Singapore: Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MIPS) has been recognised for the Monash-GSK Australian Centre for Innovation and Industrialisation project, a unique research and development partnership that is delivering advanced medicines to the world.

Presented with the National Business Higher Education Round Table (B-HERT) Award for the Best Research and Development Collaboration, as well as the major award for Outstanding Excellence in Collaboration, the partnership between Monash University and GSK has been noted as world-leading by industry peers.

Led by Associate Professor David Morton, the pioneering collaboration leverages the unique skills in pharmaceutical science and nanotechnology at MIPS with the world-class medicine development and hi-tech manufacturing capabilities of GSK Australia. It translates cutting-edge science and technology into next-generation pharmaceutical products for the national and international market.

"It's wonderful to be recognised for what we've achieved collectively. This is a meaningful and effective true partnership, which we want to expand with other partners to create more jobs, exports and a broader sustainable industry base," said Associate Professor Morton.

The project is contributing to the growth of pharmaceutical manufacturing in Australia and international competiveness by developing a sustainable future for the industry, which currently generates USD 4.12 billion in product exports (of which around a quarter originate from GSK) and employs over 40,000 Australians.

"We see this project as a terrific opportunity for pharmaceutical exports to grow with fusion of science, technology and business excellence from joining industry, education and research into a productive partnership," said, Director, MIPS Professor Bill Charman.

Mr. Troy Webb, GSK Australia Boronia Site Director, said the collaboration provided fertile ground for further Australian innovation.

"We look for ways to engage new people, who think differently and provide new opportunities. It's about these fresh attitudes as much as about technical knowledge. Being able to work as part of a team: that's a key part of who we are," Mr Webb said.

"It's an exciting project operating at multiple levels of knowledge, science, technology - with operational, communication and translational skills."

The MIPS - GSK collaboration was established in 2009 with USD3.3 million initial funding from the Victorian Science Agenda (VSA) Investment Fund and GSK. Since this, GSK has invested over USD60 million into expanding manufacturing in Victoria.