CSIRO to partner with pharmaceutical giant for research

The CSIRO, Australia's premier science agency, has entered into a five-year collaboration with pharmaceutical giant Moderna to bolster biosecurity defenses. The partnership aims to investigate infectious diseases and harness mRNA technology in research. Defence Minister Richard Marles emphasized that the collaboration empowers Australian scientists to tackle emerging threats and accelerate laboratory work, thereby enhancing national resilience.

Marles highlighted that initiatives like these contribute to regional security, stability, and prosperity. Moderna, a prominent company in mRNA vaccines, developed a COVID vaccine and is conducting clinical trials for bird flu. Science Minister Tim Ayres noted that the partnership will provide Australian researchers with valuable insights from Moderna's expertise, bolstering Australia's scientific capabilities and regional preparedness for future biosecurity challenges.

The collaboration will also focus on evaluating and implementing biosecurity measures within the agricultural sector across Australia and the Pacific region.