QIMR Berghofer International Scientific Ambassadors Network (QISAN)

QISAN aims to bring together a collective of cross-sector thought leaders to provide strategic guidance and leadership that facilitates impactful collaborative projects and funding initiatives. QISAN will focus on providing input for futuristic translational program development, knowledge enhancement, skills sharing, training opportunities, research discoveries, and the creation of next-generation, market-ready solutions. It aims to provide access to translational and industry-specific funds to achieve these objectives.

QISAN members will be invited to join through institutional partnerships.

The QISAN will drive an ambitious agenda to accelerate progress towards better health solutions through collaboration, partnerships, and sustainable research and manufacturing infrastructure across the academic, industry, and public and private sectors. This includes membership access to:

World-leading skills development and training opportunities

• talent development – access to expertise and mentorship
• knowledge exchange – placements, including short term and sabbatical programs
• cutting-edge technology – access to infrastructure, laboratories, facilities, data, biospecimens, biobanks, technologies
• increased entrepreneurship - support for spin-off creation.

Collaborative program development and translational pipeline

• translational solutions, methods, technologies, treatments, and therapies
• enhanced industry access
• new IP, commercialisation.

International funding sources to support multidisciplinary discovery and translational research programs and clinical trials

• government and joint membership funding
• public-private partnerships
• industry partnerships.

Institutional partnerships and collaborative agreements with leading research institutes, pharmaceutical companies, and government bodies worldwide

• Strategic partnerships and MOUs will facilitate resource sharing, expertise exchange and collaborative research initiatives.

Access to global brain trust through connecting with global biomedical community

• engage renowned experts, thought leaders as ambassadors
• encourage joint publications, collaborative projects.

Global collaboration, robust ecosystem and global health research community development

• encourage cross disciplinary collaboration among researchers, clinicians, technology and entrepreneurs to drive innovation and accelerate the translation of research discoveries into clinical applications.

Cutting edge technology and solutions pipelines

• collaborate effectively for finding pathways to tackle emerging and critical diseases and prepare and prevention for pandemic outbreaks.

Biomedical talent development

• facilitate knowledge exchange and skills development through international internships, placements, exchange programs.

Access to new markets and funding sources

• diversifying funding sources through collaboration with institutions globally.

• Faculty Exchange Program – short term placements: four to six weeks for faculty members to exchange knowledge, expertise, and best practices across institutions, fostering collaborative research and professional development;
• Mentoring initiative – establish a mentorship program that promotes the exchange of ideas and skills, encouraging professional growth and knowledge transfer within the biomedical community;
• Joint Research Initiative and Clinical Trials – foster collaboration through joint research projects, publications, and clinical trials, leveraging expertise and resources to accelerate scientific discovery and improve patient outcomes globally;
• Annual Think Tank Forum – convene a joint conference/annual forum bringing together industry leaders, government officials, scientist and community to address current challenges, explore collaborative solutions, and foster networking opportunities for strategic partnerships and innovation;
• Joint funding opportunities – encourage collaborative funding opportunities;
• Access to highly regarded scientists and leaders to serve as speakers for national and international forums;
• Strategic Delegation Exchange – inbound and outbound strategic missions to profile capabilities and build network with diplomatic missions, research institutes, and government agencies.

The coordination, reporting, and engagement of the QISAN will be facilitated by our Growth and Partnerships team, working closely with internal teams across the Institute. Growth and Partnerships will undertake follow ups and engagement with participating agencies globally.