Cicada HealthTech Hub x VVMF Advanced Therapeutics at Westmead: Local Capability, Global Reach

Join us for an evening showcasing the groundbreaking therapeutic innovation emerging from one of Australia’s most dynamic health precincts.

Cicada Innovations and the Viral Vector Manufacturing Facility (VVMF) invite you to a unique event exploring how the Westmead Health Precinct is leading the way in the research, development, manufacturing, and clinical delivery of advanced therapeutics.

Through insights from researchers, clinicians, biotech leaders, and patient advocates, we’ll highlight how this local capability is transforming global healthcare. The evening will feature networking opportunities over drinks and canapés, followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion covering every step of the therapeutic pipeline—from discovery to patient delivery.

🎤 Speakers Include:

• Welcome by: Lilly Bojarski, GM, Cicada HealthTech Hub

• Stephen Thompson — CEO, VVMF

• Moderator: Dr. Kim Sutherland, PSM — Executive Director, Office for Health and Medical Research , NSW Ministry of Health.

• Prof. Eddy Kizana — Professor of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Centre Co-Director, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Cardiologist, Westmead Hospital, WSLHD

• Dr. Michelle Lorentzos — Paediatric Neurologist, Advanced Therapeutics Medical Lead, The Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, Clinical Lead, Neurogenetics Service, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Senior Clinical Lecturer, The University of Sydney, Clinical Trials Lead, SCHN/Luminesce Alliance

• Prof. Leszek Lisowski — Chief Technology Officer, VVMF, Unit Head of the Translational Vectorology Research Unit (TVRU), Children’s Medical Research Institute (CMRI), and conjoint Professor at The University of Sydney & CMRI

• Prof. Ian Alexander — Chief Medical Officer, VVMF, Head, Gene Therapy Research Unit, SCHN, Head, Gene Therapy Research Unit, CMRI

🧪 Why Attend?

• Discover the advanced therapeutic ecosystem being built at Westmead and its role in APAC and global markets

• Meet key players shaping the future of gene therapy, clinical trials, and manufacturing

• Explore partnership and investment opportunities across biotech, healthcare, and research

• Connect with researchers, clinicians, government, industry leaders, and emerging startups

🥂 Program at a Glance

4:30PM | Arrival & Networking Drinks
5:15PM | Welcome & Opening Remarks
5:30PM | Advanced Therapeutics Panel
6:30PM | Networking & Canapés
7:30PM | Event Close

Capacity is limited. Register now to secure your place at this important gathering of the healthtech and biotech innovation community.

Find out more about the Cicada HealthTech Hub 

The Cicada HealthTech Hub is proudly supported by NSW Government and is part of the Westmead’s Health & Innovation District. The district includes 4 major hospitals, 4 world-leading medical research institutes, 2 university campuses and the largest research-intensive pathology service in NSW. By 2036, the number of full-time staff will increase to more than 50,000 and the number of students will expand to more than 10,000. Among the first projects for development is a viral vector advanced manufacturing facility to provide ground-breaking trial therapies for infections, cancer and genetic diseases.