By Andrew Brown in Canberra

Australia’s leading science agency has teamed up with a pharmaceutical giant to help prevent future biosecurity threats.

A five-year partnership has been signed between the CSIRO and Moderna for a biosecurity accelerator.

The program will focus on infectious disease research and mRNA technology.

Defence Minister Richard Marles said the collaboration would allow Australian scientists to respond to emerging threats and assist in the faster development of laboratory work.

“Australia’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to biosecurity threats is an important part of our national resilience,” Mr Marles said.

“Initiatives like this help ensure Australia is better equipped to meet emerging challenges while contributing to security, stability and prosperity across our region.”

Moderna is among the largest companies that use mRNA vaccines, which trains the immune system through genetic instructions to fight a disease, compared with traditional vaccines which uses physical parts of a virus or bacteria.

The pharmaceutical giant used mRNA technology to develop a covid vaccine and is currently carrying out clinical trials for bird flu.

Science Minister Tim Ayres said there would be significant benefits for Australian scientists at CSIRO.

“CSIRO is one of Australia’s leading science organisations, and this partnership means we can leverage Australia’s scientific knowledge to benefit all Australians and ensure our region is better prepared for future biosecurity challenges,” he said.

“Some of the nation’s leading researchers will have the chance to learn from Moderna, who have pushed the boundaries of biotechnology forward.”

As part of the partnership, biosecurity safeguards in the agricultural industry will be examined and applied through Australia and the Pacific region.

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