Group of Eight commercialisation push

The Group of Eight universities today brings together researchers and investors to boost opportunities for investment in medical research.

Health Minister Greg Hunt headlines today’s Group of Eight genomics and precision medicine event.

In today’s Higher Ed Daily Brief: medical research push, new deal for Navitas, moot court named

Research fest in Sydney

The Group of Eight universities will today bring together researchers, commercialisation experts and investors at UNSW’s Sydney campus to look for opportunities to translate research into practical outcomes with commercial returns. The event focuses on genomics and precision medicine, and features venture capital pioneer Bill Ferris, gardasil vaccine discoverer Ian Frazer and chief scientist Alan Finkel. Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt will also be on hand for a ministerial address.

All Go8 universities, as well as the University of Auckland, are involved. It’s a timely gathering given that the Medical Research Future Fund has $500 million to invest over ten years into genomics and Mr Hunt last week announced an additional $40 million funding for a genomic cancer medicine program.

Navitas enters Europe

Navitas has done a deal with the University of Twente in the Netherlands to take over its pathway program for international students from September next year. The five year agreement will see Navitas operate a pathway college to teach undergraduate foundations programs in science, engineering, business and social studies. Navitas CEO David Buckingham said he was delighted to be extending the company’s university partnerships into continental Europe.

Curtin honours former VC

Curtin University has named its moot courtroom for law students after its former vice-chancellor Jeanette Hacket. “A Perth legal practitioner before joining Curtin in 1990 and becoming vice-chancellor in 2006, Professor Hacket was instrumental in the establishment of the Curtin Law School, which makes her a very appropriate namesake for this important space in the Law School — the student moot courtroom,” said current vice-chancellor Deborah Terry.