The Sydney Biomedical Accelerator, a life sciences complex backed by the University of Sydney, has named Prof Victoria Cogger as its founding executive director.
Cogger has been the director of the ANZAC Research Institute since February 2023. The biomedical research institute sits within the Sydney Local Health District, which is also a backer of the Sydney Biomedical Accelerator.
The A$780 million accelerator, set to open in 2028, is also co-funded by the New South Wales state government and philanthropic donations.
The accelerator will operate out of two buildings; one will be located on the university’s Camperdown campus and the other on the Sydney Local Health District’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital campus.
The aim is to provide a focal point for biomedical researchers, clinicians, and consumers, driving collaborations with startups and industry to accelerate discovery, translation, and commercialisation.
Cogger has been with the University of Sydney for 20 years, including as a professor since 2019, and is also a spinout founder. Her company, EndoAxiom, develops nanomedicines, and its lead product, a smart insulin pill, is in phase 1 trials.
“Taking this role is the realisation of a lifelong ambition to really focus on impact, and to give others the opportunity to do the same. The SBA is about giving our researchers and clinicians the best support and opportunities to work collaboratively with each other, and with industry, to make that happen.
“In 10 or 15 years these opportunities will create greater impact through better therapies, precision treatments, different care pathways, knowledge sharing and we will approach health care problems in different ways.”
Prof Victoria Cogger
Cogger will step into her new role on 30 March, providing strategic and executive leadership and operational oversight. She will ultimately report to the Sydney Biomedical Accelerator Council, which is yet to be established.
