In Part 1 of our interview with Isak Pretorius, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, and Professor Dan Johnson, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation, and Enterprise at Macquarie University, we explore the university’s unique operating model, which actively supports research and innovation. Isak and Dan discuss how Macquarie’s structure serves as a hub for innovative pharma and technology spinouts, bridging academic research with industry to drive impactful solutions in the real world.