Professor Frank Gannon recognised as a Queensland life sciences industry champion

The director of QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Professor Frank Gannon, has been recognised for his significant contribution to the life sciences in Queensland.

Professor Gannon was on Friday awarded the Queensland Life Sciences Industry Excellence Award, sponsored by McCullough Robertson, at its Globally Engaging Networking Event (GENE) held at the Brisbane Convention Centre.

Professor Gannon was recognised by industry peers for making an outstanding contribution to both the Queensland Life Sciences Industry sector and in the broader community, as well as for raising the profile of the industry in Queensland.

Peers cited his leadership in striking major deals with international pharmaceutical companies Bristol-Myers Squibb and Atara Biotherapeutics; his nous in attracting genomics giant BGI to establish its headquarters in the Asia-Pacific; and credited him with “ushering in a new era of major philanthropy for the life sciences”.

Professor Gannon said he was delighted to be the award’s eighth recipient.

“I am humbled and pleased to accept this award in recognition of the growth of the fantastic, commercially-relevant life sciences work going on right here at QIMR Berghofer, as well as at many other wonderful institutions here in the state,” he said.

“We know we can create a better, more prosperous, future for Queensland and its people by investing in world-renowned research, driving innovation and securing fruitful commercial partnerships to capitalise on that work.

“It is wonderful to see my passion for the life sciences right here in Queensland recognised but also to know that it is shared by those working at QIMR Berghofer. It is my brilliant employees and colleagues who really deserve this award, I am merely their representative.”