Dr Lyndon Llewellyn from the Australian Institute of Marine Science
will take on the Queensland Parliament next week to drive home the
importance of biodiscovery to the State’s future.
AIMS has got an enviable record in this field and engages with many
international companies and agencies in biodiscovery work. The US
National Cancer Institute is currently screening 400 AIMS samples for
anti-tumour activity, and the agrichemical company Nufarm is funding
pursuit of marine herbicides discovered on the Great Barrier Reef.
Dr Llewellyn said the Biodiscovery Bill would provide certainty of
ownership on new leads, and would encourage commercial development of
biodiscoveries.
"It will reduce the risk of major stakeholders losing out on
any benefits resulting from the research," he said.
"In addition, important bioresearch conservation and ethical
issues have been addressed in the Bill, a step that should be
commended."
Dr Llewellyn said it was important for
Queensland politicians to understand that outstanding work was being
done outside the south-east corner.
"It is important to press on the Parliament that there is a
strong spirit of collaboration between research agencies in North
Queensland which amplifies their contribution to the State and
nation," he said.
