Session 4A: From discovery to patient impact: How public–private partnerships are accelerating Australia's regenerative therapies sector
Tracks
Track 1
| Wednesday, October 21, 2026 |
| 4:30 PM - 5:15 PM |
| Plenary / Clinical Innovation & Patient Impact Breakout Room |
Details
Australia has the scientific capability to be a global leader in regenerative therapies, yet translating discoveries into scalable, accessible patient treatments remains a significant challenge. Success requires more than breakthrough science; it demands coordinated collaboration between industry, researchers, clinicians, government, manufacturers, investors, and patients. This session explores how well-designed public–private partnerships can accelerate translation, strengthen sovereign manufacturing capability, reduce development risk, and create clearer pathways from laboratory discovery to clinical adoption. Drawing on lessons from across Australia's regenerative therapies ecosystem, including the SMART CRC, the panel will highlight how aligning public investment with industry demand can drive innovation, attract capital, build workforce capability, and ultimately deliver life-changing therapies to patients faster and at greater scale.
Speaker
Prof. Simon Cool
Chief Executive Officer
SMART CRC
Chair
Ms Lisa Cavallaro
Head of Investment - Expansion
Brisbane Economic Development Agency
Panellist
Dr. Dawn Driscoll
Chief Operating Officer
Skin2Neuon
Panellist
Dr. Matthew Hewitt
Vice President, CTO Manufacturing Business Division
Charles River
Panellist