Life Sciences Real Estate Summit

4 September, 2025 | Doltone House Hyde Park, Sydney

Investment, development, construction and design strategies for Australia’s Life Sciences sector

The life sciences sector is at the forefront of Australia’s innovation economy. As investment into the sector increases, the demand for real estate that supports research, discovery, and commercialisation continues to surge. As biotech, pharma, medtech and the wider life science R&D sphere scales up, the need for specialised facilities—from research labs to advanced manufacturing hubs—is greater than ever.

The Life Sciences Real Estate Summit is dedicated to uncovering the fast growing and evolving landscape of life science real estate. Bringing together investors, developers, operators, and occupiers, this Summit will deliver critical insights into life science facilities investment, development, design, construction, sales & leasing.

Through expert-led discussions, case studies, and networking opportunities, you will gain a deep understanding of how to navigate and capitalise on this growing asset class. Whether you’re a developer, investor, occupier, or policymaker, this event will equip you with the insights, strategies, and connections needed to bulletproof your life sciences real estate strategy.

Join us to connect with industry leaders and gain the strategic knowledge needed to thrive in Australia’s life science real estate market.

CONFERENCE PROGRAM

30+ speakers, real world case-studies, interactive panel discussions, innovation talks and more

INNOVATION SHOWCASE

Exhibition showcasing the latest plan, design, construct, fit-out and related solutions for life sciences real estate

NETWORKING + MEET & GREETS

Participate in both informal and structured networking activities where you can find customers & partners

ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS

Join talks with industry peers. Share ideas, make connections, and find new partners.

Summit will start in...

Meet Our Speakers

Dr. Kate Meyrick

Director, Urbis

Bart Price

CEO, Vita Partners

Professor Trent Munro

General Manager, Boggo Road Innovation Precinct

Alex Belcastro

Senior VP – Development & Precincts, Northwest Healthcare Properties REIT

Tag Yuxiang

Principal, Warburg Pincus

Justin Gabbani

CEO, Lendlease IM

Hannah Loxton

Head of Private Capital, Wentworth Capital

Nick Smith

Co-Founder & CEO, Kurraba

Dr. Ashlie Hartigan

Associate - Science & Innovation, Wentworth Capital

Russel Meacham

Managing Director, JGS Advisory

KEY THEMES

The Life Sciences Real Estate Summit will bring together senior leaders to discuss the following topics:

The State of Life Science Real Estate in Australia

The life sciences sector is rapidly expanding in Australia, creating new opportunities and challenges for real estate developers and investors. The Summit will provide a comprehensive market overview, covering the latest investment trends, tenant demand shifts, and the impact of government policies. Learn how Australia compares to global markets and what factors will drive the future of life science real estate development.

Regulatory, Planning & Compliance Considerations

Developing life science real estate comes with unique regulatory challenges, from zoning restrictions to biosafety and GMP certification requirements. Hear insights into navigating complex approval processes and ensuring compliance at every stage of development. Experts will discuss how regulatory frameworks impact facility design and leasing agreements, helping developers and investors avoid costly delays and setbacks.

Investment Strategies & Capital Markets

Life science real estate is emerging as an attractive alternate asset class, but where do the real opportunities lie and how is capital moving into the sector? This session will look to explore the financial models and capital strategies driving the sector, from private equity and REITs to public-private partnerships. Learn how to evaluate risk, structure deals, and capitalise on the growing investor appetite for high-tech lab and biotech spaces.

The Role of Sustainability & ESG in Life Science Real Estate

Sustainability and ESG principles are increasingly shaping real estate decisions in the life science sector. Across the Summit stakeholders will explore how developers and occupiers are integrating green building standards, renewable energy solutions, and responsible waste management into their facilities. Learn how sustainable design not only meets regulatory requirements but also enhances asset value and tenant appeal.

Designing for Science: Creating Fit-for-Purpose Facilities

Life science facilities require highly specialised designs to accommodate R&D, lab work, advanced manufacturing and more. This session will explore the critical infrastructure considerations for building state-of-the-art life science spaces. From modular lab design to energy-efficient HVAC systems and biosafety compliance, experts will discuss how to create adaptable and future-proofed facilities that meet the evolving needs of tenants and researchers.

From Concept to Occupation: The Leasing & Operational Challenge

Life science tenants have highly specific operational needs, making leasing and facility management complex. Explore and uncover how to structure lease agreements, balance flexibility with long-term commitments, and ensure facilities remain fit-for-purpose over time. Developers, landlords, and tenants will share their experiences in managing life science assets and creating spaces that support innovation at every stage.

Life Science Precincts & Innovation Clusters

The rise of life science precincts is transforming how research, commercialisation, and collaboration happen in Australia. The Summit will examine successful case studies of innovation districts that bring together universities, hospitals, startups, and major biotech firms. Discover the key elements that make these precincts thrive, including location selection, funding structures, and industry partnerships.

The Future of Life Science Real Estate in Australia

What does the future hold for life science real estate in Australia? This forward-looking session will provide expert predictions on where the market is heading, including emerging trends in tenant demand, technological advancements, and government initiatives. Gain strategic insights into how to stay competitive in this evolving sector and position your projects for long-term success.

WHO ATTENDS?

  • Operators & Owners
  • Developers
  • Investors
  • Government
  • Leasing, Sales & Marketing Specialists
  • Architectural & Engineering Firms
  • Construction Firms & Specialist Contractors
  • Technology providers
  • Scientific Infrastructure Suppliers
  • Legal Firms & Consultants
  • Real Estate Professionals
  • Laboratory Design & Fit Out Providers

WHO SHOULD PARTNER?

If you are involved in the following areas, our attendees would like to hear from you:

  • Architects/Designers
  • Lab Infrastructure & Design
  • Urban Planning
  • Construction & Fit-out
  • Modular/Pre-Fab solutions
  • Sales & Leasing specialists
  • Valuation specialists
  • Engineering consultants
  • ESG/Sustainability solutions
  • Smart Building Tech
  • Access Management
  • Facilities Management
  • Security solutions
  • Legal Firms
  • Parking solutions
Event Ticket Price

Register Today!

$1095 + gst

1 Day Summit Virtual Ticket
  • Access to conference streamed sessions

  • Session recordings and presentation slides

  • No access to interactive round table and networking sessions

Buy Ticket

$1595 + gst

1 Day Summit In-person Ticket
  • Access to all conference sessions and networking opportunities

  • Session recordings and presentation slides

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Conference Schedule

Day 1 | Tuesday | 12th September

08:30 - 09:00

Registration

09:00

Chairperson’s opening remarks

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WORKPLACE STRATEGY

09:15

Evolution and Innovation: Alibaba's approach to workplace design and technology for their 230,000 global employees

Felix is responsible for the investment, construction and operation of 7 million square meters of Alibaba’s workspace worldwide. In this case study we hear how Felix is supporting the fast development of Alibaba’s business, where he continuously explores ways to provide a more secure, efficient, and vibrant workspace for over 230,000 employees worldwide. Felix will showcase how the planning, innovation, design and development of the workspace he manages is improving the efficiency of facility management, as well as upgrading security and environmental services with intelligent solutions. Before joining Alibaba in 2014, he served as the vice president of retail operations of Amazon China. 

  • General introduction and key figures about Alibaba’s campuses and workplace worldwide  
  • Our view on what makes a good workplace and why they are important to our 230,000 global employees 
  • Evolution of our workplace in response to the fast growth of the company and the changing preferences of our employees 
  • Intelligent solutions that we’ve developed to reshape our workplace and improve flexibility and efficiency 
  • Future of workplace in Alibaba and how we prepare for it 
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09:40

INTERNATIONAL KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Embracing hybrid work: IoT and Smart Building Technology for evidence-based solutions

The rapid shift towards hybrid working models has led to a growing demand for smart solutions that optimise productivity, efficiency, and employee well-being. By showcasing real-world case studies and practical applications, this presentation will delve into the cutting-edge convergence of IoT and smart building technologies that enable hybrid working environments.

  • Space utilisation: Leveraging IoT data to optimise office layouts and a seamless flexible work experience
  • Energy efficiency: Utilising smart building technology to minimise energy consumption and reduce costs
  • Employee well-being: Monitoring and adjusting environmental conditions such as air quality, temperature, and lighting
  • Collaboration and connectivity: Enhancing team communication and collaboration through connected devices and applications
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10:00

PANEL DISCUSSION: Workplace revolution – leaders are you ready?

Traditional management models simply aren’t fit for purpose for the workforce of tomorrow. The issue of labour shortages isn’t a problem for HR to solve alone; it’s a challenge for the whole business to meet. What are the strategies that will enable businesses to adapt to the future world of work, where employees prioritise flexibility, inclusion and personal development?

  • How is technology providing solutions to engage workers and increase productivity and wellbeing?
  • What do employees need to thrive at work and how do we provide this?
  • Examining the shift around the importance of work in people’s lives and the implications for workforce strategy
  • Is productivity the right measure for employees anymore and if not, what is?
Panellists:
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10:40

Morning refreshments & networking break

11:20

INTERACTIVE ROUND TABLE SESSIONS

These quickfire moderated 40-minute roundtable sessions enable delegates to break up into small focus groups of 20 to deep dive into topics of specific interest. This will be followed by a quick recap of each table discussion by each of the facilitators.

Roundtable 1: How can you equip your leaders to be successful in a multi-choice workstyle culture?
Led by: John Corbett, Corporate Real Estate Executive, CorbCo

Roundtable 2: Uncover how and where your people work best using methods derived from the field of Human Geography
Led by: Tica Masuku, Workplace Strategy Director, Spaceful

Roundtable 3: Metrics of happiness: Workplace design considerations and the happiness Ecosystem
Led by: Sarah Matthews, CEO, Little BIG Foundation

Roundtable 4: Hitting pause- how we transition successfully in an ever changing, fast paced environment
Led by:
Steve MacDonald, CEO, The Human Link

Roundtable 5: Combining data and a people centric focus to understand work and redefine (physical) workplace
Led by: Peter Andrew, Executive Director – APAC Workplace Centre of Excellence, CBRE 

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12:00

Press Pause: Transitioning well into the future of work

Future focused work environments must successfully transition into human based high performance environments. This requires a strategic pause to rethink and reimagine rather than reproduce what has gone before.  Author and Organisational Psychologist Steve Macdonald unpacks the principles for transforming performance environments to embrace the future using examples from organisations he is currently working with.   

  • The principles of transition and transformation 
  • Unleashing the authentic value of our people 
  • Leading into the future 
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12:20

PANEL DISCUSSION: Maximising productivity & flexibility

Over the last two years, businesses have been experimenting. Remote, hybrid, flexible working – the 4-day week. What does the future hold? Can businesses, teams and individuals reach a consensus that maximises employee engagement and business growth? How is the cost-of-living crisis influencing employees’ expectations of remote or office working? Join this discussion as you think through what the future holds for your business.

  • Asynchronous remote work – are distributed workforces creating us vs them divides within teams and organisations?
  • How can HR take charge by embracing personalised strategies in the EX-journey for in house and remote workers?
  • Strategies to imbed psychological safety and the benefits of encouraging open discourse
Panellists:
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13:00

Lunch & networking break

PEOPLE AND CULTURE

14:00

PANEL DISCUSSION: 2024 and beyond - Fostering a collaborative workplace culture based on trust

Productivity paranoia, presenteeism and burnout vs trust and output are on employees minds. How do we ensure that workers feel connected to each other, the work, the mission, and the organisation, even when they don’t show up to the same place 5 days a week?

  • How are you addressing burnout in your organisation?
  • Is there a growing trust disconnect between workers and management and how do we resolve this?
  • What hard work and systems within the workplace are creating undue stress on employees?
  • How do you stop thinking in terms of productivity and focus on impact and value instead?
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14:40

SPECIAL ADDRESS: Making hybrid work human

While hybrid work is here to stay for millions around the world, it presents real challenges for employees, their managers, and organisations as a whole. Combining technology and culture change offers the opportunity to create a “hybrid-first” mindset, empowering real-time and asynchronous collaboration that keep people connected, no matter where they work from.  

  • To what extent can communications smooth the rough edges of hybrid-working models?  
  • What are the building blocks of a resilient culture in a hybrid setting? 
  • How must leadership adapt to manage this change effectively and avoid being left behind, especially when it comes to innovation? 
  • What lessons can be learned from the past 18 months to create a sustainable working future? 
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15:05

MODELS UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT: Total Flexibility Vs. Mandated hybrid Vs. full-time In Office

From strategy to execution. This session will look at different working models and discuss the pros and cons of each one.

  • Now organisations have seen the effects of their chosen working model what outcomes have they seen?
  • Is your model working or do you need to consider a different approach or adapt it?
  • What do you need to support each working model?
  • What are the legal and Health & Safety implications of each model?
Panellists:
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15:45

Afternoon refreshments & networking break

ATTRACTING & RETAINING TALENT

16:15

CASE STUDY: Gen Z is ready to get to work. But are you ready for Gen Z in the workplace?

Young professionals are entering the workforce – and then leaving again, quickly. As you read this, 30% of Generation Z are looking for a new job. Want to attract and retain the highest quality employees from the new generation? Then understanding their needs and desires is the first step to success.

  • What are the defining characteristics and priorities of Gen Z that define them from others in the workplace?
  • How are misaligned expectations about flexibility, money and support leading to dissatisfaction and high exit rates?
  • The role of EAP’s in retaining Gen Z workers to avoid disruption in the workforce
  • How do you foster multi-generational needs and collaboration?
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16:35

PANEL DISCUSSION: Building a regenerative workplace to attract, retain & advance your workforce

In the face of current headwinds and calls to cut costs, what priorities need to remain front of mind for organisations to thrive and be on the front foot in modern workforce engagement?

  • What issues prevent workers from gaining promotion, improving wellbeing and knowledge and does this impact workplace culture?
  • Balancing the risk of losing key talent against short term cost and portfolio efficiencies
  • How to create wellbeing strategies that are inclusive, holistic, and personalised
  • How can you cultivate future-ready mindsets? Frameworks for mentorship
Panellists:
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17:15

Close of day one and networking drinks

Day 2 | Wednesday | 13th September

08:30

Registration

09:00

Chairperson’s opening remarks

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BUILDINGS, SPACE & DESIGN

09:10

KEYNOTE ADDRESS: The Metaverse and the world of work

  • How can the metaverse be used effectively within organisations?
  • What opportunities does it bring? A look at teamwork and collaboration in the metaverse
  • What potential challenges do you need to think about?
  • Is your organisation ready for this new virtual world? Does it need to be?
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09:40

PANEL DISCUSSION: Building a regenerative workplace to attract, retain & advance your workforce

DEIB is driving workforce strategies and initiatives but how will this translate in buildings, space, and design?

  • Using biophilic design to create wellbeing
  • Creating neuro-inclusive spaces to foster inclusion and belonging
  • Hotelification – incorporating creature comforts and a space for each phase of work to maximise productivity and employee experience
  • What amenities underpin DEIB?
Panellists:
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Moderator:
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10:20

CASE STUDY: Fostering a relationship driven workplace culture via intentional design and bespoke offerings

Recently winning the Urban Taskforce Award for Commercial Development 2022, Pallas House brings high end residential elements into a commercial & retail space via design elements and bespoke offerings to imbue a warm and inviting atmosphere that attracts employees 5 days a week into the office.

  • How to achieve a community vibe for tenants and employees via location and fit-out choices
  • Leveraging experiential elements to underpin a sense of belonging and relationship building
  • Translating corporate ethics and values via bricks and mortar to attract and retain talent
  • How do you successfully re-create the design brief across multiple sites?
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10:50

Morning refreshments & networking break

11:30

INTERACTIVE ROUND TABLE SESSIONS

These quickfire moderated 40-minute roundtable sessions enable delegates to break up into small focus groups of 20 to deep dive into topics of specific interest. This will be followed by a quick recap of each table discussion by each of the facilitator.

 

Roundtable 1: Creating a winning workplace: Designing and maintaining productive workspaces based on the behaviours of the workforce
Led by: Erin Faulkner, Head of People & Culture, Greenpeace Asia Pacific

Roundtable 2: Building a regenerative workplace to attract, retain & advance your workforce
Led by: Allan Ryan, Adjunct Professor, UTS, Executive Director, Hargraves Institute

Roundtable 3: Designing environments that engage + drive culture
Led by: Cloudia Ingall, Head of Design & Strategy, Fortis

Roundtable 4: How to build a thriving/FOMO inducing workplace to attract the next
Led by:
Zora Artis, CEO, Artis Advisory 

Roundtable 5: Tech and best practices powering flexible work
Led by: Philip Woods, Director, Catalyst Strategy

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12:10

CASE STUDY: Merging RE, Tech and Workforce

Work and the way we work needs to change. Now is the opportunity to rethink, re-design and create organisations and ways of working that benefit our families, our communities, our cities, and our environment. Australian Retirement Trust has recently had the opportunity to bring this to life by merging two organisations into one, in a brand-new purpose-built workplace. Join Kim as she shares the process of re-inventing the workplace.

  • How metrics shaped the design decision
  • What was important and why did it matter
  • What is the employee feedback so far and how is it being captured
  • Bumps in the road
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12:30

Lunch & networking break

TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

13:50

WORKPLACE TECH TALKS: Innovators in workplace & employee experience technology share ways to improve daily work life proficiency.

In this rapid-fire session, we hear from 4 forward thinking Tech companies about how they are creating technologies for the lasting shift toward future ready workplaces.

Worktech 1: Vincent Lau, CEO, Allocate Space

Worktech 2: Adrian Brossard, Head of Partnerships, Yellowbox

Worktech 3: Cameron Douglas, CEO, Videopro 

Worktech 4: Mike Erlin, Co-Founder & CEO, AbilityMap

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14:30

FIRESIDE CHAT: Building workforces of the future - to what extent is innovation key to talent attraction, retention, and organisational agility?

Innovation is a word often used in an enterprise context that transcends consumers, brand, digital and ESG. This fireside chat will explore the secrets to innovation, and how it can be used to pivot, grow, and secure talent in turbulent times.

  • How can innovation be translated and maximised through a talent lens?
  • What role does senior leadership play in creating a culture of innovation and nurturing talent?
  • Who are tomorrow’s disruptors and what kind of organisations will they want to work for?
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15:00

HOT PANEL: Technology is constantly evolving; what does the dawning of the metaverse, and generative AI mean for your strategy and the future of work?

This panel discussion will unpack the benefits of applied AI:

  • How can we combine human and machine intelligence to augment and enhance work?
  • Removing bias for truly ethical AI
  • Will tech undermine or enable our future?
  • How can we overcome the challenges in upskilling and reskilling workforces to ‘democratise’ AI?
Panellists:
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Facilitated by:
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15:40

Close of summit

This panel discussion will unpack the benefits of applied AI:

  • How can we combine human and machine intelligence to augment and enhance work?
  • Removing bias for truly ethical AI
  • Will tech undermine or enable our future?
  • How can we overcome the challenges in upskilling and reskilling workforces to ‘democratise’ AI?

REwork 2023 by the numbers

2 day in-person and virtual event

SENIORITY LEVEL

C-level
20%
VP & Director
40%
Heads of/Managers
30%
Other
10%

ROLE/RESPONSIBILITY

Workplace Strategy/Experience
40%
People & Culture
20%
Real Estate/Property
20%
Executive Management
10%
Digital Technology
10%

Why Become A Partner?

The Life Sciences Real Estate Summit presents unique annual opportunities across a number of channels, all designed to deliver business development and leadership opportunities.

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Thought Leadership Presentations

Establish pre-eminence amongst your peers

Branding And Signage

Multiple opportunities exist before, during and after the event

Roundtable Hosting

Lead a roundtable of industry professionals in this powerful, interactive format

Networking

Impress the world with your team and hospitality

Lead Generation

New business opportunities from a highly targeted audience

Showcase

The exhibition is the place to showcase and build new business connections

BENEFITS OF ATTENDING

The REwork APAC Summit is a Hybrid event. This format combines the traditional face-to-face conference with virtual elements, allowing both in-person and virtual attendees to access the same content and networking opportunities simultaneously.

High quality curated content

With expert sessions and industry leading speakers, delve into expertly curated content that you won’t find anywhere else.

Live and on-demand

Wherever you are at the time of the event, you’ll be in control. You’ll have the ability to consume all the content being delivered at your leisure through either a live stream of the physical event or on-demand.

Time efficient

If you are based outside of Sydney and for whatever reason can’t make it to the event in-person, you can save on travel time and accommodation costs while still networking with global industry professionals.

Business matchmaking live

Take part in intelligently curated meetings with like-minded individuals that share similar interests and challenges from all over the world through our AI powered matchmaking delivered via our virtual platform.

Accessible from all your devices

Get insights and network at your fingertips – all content sessions and networking activities will be accessible from your laptop, tablets or mobile devices.

Engage, interact and influence

Make the most of your experience by being a truly active participant. Whether at the event or attending virtually, you’ll have the ability to ask questions, participate in polls, and share your experience with other attendees via break-out sessions.

Get Directions to the Event

  • Venue

    Doltone House, Hyde Park

  • Address

    3/181 Elizabeth St, Sydney NSW 2000

  • Get Directions
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