AS the first Director of the Western Australian Biomedical Research Institute, a virtual institute spanning Murdoch and Curtin Universities, Professor Simon Carroll aims to build a flagship for biomedical research in the State.

“We need to build the base of biomedical research in Western Australia into a vibrant, encouraging and entrepreneurial environment, so Perth is an exciting place to draw locals back and new national and international talent in,” he said.

Professor Carroll is a returned local himself. After training at the WA Institute of Technology and working as a microbiologist for several years, he completed a concurrent PhD in Parasite Immunology and an MBA at the University of WA.

“I wanted to learn effective management strategies to use in the science world,” he said.

He flexed his new business skills by establishing the Margaret River Cheese Company and then soon left for the United States and then Melbourne to work in technology commercialisation.

Since his departure more than 15 years ago, Professor Carroll has maintained a keen interest in the business side of biomedical sciences and has gained a wealth of experience.

His positions have provided him with extensive expertise in converting biomedical research into marketable products at the pharmaceutical development company AMRAD and the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research.

He joins WABRI from CSIRO, where he had worked since 1994. “Working alongside colleagues involved in the discovery and development of the influenza drug Relenza™ provided many opportunities to experience the highs and lows of commercialisation,” said Professor Carroll.

“In Western Australia we have some excellent but all too limited examples of developing technologies. To grow this, we need to leapfrog the technology base and culture in other parts of Australia, and WABRI can play a key role in promoting the necessary changes,” said Professor Carroll.

“Because of Perth’s isolation, it is harder and more expensive to carry out world-class research. However in biomedical sciences, we have terrific intellectual capital needing to be progressed in a way that makes us more competitive nationally and internationally.”

Professor Carroll feels his role as the Institute Director is to be a facilitator and a figurehead - someone who can be turned to for advice or representation - rather than directing research.

“Although I can put systems in place to help facilitate research, I anticipate working with the researchers to develop the value in their projects, which may involve seeking partnerships and collaborations with other scientific groups as well as investors,” he said.

“We need to be strategic in our pursuit of investors, choosing companies that can offer researchers opportunities to develop the outcomes into the international arena, as well as the much needed financial assistance.”

Professor Carroll said the short term goal for the Institute was to build quality.

“We need to write and implement a detailed three-year strategic plan and strive for excellence in all fields whether they be postgraduate education, research enterprises or external links,” he said.

“We also need to work in closely with other biomedical centres in Perth to form a united front for collaborative research, grant submissions and research management education, while assisting government to put effort into strategic initiatives.”

Professor Carroll said WABRI had joined the newly formed Biomedical Research and Development Alliance with the Lions Eye Institute, the TVW Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, and the WA Institute for Medical Research in a preliminary step to form a critical mass.

Professor Carroll also sees his role on the Board of Directors of the Australian Biotechnology Association (ABA) as valuable to WA in promoting the biotech industry.

“The ABA is undergoing a major refocusing and it is exciting to see the energy and enthusiasm this is generating. I see WABRI and the Biomedical R&D Alliance members as providing opportunities to grow this important sector in WA,” said Professor Carroll.