Business Development Office

The Business Development Office (BDO) works across WEHI’s research themes to identify innovative discoveries that have the commercial potential to make a positive impact on human health.

Research commercialisation

In close collaboration with our researchers, we determine how best to translate these discoveries, through avenues such as clinical collaborations, partnering with industry or exploring spinout formation, to secure the best outcomes for patients.

We design, negotiate and close deals with our external commercial partners and manage strategic alliances.

Intellectual property and agreements management

We manage WEHI's intellectual property portfolio and all agreements relating to commercialisation of WEHI's research including but not limited to material transfer agreements, license agreements, collaboration agreements, and confidentiality agreements.

Our team includes experienced patent managers and legal counsels who provide specialist expertise in these areas.

Education and training

WEHI’s researchers and professional staff are provided with the opportunity to develop skills in technology transfer, business development, commercialisation and entrepreneurship through our long-running Business Development Internship program as well as our newly developed Entrepreneurship program.

External engagement and contributions to local ecosystem

Our team regularly attends and actively participates in industry conferences, including those hosted by AusBiotech, BIO (general as well as therapeutic area- and region-specific) and the Association of University Technology Managers (AUTM). We also attend therapeutic area specific scientific conferences, for example in cancer, global health and protein degradation.

The WEHI BDO also actively contributes to the local ecosystem, including:

The Association of Australian Medical Research Institute (AAMRI) and MRI Lawyers Network activities
The Melbourne Biomedical Precinct activities, including speaker engagements at University of Melbourne and Monash University events and participation in precinct committees
Global Victoria activities