A new partnership will establish a framework for collaboration in research, education and innovation as well as strengthening links between two internationally recognised health innovation ecosystems.
The University of Western Australia and the University of Galway have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, which builds on a growing relationship between BioInnovate Ireland at University of Galway and Perth Biodesign, administered by UWA.
Image: Niamh Connolly and Professor David Burn from Galway, Professor Kevin Pfleger and Rebecca Tomkinson.
The MOU was signed on behalf of the University of Galway by Alex Metcalfe, Vice-President International, and on behalf of UWA by Professor Kevin Pfleger, Director of Biomedical and Health Innovation at UWA and of the WA Life Sciences Innovation Hub.
Professor Pfleger said the partnership was a reflection of the strength of the relationships already established through the respective Biodesign programs.
“We look forward to expanding research collaborations, exchanging knowledge and creating opportunities that benefit both institutions and contribute to improved healthcare outcomes internationally,” Professor Pfleger said.
The signing was announced by Hon. Stephen Dawson MLC, Minister for Science and Innovation; Medical Research of the Government of Western Australia, at the opening of Perth Biodesign’s Innovation Summit, in the presence of representatives from both universities.
As part of the visit to Perth, University of Galway representatives participated in the summit and AusMedtech 2026 conference and took part in ecosystem tours and roundtables with both local innovators and innovation leaders from across the world.
Visits to Galway by Professor Pfleger and Rebecca Tomkinson, Agent General for Western Australia in the UK and Europe, enabled discussions with senior leaders of the University of Galway, including Professor Burn, College and School representatives, BioInnovate, Curam, ARC Hub for HealthTech and Institute for Clinical Trials, as well as tours of university facilities and local medtech companies.
These reciprocal visits illustrate the MOU’s intent, to provide a framework for collaboration across innovation, joint research, staff and student exchanges, academic engagement, knowledge sharing and the development of future initiatives.
“The agreement reflects the growing relationship between WA and Ireland and demonstrates how partnerships between leading universities can strengthen research excellence, develop future talent and accelerate healthcare innovation,” Ms Tomkinson said.
"The reciprocal visits between our regions have highlighted the complementary strengths of our innovation ecosystems, and I look forward to seeing this strategic partnership continue to grow."
Image top: Associate Professor Peter Carr (Galway), Professor Anna Nowak (UWA), Hon. Stephen Dawson MLC (Minister for Science and Innovation; Medical Research), Professor Kevin Pfleger (UWA), Dr Sinead Walsh (Galway), Adjunct Professor John Kilmartin (Galway).