Prominent research leader and Matthew Flinders Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Karen Reynolds (pictured), will accompany the Premier next week on a State Government trade and investment mission to South-East Asia.
She will join other South Australian industry sector leaders to promote the state’s “Liveable Cities, Health and Aged Care” capabilities.
Professor Reynolds, the 2012 SA Scientist of the Year, says the Premier’s latest trade mission to Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand will provide an opportunity to articulate the state’s strengths and identify immediate opportunities for collaboration with our South-East Asian neighbours.
“South Australia has a strong track record of collaboration and is using innovation to build new industries in the health and aged-care sectors,” Professor Reynolds says.
“Our research expertise and access to skilled workforce provides many opportunities for innovation and collaboration, which then can encourage trade and investment in the state.”
Director of the flagship Medical Device Research Institute (MDRI) at Flinders University, Professor Reynolds has been a pioneer in industry-research collaboration, forming the Medical Device Partnering Program (MDPP), an initiative funded by the SA Government to facilitate health technology development across the state.
Mr Marco Baccanti, Chief Executive of Health Industries SA, said Professor Reynolds will be involved in meetings with life sciences companies in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok to explore investment opportunities for SA.
Options include clinical research activities, partnerships with local research organisations and industries, and through establishment of sales and marketing operations.
The trade mission, part of the South Australian Government’s South-East Asia strategy, will also include promotions for SA’s capabilities in Higher Education Policy, Research and Innovation; Tourism, Arts and Education; Food, Wine and Agribusiness; and Defence, Aerospace, Electronics and Advanced Manufacturing.
Flinders University Vice-Chancellor Professor Colin Stirling and Pro Vice-Chancellor (International) Professor Nancy Cromar will join other University, government and industry representatives on the trade delegation.
The Premier Jay Weatherill will host a gala dinner in Singapore on 17 August to acknowledge the country’s 50th anniversary.
In Kuala Lumpur, Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills Gail Gago will witness a resigning of a long-running collaborative agreement between Flinders University and HELP University, which will facilitate the continuation of the joint Bachelor of Psychological Science and Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) program.