In partnership with Life Sciences Queensland, the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre has established a Bio-Innovation Bursary to support emerging biotechnology researchers working across areas including medical, agricultural and biofuels innovation, and strengthen connections between research and industry.
As part of BCEC’s 30th year legacy initiatives and LSQ’s 15th anniversary year, the bursary was developed through the BCEC Advocates Partnership to support Queensland and Australia’s research and commercial uptake across health, biomedical and agritech bio-innovation. As a leading host of international life sciences and biotechnology conferences, BCEC has spent three decades partnering with science leaders and industry sectors to showcase Queensland’s research and innovation capability to a global audience. This initiative honours that legacy by investing in future talent and strengthening the connections between research and industry that drive global impact.
Valued at up to $25,000, the bursary provides flexible funding to support activities that enhance industry collaboration and research impact, including collaborative projects, industry placements, commercialisation initiatives, specialised resources and targeted engagement opportunities. Recipients will have the opportunity to build on their research and extend its reach, building momentum at a pivotal point in their career.
Applicants will be assessed relative to opportunity, through a competitive, independently reviewed process. Evaluation is focused on the impact of the proposed activity in strengthening industry engagement and accelerating research translation, along with the calibre and future potential of the applicant. To be eligible, applicants must be early to mid-career researchers, working in the life sciences sector in Queensland.
The recipient will be recognised alongside Gene Awards recipients at the LSQ Gene Awards event on Friday, 11 September 2026.
Applications are now open. Full details, including eligibility criteria and application guidelines, are available via Life Sciences Queensland.
