01/07/24 - Researchers at the Perron Institute and The University of Western Australia (UWA) have discovered a new set of cells that can protect blood vessel structure in the central nervous system (CNS) known as the blood-brain barrier, published in the journal Science Advances on Friday.      “We identified a new set of astrocytes (type of brain cells) that can control the integrity of the blood-brain barrier,” said one of the senior first authors, Professor Minghao Zheng, head of Brain and Bone Research Axis at the Perron Institute and UWA.    &n ..read more

26/06/24 - The MTPConnect REDI Impact Report has been released and Life Sciences WA were delighted to be recognised for our contribution to successfully develop and grow Australia’s life sciences sector workforce.  Life Sciences WA initiated the state’s first dynamic, life sciences-focused investor education and engagement program acknowledging that the best way to direct funds towards the life sciences sector is by educating investors about investment opportunities. The education programs were delivered through a series of podcasts and in-person training sessions. Thank you to everyone ..read more

25/06/24 - The Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2024 (GSER 2024) is a comprehensive analysis of the current state of startup ecosystems worldwide. The GSER provides insights into the world’s leading startup ecosystems, emerging trends, and key challenges facing entrepreneurs. It is based on extensive research and analysis of data from 4.5 million startups across 300 global ecosystems and over a decade of independent research and providing policy advice to more than 160 economic and innovation ministries and public/private agencies in over 55 countries. The Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2024 ..read more

Restoring Kelp Forests breathes new life into ocean ecosystems, preserving biodiversity for generations to come. Researchers from The University of Western Australia (UWA) are leading a project aimed at restoring kelp forests within 100,000 hectares of reef between Jurien Bay and Kalbarri, where macroalgae was wiped out during the 2011 marine heatwave. Utilising the innovative Green Gravel technique, they seed rocks with kelp in labs before ocean transfer, ensuring cost-effective, tailored restoration for WA's coastline. Kelp forests play a pivotal role in mitigating climate change by seques ..read more

13/06/24 - Issue 27 brings you the latest news, events and opportunities in the agriculture, aquaculture, health and commercial sectors. Click on the PDF below to find out more ..read more

15/05/2024 - Innovative health and medical researchers in Western Australia will receive a $10 million funding boost under a new scheme announced by the Cook Government. Medical Research Minister Stephen Dawson said a range of grants were being provided through the inaugural Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund Enabling Scheme. The scheme will target funding for state-of-the-art medical facilities and equipment to support and foster health and medical research in Western Australia.  An experienced panel of researchers and industry professionals assessed applications and aw ..read more

Life Sciences WA is the peak body for the life sciences in Western Australia.  If you are passionate about event planning, fostering collaboration, driving growth, and promoting innovation within the life sciences industry, this position offers an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact. We are looking for a part-time person to work with us for 2 - 3 hours a day to help grow Life Sciences WA, the equivalent of 0.25 FTE position. The contract term will be one-year contract with the possibly of extension. You will need to be able to meet in person with the CEO weekly, so we are ..read more

06/05/24 - Fisheries Minister Don Punch has congratulated the winners from last night's Western Australian Seafood Industry Awards, celebrating excellence, sustainability and innovation in the WA seafood industry. The awards - hosted by the WA Fishing Industry Council (WAFIC) - provided a fantastic opportunity to profile science and innovation which is vital to maintaining sustainable commercial fisheries. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development's (DPIRD) Fremantle Marine Fish Hatchery team was among the winners, receiving the Research Development and Extension Award ..read more

29/04/24 - Innovation Nation features every Sunday on Channel 9, and was formed from the strong desire to share the stories of the amazing Australian innovators. Last week we discovered the transformative potential of ARG-007, the pioneering drug developed by our friends at Argenica Therapeutics. With a focus on safeguarding brain cells following severe injuries like strokes and TBIs, ARG-007 stands as a beacon of hope in the realm of neurological treatment. As one of the few companies advancing to Phase 2 clinical trials, Argenica Therapeutics leads the charge in evaluating ARG-007's effica ..read more

The two day Symposium served as a convergence point for innovators, industry partners, and investors, offering a unique opportunity to explore partnering opportunities in life science sectors. Through a series of presentations and networking events, innovators had the opportunity to share their groundbreaking work while industry partners and investors shared what they were looking for. The Symposium showcased some of WA's formidable platform capabilities, emphasising the region's prowess in driving cutting-edge advancements in the life science sector. To access the photos from the symosium ..read more