“The creation of an onshore vaccine manufacturing facility at Monash’s Clayton campus is a massive opportunity to generate and build on the research and innovation we need to protect Australia’s social and economic wellbeing,” Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said.

Bringing together a range of talent from Monash University, the University of Melbourne and leading Australian research organisations, the new facility will develop mRNA vaccinations and therapeutics to treat disease.

“Universities are proud to be part of lifting Australia’s sovereign capacity and helping find the solutions to some of the biggest challenges,” Ms Jackson said.

“Whether it be a global pandemic or a national crisis, universities sit at the heart of responding to threat and serving their communities in times of great need.

“Many campuses across the country transformed into vaccination hubs throughout COVID-19, while our health faculties and medical schools provided the expert advisers governments relied upon to keep people safe and turn the tide on infections.

“I congratulate everyone involved in developing this important 10-year strategic partnership.”