GENE Awards: Life Sciences Queensland celebrates 10 years of commitment to the life sciences industry.

Distinguished life sciences industry leaders and supporters gathered in Brisbane last week to attend the Life Sciences Queensland (LSQ) Globally Engaging Networking Event (GENE) Awards. The event celebrates the outstanding leaders in Life Sciences and recognises their ongoing achievements across a range of categories.Opening remarks by LSQ CEO, Clare Blain, set the tone for the awards lunch when she highlighted that as LSQ celebrate their 10^th anniversary this year, she has witnessed continued development within the sector due in part to collaboration and communication across the industry. “I have seen so much growth and success of individual members. The industry always comes together,” she said.Sponsored by McCullough Robertson, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute and Stockwell with ongoing support from the Kelso Family, representatives for each were in attendance and recognised the contributions and successes of some of Queensland’s finest in the Life Sciences.Awards were given for dedication and passion to the field life science and health, ongoing success in sustainability in regional Queensland, demonstration of contribution and successful impact across the sector, and women of influence in life sciences.Awardees included:Dr Fleur Garton, The Rose-Anne Kelso Commemorative AwardProf Neena Mitter, LSQ Rural and Regional Service AwardProf Colleen Nelson AM, LSQ QIMR Berghofer Woman of Influence AwardDr Patrick Silvey, McCullough Robertson Industry Excellence AwardHighly commended recognition was also given to Ms Kelly McGrath and Prof Neena Mitter in the LSQ Rural and Regional Service and LSQ QIMR Berghofer Woman of Influence categories.Professor Ian Frazer AC was also honoured with the LSQ Hall of Fame Award for his profound dedication and outstanding contribution to the life sciences industry. The Hall of Fame Award was given by the LSQ Board and represents a debt of gratitude for his life-time achievements and distinguished commitment to the Queensland sector.The event also provided an opportunity to recognise the achievement of Icon Cancer Care CEO, Mark Middleton and the recent Australian Financial Review announcement of the successful acquisition of Icon Cancer Care in a $2.3 billion dollar deal. Icon is a Queensland headquartered company and an active participant in cancer research and development. It also partnered with Microba to review what role the gut biome may have in the immune response for metastatic cancer.Ms Blain stated, “LSQ provides a platform to bring stakeholders together. We must keep up the momentum of growth and make things happen through networking and collaboration.”LSQ Chair, Christine Williams congratulated the winners and acknowledged the incredible achievements of the past few years. She stated that the community have a lot to thank science for but also pushed for greater success through collaboration. “We have the capability in Queensland. The challenge I am putting out to you is to collaborate more, take a few more risks and help us find a way to feed, fuel and heal the world.”- endsView event photo gallery hereMedia release and photography by Aimee Catalan of Catalan Group.For further media information contact:Clare Blaininfo@lsq.com.aumobile 0407 737 460About:Life Sciences Queensland is focussed on facilitating the future growth and sustainability of Queensland’s life sciences industry. The organisation highlights the key role that life sciences innovation plays to feed, fuel and heal our citizens.