AusBiotech has bolstered its position as Australia’s life sciences peak physique by a robust national presence at Science Meets Parliament 2026 as a first-time associate, elevating sector priorities and strengthening engagement with policymakers.
Hosted by Science and Technology Australia, the annual occasion brings collectively leaders from analysis, {industry}, and authorities to construct connections and guarantee science is at the forefront of policy growth.
Across the two-day program, AusBiotech and its members engaged instantly with policymakers, advisers, and the broader STEM group, demonstrating the worth of coordinated, industry-led advocacy.
Reflecting the power and variety of its membership, AusBiotech supported members from throughout the innovation pipeline to have interaction instantly with authorities stakeholders, together with Navbit, Cell Therapies, and AdvanCell.
Navbit CEO and Co-Founder, Lynette Walter, stated, “For a growing Australian medtech company like Navbit, it was great to be able to have conversations with our federal parliamentarians about the value of backing Australia’s medical device sector, with respect to deepening sovereign capability, delivering improved patient outcomes, and employing STEM graduates.”
Cell Therapies CEO, Dr Bev Menner, stated, “The Federal MPs I met were very interested to learn about cell therapy manufacturing, and the role Australia can play in meeting the growing demand for these advanced therapies, here and abroad, to treat cancer, neurological disorders and autoimmune diseases.”
AdvanCell Chief Scientific Officer, Simon Puttick, stated, “This was my first visit to Parliament House. It was excellent to see the level of interest in science and technology from Federal MPs and engage with parliamentarians on the future of science in Australia. The conference was an important opportunity to talk about how Australian-developed next-generation radiopharmaceutical technologies have the potential to change the course of cancer therapy.”
AusBiotech Director of Government and Policy, Karyn McIntosh, addressed the national STEM group, highlighting the significance of a unified voice to authorities at a time of accelerating geopolitical uncertainty and productiveness challenges.
Participation in Science Meets Parliament varieties a part of AusBiotech’s broader advocacy technique, which focuses on constructing sturdy relationships with authorities throughout a number of portfolios and making certain member priorities are clearly represented in policy discussions.
By bringing members instantly into national conversations, AusBiotech helps to translate engagement into influence, strengthening the sector’s collective voice and positioning life sciences as vital to Australia’s future.