Spotlight on Murdoch University

Member and Supporter Spotlight – Murdoch University

Murdoch University is strengthening its role in Western Australia’s innovation ecosystem by taking a coordinated, Universitywide approach to research commercialisation. From flagship infrastructure like the Australian National Phenome Centre to the upcoming Murdoch Innovation Hub, Murdoch is focused on turning research capability into real world impact.

Murdoch’s life sciences innovation activities are broad, spanning biomedical research, veterinary and agricultural science, environmental and conservation systems, and many more. What unites the approach is a shared commitment to societal impact and good, driven from a set of core beliefs that is outlined in the Ngala Kwop Biddi Strategy towards “building a brighter future, together”.

A Connected, UniversityWide Innovation Ecosystem

Murdoch’s new Research Strategy has identified commercialisation as a key focus area for growth.

To enable this, the Office of Research and Innovation is playing a role to facilitate commercialisation such that these activities occur more naturally and consistently in an environment where translational research, core infrastructure, industry partnerships and institutional support are strongly aligned. Much of the work is not about creating something new, it is about connecting what already exists through our people, platforms and our partners.

We remain focused on supporting innovation through flexible approaches to IP management, fit-for-purpose commercial pathways and core infrastructure utilization by working closely with our research-intensive Institutes, Schools and Colleges, as well as senior leadership.

The Australian National Phenome Centre as a Platform for Translation

One of the clearest examples of this approach in action is the Australian National Phenome Centre (ANPC). The ANPC is undergoing leadership change, and we are now looking for a new leader who can help us enhance this capability for discovery science, broaden access and create clear line of sight to outcomes beyond academic pursuits. While commonly recognised as a clinical translation capability, we are now deploying the ANPC in almost every area of bioscience, including animal health, environmental conservation and monitoring, bioprospecting, and infectious diseases. As a shared facility, it will provide a blueprint for how Murdoch approaches innovation by facilitating open and transparent access to cutting-edge infrastructure and know-how that benefits the WA life science ecosystem and beyond.

Creating the Conditions for Innovation

Alongside this, we are also working on creating environments that will allow innovation to flourish. At Murdoch, we are investing in a new Innovation Hub that will be the catalyst for a broader Precinct adjacent to one of the fastest growing health campuses in Australia. The intent is to create a connective layer, it will be a place where researchers, startups, SMEs, students and industry partners can colocate, test ideas, and build relationships that extend well beyond a single project or funding cycle. The Hub archetype goes beyond one that is focused on economic drivers; we seek to create new innovation pipelines that transcends research disciplines for societal good, grow entrepreneurial capital for our staff and students and provide a front-door for the life sciences ecosystem to access our knowledge assets.

Future State

Looking ahead, we remain committed to strengthening our connections to the WA life sciences community through deep discourse and partnership. This work is collective, ongoing and increasingly central to how Murdoch approaches innovation commercialisation and entrepreneurship development. Importantly, it is being designed to complement our existing capabilities and strengths, including facilities like the ANPC, so that we can be a key player through a Team WA approach.