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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

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Prof. Simon Cool
Chief Executive Officer
SMART CRC

Chair

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Ms Lisa Cavallaro
Head of Investment - Expansion
Brisbane Economic Development Agency

Panellist

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Dr. Dawn Driscoll
Chief Operating Officer
Skin2Neuon

Panellist

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Dr. Matthew Hewitt
Vice President, CTO Manufacturing Business Division
Charles River

Panellist

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Prof. Trent Munro
Venture Partner
Brandon Capital

Panellist

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