Working with Trade Queensland, Queensland Clinical Trials Network Inc. (QCTN) recently appointed Katie Neeson as a 'Japanese Cadet/Project Support Officer', to work from the Trade Queensland Office (TQO) in Tokyo.
QCTN CEO, Mario Pennisi, said the Trade Commissions have proven to be a highly cost-effective business development service that provides a range of export assistance services through a team of experts with international business experience, multilingual skills and international business contacts – and strongly recommended that any Queensland company looking to get into international markets, made their first call to Trade Queensland.
Last year, the possibility of conducting studies in Japanese patients and volunteers in Queensland was identified as being of great interest to Japanese companies. At that time, it was realised that to build on this interest a dedicated representative was required in Japan to promote the capabilities of the Queensland biotech and life sciences industry.
Mr Pennisi said 'the Japanese Cadetship will primarily be building on the previous activities initiated by QCTN with the Trade Commission and is a cost-effective avenue for 'in-market' representation.'
Under the scheme, Ms Neeson will be based in Tokyo Offices of Trade Queensland for a five month period which will culminate with a strong Queensland presence at BIO Japan. Part of her role will be not only to bridge the gap between the Queensland and Japanese life sciences industry, but also to raise the profile of the Queensland biotechnology industry in general.
Mr Pennisi, feels this is a great opportunity for Queensland biopharmaceutical and services sector to grow.
'Through the appointment of Ms Neeson in Tokyo, we will be able to establish further formal and informal collaborative networks (bio-clusters) between regions of Japan and Queensland, and also identify additional opportunities for collaboration and business development,' Mr Pennisi said.
In Tokyo, Ms Neeson will be able to further explore cooperation and other opportunities that exist between QCTN's members and the life sciences/biotechnology industries in Japan.
About QCTN
QCTN is based in Queensland and was established in 2005 by the Queensland Government as part of its Smart State Initiative. It is a not-for-profit, incorporated association of Queensland based, life sciences research organisations and related entities. QCTN itself does not conduct any form of clinical research.
As a primary point of contact for domestic and international organisations seeking to undertake preclinical and clinical research in Australia, QCTN helps identify and connect sponsor organisations with the appropriate Queensland research institutions, hospitals and other life sciences service providers.
For further information about QCTN and/or opportunities in Japan, please visit www.qctn.com.au/japan