The Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning is changing to the Department of State Development and Infrastructure. Work is underway to update this website. Read more about the new Ministerial portfolios. Access Planning and Local Government content as changes are being progressed.

Biomedicine versus Biotechnology, what’s what?

Biomedicine versus Biotechnology, what’s what?

What is the difference between biomedicine and biotechnology and how is Queensland backing these exciting priority industries?

The biomedical industry is currently adding more than $2 billion to Queensland’s economy each year, employing more than 13,000 people and has estimated more than $500 million in export value.

This is a growing industry and Queensland is pushing to become a globally competitive Asia-Pacific biomedical industry hub by 2027. There are already six bustling precincts which are home to Queensland innovative-led organisations, scientific talent and excellent research and medical infrastructure.

But can you state the difference between biotechnology and biomedicine and understand the role each plays in this industry?

Queensland University of Technology’s Life Sciences program

What is the difference between biomedicine and biotechnology?

Biomedicine and biotechnology can work together to make sure your body stays healthy, however they both take different paths to get to their solutions.

So, put simply, imagine you were missing an elbow.

Biomedicine would look at “what”, “how” and “why” you were missing an elbow. Scientists would conduct valuable research that would inform development of new drugs, treatments and therapies for that missing elbow.

Whereas biotechnology would look at developing technology to get you a new elbow. This field of work can be applied broadly in areas such as human health, fuel, and sustainable farming practices.

What is biomedicine in Queensland?

Here in Queensland, the biomedical sector not only hosts world class research centres and institutes, research hospitals and innovation precincts but it is also focused on manufacturing biopharmaceuticals, generic medicines, medical technologies, immunotherapies,  complementary medicines and biotherapeutics, and developing new vaccines and therapeutics to successfully treat health problems.

Local researchers are already producing very promising results in many of these areas. For example, Q-Gen Cell Therapeutics (part of QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute) is developing a potentially ground-breaking new treatment for people who live with multiple sclerosis.

What is biotechnology in Queensland?

The Queensland biotech sector is focussed on more than just health.

We have rapid vaccine development and manufacture, and 3D printing for medical applications such as personalised body parts, scaffolds and medical devices, through to precision fermentation which produces proteins used to create new and healthier food products.

Lab equipment being used

Keen for more information?

Read how the state government is lending its support to Queensland’s exciting biomedical ( 605.5 KB) and biotechnology sectors.

Last updated: 30 Oct 2023

TOP