The Group of Eight will present its collective research firepower today, with a UNSW-event on genomics. The audience, including investors, pharma corporates  and government will hear from researchers at all Go8 members and the University of Auckland.

There is a need “to find new ways to access existing funds including through established venture funds,” an event-observer says.

The day also reinforces the star-power of the Go8 universities with the event attracting the science power-brokers. Health Minister Greg Hunt and Chief Scientist Alan Finkel will be there, plus Innovation Australia chair Bill Ferris and Ian Frazer, who chairs the expert-board advising the federal government on the Medical Research Future Fund.

The MRFF has committed $500m over ten years to genomic medicine with Mr Hunt announcing $40m for genomic cancer medicine research last week.

The Australian Council of Learned Academies January report on precision medicine suggested Australia was well-placed in the global genomics research race and with a national approach; “we can offer a focal point of contact to leverage significant additional industry and clinical trial investment in Australia.”

The Go8 is working to ensure that “national” means its members in this first of a series on industry and investor focused briefings.