Health and medical life sciences
One of the world’s greatest mineral and resource provinces
Internationally recognised excellence in health and medical research and innovation
Western Australia boasts a world-class medical research base with a skilled and collaborative workforce and strong entrepreneurial talent. This is supported by outstanding research infrastructure including 5 universities (3 with medical schools) and multiple highly-regarded medical research institutes.
The Western Australian Government is committed to supporting this important industry through the Health and Medical Life Sciences Industry Strategy and the Health and Medical Research Strategy, investments such as the Future Health and Research Innovation Fund, and technologically advanced hospitals and healthcare facilities.
With our unique set of strengths and capabilities, Western Australia is a smarter, more secure place to do business.
Quick facts
Home to more than one-third of approved FDA drugs from Australian universities
8 of Australia’s 15 biodiversity hotspots
244 life sciences organisations, employing nearly 24,000 people
Highlights
Genomics and proteomics
Western Australia has substantial expertise and capabilities in ‘omics’ technologies, which enable biomarkers and/or signature profiles to inform treatment options. Western Australia is home to Genomics WA, Proteomics International and the Australian National Phenome Centre (ANPC).
International research collaboration
Located in Western Australia, the ANPC is the international centre of expertise in metabolic phenotyping and is affiliated with the International Phenome Centre Network (IPCN). Its sophisticated biological analysis technology will transform and optimise disease prevention, diagnosis, and precision health.
Biodiversity hotspots
8 of Australia’s 15 biodiversity hotspots are in Western Australia. This biodiversity presents bioprospecting opportunities for researchers and industry practitioners to identify characteristics in native flora and fauna that could have commercial applications in health.
Commercial chemistry
Based in Western Australia, Epichem is Australia’s only commercial chemistry company for drug discovery, drug development, drug design and pharmaceutical reference standard production and manufacture. Epichem export 80% of their products and services to the United States and Europe and are recognised in the top ten small to medium enterprise (SME) employers of PhD graduates in Australia.
Data science and high-performance computing
Western Australia has strong data science infrastructure and high-performance computing to support health and medical research and translation, including the Pawsey Supercomputer and DUG Technology high performance computing as a service (HPCaaS).
Precision healthcare
Western Australia is committed to supporting growth in the life sciences industry to enable the convergence of advances in emerging technologies and knowledge domains that are enabling the pursuit of new, more precise models of healthcare.
Longitudinal and Cohort studies
Western Australia has a number of unique, well-established longitudinal and cohort studies such as the Busselton Health Study, the Raine Study, and the ORIGINS Study.
Why Western Australia
In Western Australia you will find:
- an internationally recognised research base achieving scientific excellence, commercial success and life-changing health and medical outcomes for Australia and the world.
- world-class research infrastructure and health and medical organisations, including at least at least 41 biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, 89 medtech and digital health companies, 22 research institutions and 63 services and support organisations.
- unique geographical opportunities with a large concentration of biodiversity hotspots
- an emerging health and medical life sciences industry with growing support from all levels of government
- locally based specialist advice and services available in intellectual property (IP) protection related to the commercialisation of innovative products and services.
Opportunities
Health and Medical Life Sciences Industry Strategy
The new Health and Medical Life Sciences Industry Strategy will guide Western Australian Government initiatives to stimulate and strengthen the industry over the next four years, and position the health and medical life sciences sector in WA as a world-leading, sustainable and value-adding industry.
Western Australian Life Sciences Innovation Hub
The MTPConnect WA Life Sciences Innovation Hub is co-funded through the WA Government’s New Industries Fund and the University of Western Australia to accelerate economic growth and create new jobs and industries. It delivers programs to connect the innovation community, build capacity and new skills, attract investment, and foster commercialisation.
Health and Medical Life Sciences Industry Prospectus
The new Health and Medical Life Sciences Industry Prospectus - ‘Western Australia: A Centre of Health and Medical Solutions’ is a great starting point to learn more about Western Australia’s unique strengths and capabilities and why Western Australia is a smarter, more secure place to do business.
WA Future Health Research and Innovation (FHRI) Fund Strategy 2020-2022
The FHRI Fund represents an exciting long-term, strategic approach to investment into elevating the state’s standing as a centre of excellence in health and medical research, innovation and commercialisation. The FHRI Fund Strategy will guide the development of the funding programs and initiatives.
The WA Health and Medical Research Strategy 2023-2033
The WA Health and Medical Research Strategy 2023–2033 outlines the priorities and direction of health and medical research for the state. The strategy leverages the distinct advantages and opportunities of WA's unique geography and population to strengthen research capability across the sector.
Working in the WA Health and Medical Life Sciences Sector
With a growing industry sector, set in an enviable place to live, learn more about careers in the Western Australian Health and Medical Life Sciences Industry.
More information
VeinTech Is Finding The Right Vein, First Time, Every Time
Western Australian medical device company Veintech is going from strength to strength with their ultra-portable hand-held vein imaging device, the VeinWise.
Western Australian invention using silkworms steps closer to market
A world-first implant for the treatment of chronic middle ear disease has been developed in Western Australia, driven by Perth-based Ear Science Institute Australia.
Get in touch
If you are looking for opportunities in business, investment or trade, contact our experienced team at Invest and Trade WA.
Our in-house experts can support you directly and provide referrals or introductions across our network of overseas offices, industry bodies and government agencies.