The University of Sydney has today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Thermo Fisher Scientific, a leading global provider of scientific technologies and services, to foster strategic collaborations on innovative research and equip researchers with industry connections and skills.

The MoU was signed at the University’s Sydney Nanoscience Hub by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Mike Ryan, and Thermo Fisher Vice President and General Manager for Australia for New Zealand, Jo Broughton.

Professor Ryan said the MoU will enable the organisations to explore opportunities to collaborate on research spanning life sciences, health, physical sciences, advanced manufacturing, environment, food and agriculture, industry, and business.

“Thermo Fisher is a world leader in scientific services and technologies. If you’ve done a STEM degree, you’ve almost certainly used a piece of Thermo Fisher equipment,” Professor Ryan said.

“For more than a decade, the University has made significant investments in research infrastructure with Thermo Fisher, under the leadership of Pro‑Vice‑Chancellor (Research Infrastructure) Professor Simon Ringer and our Core Research Facilities team. By formalising this partnership today, we’re making it easier for our multidisciplinary researchers, students and partners to access cutting-edge research infrastructure and industry know-how.”

The MoU includes scope for education-focused activities including technician training and researcher development, such as through industry-embedded PhDs, training hubs, innovation and commercialisation programs, and workforce skills training.

Broughton said this skills-focus will be critical in ensuring Australia is able to address national skills gaps.

“Thermo Fisher is proud to partner with the University of Sydney, which is consistently ranked as a global leader in research and teaching. Together, we can tackle challenges facing Australia’s research and development industries, whether it be through industry internships, dedicated training that prepares students for jobs, or access to industry-standard research infrastructure,” Broughton said.

The two organisations will also seek to collaborate through coordinated policy engagement, and technical advisory support for academics and industry.

University of Sydney Vice-President (External Engagement) Kirsten Andrews said the partnership reflects each organisation’s commitment to research excellence through the collaboration and connection.

“Both the University of Sydney and Thermo Fisher recognise that, in order for scientific research to have the biggest impact on people’s lives, it needs to be done in collaboration with the communities around us,” Andrews said. “Together, we’ll be working closely with our innovation precincts across Sydney – at Tech Central, Westmead and Bradfield City – to upskill researchers, translate research into impact, and train the next generation of innovators.”

Tony Acciarito, Thermo Fisher President of Asia Pacific & Middle East, Africa, who also attended today’s ceremony, stated: “The Asia Pacific region is rapidly developing and expanding its research and development capabilities. I know that, like Thermo Fisher, the University of Sydney is committed to accelerating science both locally and around the world, and in doing so, help to underpin economic development through scientific innovation.”