Announced earlier this year as one of the initiatives to mark Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre’s (BCEC) 30th anniversary, the bursary supports biotechnology researchers working in areas including biofuels and agriculture as well as the medical sector.
The bursary is a partnership with Life Sciences Queensland (LSQ) and was developed through the BCEC Convention Advocates Partnership. The bursary will provide broader support to the successful recipient than typical programs championed by the business events sector, which usually have a near-term aim of generating conference bids for a particular venue or destination.
The funding is designed to support collaboration, engagement and placements within life sciences segments, to secure specialised resources and to enable activities that help commercialise research.
“This bursary provides researchers with the flexibility to build on their work and extend its reach and relevance in ways that might not otherwise be possible,” said LSQ chair Professor Frank Gannon.
“It is designed to build momentum at a pivotal point in a researcher’s career and support the continued growth of Queensland’s life sciences sector.
“I would encourage eligible researchers to apply, particularly those ready to strengthen engagement with industry.”
Research applicants should have completed their PhD between two and 12 years ago to be eligible and will be assessed on the potential impact of the activity the bursary is proposed to support as well as the potential of the applicant.
“While convention centres are often defined by the events they host, this bursary demonstrates a broader role,” said BCEC’s general manager, Kym Guesdon.
“Through our Convention Advocates Partnership, we’re embedded in the sectors behind those events and the people driving them.
“Working alongside Life Sciences Queensland, it’s fitting that this initiative focuses on supporting emerging leaders at a time of accelerating innovation.”
Full details of the application process are available from Life Sciences Queensland.
