Melbourne is an innovative hub for world-class science. Since 1999, the Victorian Government has invested A$1.8 billion into science, technology and innovation, resulting in sustained growth in the sector. In 2007, over 40 per cent of national medical research grants were awarded to Victorian researchers. Victoria is home to 141 biotech companies, 15 major medical research institutes, 7 teaching hospitals and 9 universities.
Breakthroughs in biotech areas as diverse as influenza, stem cells, cancer, reproductive medicine, diabetes and neuroscience underscore the research strengths of the state.