Brisbane 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 Christina Schroeder and 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.
A first-time event for Brisbane, the five-day symposium is expected to attract more than 600 delegates from the UK, Europe, America, Asia and Australia. Lord mayor Graham Quirk, added that the symposium will deliver an economic boost of over A$2 million (US$1.4 million) and showcase Brisbane’s local expertise and facilitate collaboration in the field.
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, Johan Rosengren, shred that the symposium will cover a 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.”
Rosengren said key factors in the selection of Brisbane to host the symposium include a combination of the city’s world leading science, the venue in the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, and an attractive and appealing destination with easy international access.
BCEC general manager, Bob O’Keeffe pointed out that the centre, 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.
The Queensland government supports the event through Tourism & Events Queensland’s Business Events Acquisition and Leveraging Fund.
“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,” commented Queensland tourism industry development minister Kate Jones.
