The SMART CRC 2026 Conference, SMART Connections. Shared Impact, is our flagship event, bringing together industry, government and research to strengthen collaboration across Australia’s regenerative therapies ecosystem.
This conference will bring together SMART CRC partners and associates alongside the broader biotechnology and regenerative therapies community in an interactive forum focused on collaboration, innovation and shared impact.
Connect, build momentum and align on national and state health and regenerative therapies priorities, workforce needs and partnership led innovation.
The SMART CRC 2026 Conference is scheduled alongside AusBiotech International Conference 2026, recognising this period as the biggest week in biotech in Australia.
Registration cost: AU$205.50
Program
9:00 AM to 10:00 AM: Networking & tea and coffee
10:00 AM to 10:30 AM: Official Opening, welcome and acknowledgements.
10:30 AM to 11:30 AM: Plenary Address with Robert Klupacs:
- Improving Lives and Building an Industry by Harnessing Australian Innovation: The Opportunity and the Challenge.
11:30 AM to 11:45 AM: Morning Tea: Refreshments and networking.
11:45 PM to 12:30 PM: Panel session: Driving National Impact_What We’ve Learned from CRC Leadership.
- Moderated by Dr Leanna Read, featuring panellists that include CRC leaders, Jane O’Dwyer, Dr Tony Peacock and Dr Ian Dagley.
12:30 PM to 1:30 PM: Lunch and an optional activity of a guided 40-minute walking tour showcasing Bond University’s art collection, history and verified Indigenous heritage sites across campus.
1:30 PM to 2:15 PM: Concurrent sessions
Delegates can choose from two concurrent session streams:
- The Business of Regenerative Therapies: Practical Masterclasses for Growth(Registration required)
Interactive, expert-led breakout sessions exploring workforce development, investment, translation, regulation, intellectual property and commercialisation strategies for growing regenerative therapies businesses. - Innovation in Motion: Partner Announcements(Main Stage)
A fast-paced showcase of achievements, strategic milestones and emerging innovations from SMART CRC partners and associates, highlighting the impact being created across the ecosystem.
2:15 PM to 3:15 PM: Panel session: The Purpose Behind the Investment: Advancing Patient Outcomes Through Innovation, a session moderated by Dr Matthew Hewitt.
3:15 PM to 3:45 PM: Host State Research Spotlight with presentations from The University of Queensland, Bond University and Queensland University of Technology.
3:45 PM to 4:00 PM: Afternoon tea
4:00 PM to 4:30 PM: Closing Keynote with Ms Lusia Guthrie AM:
- The Translation Imperative: Turning Research Excellence into National Impact
4:30 PM to 5:00 PM: Closing remarks from SMART CRC Chair Dr Leanna Read
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM: Networking Drinks