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Friday Sep 13, 2024

Day 08: Uncovering Innovation at Macquarie University

Never a Dull Moment on the Road to the Max: Australia

Day 08 started off with an unexpected twist when Nigel was hit with a sudden bout of abdominal pain in the middle of the night. After a quick trip to Canberra Hospital, it turned out that a kidney stone was the culprit. Armed with some heavy-duty painkillers, Nigel was back on the road, though Brett had to take the wheel for the rest of the day. Despite the rocky start, the team pushed forward on a 300-kilometer trek to Macquarie University, home to Australia’s original innovation district. Often referred to as “Pill Hill” for its high concentration of pharmaceutical companies, the region has solidified itself as one of Australia’s largest pharma strongholds.

Meeting of the Minds at Macquarie University

At the university, we had the pleasure of meeting Isak "Sakkie" Pretorius, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research, and Dan Johnson, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Research, Innovation, and Enterprise. They offered fascinating insights into the region’s rapidly growing ecosystem of life sciences, technology, and cutting-edge innovation. Day 08 was a reminder that even with unexpected bumps along the way, the journey continues. With Macquarie University’s thriving life sciences hub as our backdrop, we’re more fired up than ever to discover the future of Australia’s biotech and pharma industries. Stay with us as we continue to forge ahead on the Road to the Max: Australia!

Cytotheryx
Ecolab
Dimerix
Echo
Macquire University
NAS
TriRx Pharmaceutical Services
Edgewater Capital
Eliachar
Endpoints Capital
ESC
Envisagenics
Excellos
eXmoor
FAB Pharma
Translating Academic Pursuits into Real-World Applications

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.

Leaps and Bounds for Synthetic Biology Startups

In Part 2 of our interview with Isak Pretorius, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research, and Professor Dan Johnson, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Research, Innovation, and Enterprise at Macquarie University, we explore the exciting biotech and synthetic biology spinouts emerging from the university. Isak and Dan highlight innovative startups and projects—including a genome foundry and ventures in agriculture and livestock—that showcase Macquarie’s commitment to bridging academic research with industry applications to drive impactful advancements across sectors.

Roadside shoot on the way to Sydney.
You're right, that is quite a long vehicle.
Adama's GQ cover is printing this fall.
Admiring the view.
Dan Johnson, Pro Vice Chancellor of Research, Innovation and Enterprise at Macquarie University.
No time for coffee, we've got interviews to shoot.
Isak "Sakkie" Pretorius, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research at Macquarie University.
Keep your head on a swivel! These 'roos could flatten the Interceptor.
The Canberra Parliament House's reflecting pool.
Now we see why they call it the Sunburnt Country.
Lucas lost in thought.
Open the gate! We're coming in.
Cruising in Canberra.
Mark and Adama snug as bugs in a rug.
Some locals enjoying an afternoon snack alongside the Interceptor.
Looking artistic outside the Canberra Parliament House.
Nigel ran into some health troubles on the road. Not to worry, he's all patched up now.
Descending into the underground car park.