Queensland’s first ever chief scientist is helping QUT turn its world-leading research into real-world patents and products.
Professor Peter Andrews AO is the new Chairman of QUT’s independent commercialisation arm, qutbluebox.
A pioneer of innovation and knowledge industries in Queensland, Professor Andrews is a bio-entrepreneur with a passion for social enterprise and using research and development to solve the world’s biggest problems.
"Building an innovation-based society in Australia requires not only business and community leaders who appreciate the opportunities offered by university research, but also entrepreneurial students and researchers who are willing, ready and able to create their own social and business enterprises,” Professor Andrews said.
“I look forward to working with both groups through bluebox.”
Welcoming Professor Andrews to the role, bluebox CEO Tim McLennan said Professor Andrews had an extensive understanding of the policy and economic development issues associated with science, research and innovation.
“There’s an extraordinary wealth of innovative ideas within QUT and our job is to help staff and students turn those ideas into businesses, creating the start-up founders of the future,” Mr McLennan said.
“Having first met Peter during his role as Queensland Chief Scientist, we know he will maximise the impact of our commercialisation and entrepreneurial activities.
“Australia’s innovation agenda is gaining increasing support from both governments and industry.
“Peter’s unique experience across government and industry and his own entrepreneurial endeavours will ensure bluebox’s industry and venture partnerships, as well as commercialisation, are aligned with real outcomes in this exciting environment.
Professor Andrews replaces retiring bluebox chairman Hugh Nalder, who remains a member of QUT Council.
Professor Andrews served as Queensland Chief Scientist 2003-2010.
Before that, he led multidisciplinary scientific teams in several Australian universities and co-founded six biotechnology companies. He is currently chairman of Implicit Bioscience and Vast Bioscience.
Professor Andrews is a Fellow of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute, the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering, and the Australian Institute of Company Directors. In 2004 he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia.
His book, Überpreneurs: how to create innovative global businesses and transform human societies, co-authored with social scientist Dr Fiona Wood, was published in 2014.
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Media contacts:
Kate Haggman, QUT Media, 07 3138 0358, kate.haggman@qut.edu.au
After hours Rose Trapnell, 0407 585 901, media@qut.edu.au
