The National Health Sciences Centre Limited is an Australian Capital Territory (ACT) registered company formed on 14th September, 1995, in partnership with the ACT Department of Health to foster scientific collaboration and commercialise health sciences research in the Australian Capital Territory.

The accelerating pace of technological change is placing new demands on medical researchers and healthcare providers. In particular, the demand for evidence on which to base medical practice has resulted in an explosion in the number of clinical trials needed. In addition, clinical trials are being placed under increasing scrutiny by regulatory authorities, and higher standards by peer review. The NHSC's role in fostering scientific collaboration and supporting commercialisation significantly contributes to fulfilling these demands, and helps the ACT lead in the areas of health sciences research and commercialisation of innovations.

The National Health Sciences Centre operates out of offices in Building 8, in The Canberra Hospital in the suburb of Garran in Canberra, in the ACT, Australia. The company’s initial principal asset was the PHT software - several years were spent investing in research, development and eventual commercialisation of the system. ( www.pht.org.au )

The National Health Sciences Centre Limited is a not-for-profit initiator, project manager and facilitator for health sector Intellectual Property commercialisation and management for the capital region.

(1) To further knowledge in the field of medicine, particularly human medicine, by conducting scientific research to advance knowledge of the functioning of the human body in health and in disease, including improved methods for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of human diseases.

(2) To provide premises, laboratories, equipment and apparatus for the purpose of undertaking scientific research.

(3) To publish information on the results of scientific research.

(4) To provide opportunities for medical and scientific graduates seeking careers in medical research.

(5) To work with health professionals on the application and commercialisation of research.

(6) To facilitate health IP management and commercialisation.

The mission of the National Health Sciences Centre Limited is to operate an active network of health science activities in the Australian Capital Territory and thus become a major initiator, project manager and facilitator in developing the industry.

Since the National Health Sciences Centre is a public company, limited by guarantee, all income and property of the NHSC must be applied solely towards the promotion of its objects.

The National Health Sciences Centre was formed to take advantage of:

• The significant amount of medical research which is being conducted in the ACT.

• A market opportunity which currently exists because of the lack of the existence

of any other agency to fill the objectives of NHSC.

Thus, the National Health Sciences Centre mission is to provide the capital, personnel, expertise and processing methods necessary to exploit these opportunities on a public and community basis.

The target market is the ACT medical and healthcare industries and, in particular, the public sector with partnerships being formed with the private sector. It is also anticipated that partnerships will be formed with both the public and private medical and healthcare sectors outside the ACT, both in Australia and overseas in order to develop the business and to commercialise IP.