd we are working to modify a patient’s own immune cells to be able to recognise and kill cancer. And at Skin2Neuron Pty Ltd we are working on an Australian invention focused on neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease.  

"It is an exciting time to be a scientist and help bring innovations not even dreamt about just a decade or two ago to standard of care.” 

Science as Australia’s competitive advantage 

Together, these voices demonstrate why science matters — not only for discovery, but for translation, development, and commercialisation. National Science Week is more than a celebration; it is a reminder that science fuels innovation, drives economic growth, and delivers health outcomes that change lives. 

As Australia’s life sciences peak body, AusBiotech is proud to be the super-connector linking research, industry, investment, and government. By representing 3,000+ members across biotechnology, medical technologies, and digital health, we champion the translation of science into real-world impact. 

Science is Australia’s competitive advantage. Celebrating it — and ensuring the ecosystem to support it thrives — is essential to our nation’s future. 

Read more here and here.