Griffith University’s Institute for Glycomics Director Professor Mark von Itzstein will collaborate with some of the world’s most innovative thinkers at an event focused on the future of the Gold Coast.
The Big Blue Sky Event on November 5 aims to be the catalyst where the city’s brightest minds come together with global visionaries and the public to write the Gold Coast’s next chapter.
Professor von Itzstein will be part a panel of experts who will discuss how to position the Gold Coast as the leading hub of intelligence, IT and Innovation in Australia.
Professor von Itzstein said his vision is to see the city positioned as one of the flagship biotechnology precincts in the country.
“I believe we have the infrastructure, capabilities and knowledge to position ourselves much like San Diego has in California,” he said.
“It will take a combined effort from Griffith, the Gold Coast University Hospital and the co-location of industry partners to engage to make it happen.”
Professor von Itzstein said he believed it was important to be part of innovative forums such as the Big Blue Sky Event as science was an important aspect of advancing the community.
“Scientists must engage the public,” he said.
“Science needs to be front and centre in any dialogue about advancing the community in economics, new opportunities, workforce, driving industry and engagement.”
Professor von Itzstein believes the event is timely given the lead up to the Gold Cost 2018 Commonwealth Games which will present the city on the world stage in many dimensions, rather than simply being known for its exceptional tourism prospects.
The event will also hear from keynote speakers such as Matt Desmier, founder of Silicon Beach in UK, Mark Rowland CEO Downtown Las Vegas Project and Dr Martin Blake, Sustainability Strategist.
Griffith’s Queensland College of Art photography lecturer Peter Thiedeke will also speak at the event on the topic of ‘Why be gratified when you can inspire?’
Two other panels will explore the topics of making the Gold Coast 100 per cent sustainable and how to disrupt the blockages to entrepreneurship and emerging businesses across the world.
Tickets to the event can be purchased here.
The Big Blue Sky
Join the free ‘optional’ community launch at 4.30am on Surfers Paradise beach with an official sunrise welcome followed by yoga.
The official event kicks off at 7am at Q1, 9 Hamilton Avenue, Surfers Paradise.
View the full program here.