Brisbane and the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre will welcome researchers from across the globe involved in the emerging science of peptides, considered an important field for future drugs for reasons of potency, safety and specificity.
Brisbane scientists, Dr Christina Schroeder and Dr Johan Rosengren from the University of Queensland were the main drivers behind the successful bid to bring the International Peptide Symposium to Brisbane in 2021 working in collaboration with the team at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Brisbane Marketing and Tourism & Events Queensland.
Peptides are a key area of research growth in Australia, particularly with advances in research in drug design and agricultural applications, with the University of Queensland leading the way.
Co-Chair of the Australian Bid Committee, University of Queensland scientist, Dr Johan Rosengren, said the Symposium will cover a broad range of topics in peptide science, attracting the world’s leading researchers and scientists in the field.
“The field of peptide science has rapidly matured in Australia with the sector outstripping other types of drug research, with scientists in Brisbane leading the way, focussing on the areas of bio pesticides and drug design.
“This event is a unique opportunity to showcase local research and provide a global platform for the exchange of science and knowledge and the opportunity for research growth and investment in the sector.”
Dr Rosengren said the key factors in the selection of Brisbane to host the Symposium was a combination of the city’s world leading science, the ideal venue in the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre and an attractive and appealing destination with easy international access.
Both Dr Schroeder and Dr Rosengren are on the Executive Committee of the Australian Peptide Symposium (APA), the host association for the 2021 meeting. The pair were recipients of the Brisbane Lord Mayor’s Convention Trailblazer Grant in 2018 which facilitated their attendance at the 2018 International Symposium in Kyoto to highlight Brisbane’s expertise in the field and help secure the event for Brisbane.
A first time event for Brisbane, the five day symposium is expected to attract more than 600 delegates from the United Kingdom, Europe, America, Asia and Australia.
The Queensland Government supports the event through Tourism & Events Queensland’s Business Events Acquisition and Leveraging Fund.
Queensland Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones welcomed the announcement. “This is another win for Brisbane, showcasing our innovation in this area and attracting the world’s leading scientists in this field to our state’s capital,” Ms Jones said.
“As well as being a leader in this area of science, Brisbane offers a desirable range of tourism experiences that delegates can enjoy while here.
“Using events as a platform to showcase our state’s unique tourism experiences is a clear strategy of the Queensland Government, and we are proud to support events like this which drive visitation, support local jobs and generate significant economic benefits.”
BCEC General Manager, Bob O’Keeffe said the Centre, which is located in the heart of Brisbane’s Knowledge Corridor, surrounded by universities, hospitals and research centres, has a strong reputation for hosting and attracting key sector scientific meetings.
“To have the 2021 International Peptide Symposium in Brisbane acknowledges our local researchers and academics who are at the leading edge of this emerging science as well as the appeal of Brisbane as a leading destination for international meetings.”
Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said securing the Symposium for the first time demonstrated the value of the Convention Trailblazer Grant.
“Through the Lord Mayor’s Convention Trailblazer Grant, Dr Schroeder and Dr Rosengren were able to raise awareness of their research, network with leading minds and successfully advocate for Brisbane as a global conventions city,” Cr Quirk said.
“This important Symposium will deliver an economic boost of over $2 million, showcase Brisbane’s local expertise and facilitate collaboration in the field.”
Enquiries: Gail Sawyer, Marketing and Communications Manager
T: +61 7 3308 3023 M: 0439 733 509 E: [email protected]