UQ vaccinologist backed by BCEC LSQ Bio Innovation Bursary

University of Queensland expert Dr Chris McMillan received the inaugural Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre Life Sciences Queensland Bio Innovation Bursary to support his research into innovative vaccine platforms and advanced delivery technologies. 

UQ experts, partners and collaborators were also recognised at the Life Sciences Queensland Gene Awards 2026, which were presented at the same event. 

Associate Professor Jakob Begun from Mater Research received the McCullough Robertson Industry Excellence. 

Biotech company Southern RNA – which collaborates with UQ’s Base facility – received the Radium Capital Emerging Innovator Award.   

UQ, partners and collaborators winners and finalists are:

BCEC LSQ Bio Innovation Bursary:  

• Dr Chris McMillan (UQ) – winner  

• Dr Henry de Malmanche (UQ) – finalist 

Life Science Queensland Gene Awards 2026:

QIMR Berghofer Woman of Influence Award  

• Honorary Professor Vicki Flenady (Mater Research) – finalist 

• Honorary Professor Kristen Radford (Mater Research) – finalist  

Merck Life Science Rural and Regional Service Award  

• Professor Kwun Fong (UQ and Prince Charles Hospital) – finalist 

• Dr Bushra Nasir (UQ) – finalist 

McCullough Robertson Industry Excellence Award  

• Associate Professor Jakob Begun (Mater Research) – winner 

Cytiva Company of the Year  

• Translational Research Institute Australia – finalist 

Radium Capital Emerging Innovator Award  

• Southern RNA – winner 

• Gelomics (backed by UniQuest Extension Fund) – finalist 

• Proseek Bio – finalist