BIOMELBOURNE NETWORK NETWORK - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Director
- Member of the Board
- Economic Development Expert
Andrew Wear is an economic development expert, author and consultant. He is the founder of Econovation, a consultancy specialising in economic development strategy, industry growth and public policy.
Previously, he was City Economist and Director of Economic Development and International at the City of Melbourne and has held senior roles in the Victorian Government, including Director of Medical Technologies and Pharmaceuticals at the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions.
Andrew holds degrees in politics, law, economics and public policy and is a graduate of the Senior Executive Fellows program at Harvard Kennedy School. He is a Victorian Fellow of the Institute of Public Administration Australia, a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and serves on the CEDA State Advisory Council.
He is the author of Solved! (2020) and Recovery (2021).
Job Titles:
- Project Information Officer
Caoileann joined BioMelbourne Network in January 2025, bringing a unique blend of clinical and research experience.
Starting her career as a Dietitian in Irish hospitals, Caoileann transitioned to academia, where she spent over 12 years leading clinical trials and large-scale public health studies across Canada, Ireland, and Australia. She has collaborated extensively with healthcare professionals, government bodies, industry leaders, interdisciplinary researchers, and public health organizations to drive meaningful health outcomes.
Passionate about community health, Caoileann is dedicated to translating research into actionable clinical practice, policy, and accessible public resources - ensuring research delivers real-world impact.
She holds a BSc in Human Nutrition and Dietetics, an MSc in Sport and Exercise Nutrition, and a PhD in Ageing, Nutrition, and Physiology.
At BioMelbourne Network, Caoileann is excited to contribute to the development of the innovative Careers Hub, helping to address workforce challenges and support the future growth of Victoria's healthtech industry.
Claudia joined BioMelbourne Network in November 2024, bringing extensive experience in international journalism, strategic communications and stakeholder engagement. Her background encompasses business, government, advocacy- and health-focused not-for-profits, where she has successfully led high-impact campaigns, driving measurable results and fostering positive change.
Claudia is passionate about the transformative impact of healthtech and life science on improving lives. She is excited to craft BioMelbourne Network's narrative, blending data-driven insights with human-centred storytelling to inspire action and elevate thought leadership.
She holds an MA in Journalism, Communication Studies, PR, German and English literature from Georg-August-Universität, Germany. Dedicated to innovation, Claudia is committed to amplifying the Victorian sector's contributions to global healthcare, using her expertise to share BioMelbourne Network's impact widely.
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Chairman of the Board
David has worked in the pharmaceutical industry for over 30 years, a period which has seen the industry environment and science significantly change.
He has been at the forefront of understanding, translating and strategically advising how to adjust to regulatory, policy, political and legislative changes, ensuring that companies can access the market efficiently and serve their patients.
David has held various industry association and advisory roles.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Secretary / Public Officer
Alison is currently Senior Director Enterprise and Partnerships at Monash University.
As a business development and commercialisation executive, she has extensive experience leading biomedical and public health business development activities in universities and medical research institutes. Alison has also run a consultancy.
She gained her PhD in Biochemistry from Monash University and spent 10 years leading research in HIV virology. Alison holds a Bachelor of Laws from Latrobe University and is admitted to the Supreme Court of Victoria as a lawyer.
Job Titles:
- Deputy Chair of the Board
- Director of BioConsult Pty Ltd
Elane is a Director of BioConsult Pty Ltd and AllergyPal Pty Ltd, and a member of the La Trobe University-Breakthrough Victoria Eagle Fund Investment Committee.
She has more than 28 years' experience in healthtech, including director, executive management, consulting and academic roles.
She has worked with and advised SMEs, multinational companies, universities, CRCs and Australian and State Government committees. Elane provides guidance on strategic decision-making, risk management, governance, capital raising and commercialisation.
She is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Member of the Board
- Global Head of Ecosystem Development, Illumina
- Head of Ecosystem Development
Emma is currently the Head of Ecosystem Development at global genomics leader, Illumina.
Her previous leadership roles span business development, corporate strategy, commercial development, R&D program management and alliance management at CSL, and she has worked in small biotech, both ASX-listed and private.
Emma has significant voluntary board and committee experience, including as Non-Executive Director at Startup Shakeup Ltd, member of the AusBiotech Victorian Committee, Life Sciences Member and Advisor at SBE Australia, and Guest of the Chair at MTPConnect (board observer role).
She trained initially as a molecular biologist and gained her PhD in Medicine from the University of Melbourne, followed by postdoctoral studies at Monash University. Emma holds an MBA from RMIT University, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Wade Institute's Venture Capital Catalyst.
Job Titles:
- Treasurer of the Board
- Managing Director of RISE Advisory Group
Irene is currently the Managing Director of RISE Advisory Group.
She brings a depth of experience across membership, commercial, biotechnology, not-for-profit and government sectors. Irene has served as a Treasurer at Forensic and Clinical Toxicology Association Inc, a member of the Melbourne Genomics Health Alliance Board, Non-Executive Director at Cytonics Australia Pty Ltd and a strategic advisor to start-ups at Clinnovate Consulting.
She has previously held several executive appointments, including CEO at the Australian Genome Research Facility, Neuroscience Trials Australia and Children First Foundation, as well as Chief Operating Officer at the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering.
Irene gained her PhD in Molecular Virology at the Burnet Institute/RMIT University, has a Graduate Diploma in Intellectual Property Law and is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Member of the Board
Keith was elected to the Board of Directors at the 2020 Annual General Meeting on 11 November.
Keith has a Ph.D. in industrial microbiology from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, and is an Adjunct Professor at Monash University. In July 2020, Keith stepped down as CSIRO Director of Manufacturing, a position he held since 2014. At CSIRO, Keith led 350+ scientists and engineers developing solutions for high-tech Australian manufacturing, in particular biomedical, chemical and fibre, metals, and innovative manufacturing, with a focus on Australian and global companies.
Keith is a Chartered Chemist of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute and a Fellow, Biomaterials Science and Engineering. He is a Past President of the Australasian Society for Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Inc., and is currently Secretary of the International Union of Societies for Biomaterials Science and Engineering. Keith has been a keynote and plenary invited speaker at national and international conferences, and reviews for several journals, the Australian Research Council, National Health and Medical Research Council and NSERC (Canada).
Previously, Keith held positions as a Board Member of the CRC Polymers, Biomedical Research Victoria, HySSIL Pty Ltd and veski. He has served on the Governance Committee of the ARC Special Research Initiative Stem Cells Australia (2012-16) and the Advisory Boards of the Institute for Frontier Materials (Deakin University 2012-2015) and the Melbourne Neuroscience Institute. Keith was also a Council Member of the Australian Advanced Manufacturing Council (2015 - 2018), Member of the Prime Minister's Industry 4.0 Taskforce and the Advisory Council of Chemistry Australia (2016-2017).
With over 15 years' experience in medical research, innovation, and commercialisation, Sarah has mastered the fine art of turning complex scientific problems into actionable solutions. A seasoned leader in genomics, glycoproteomics, and digital health, Sarah has worked across clinical settings, start-ups, government agencies, and universities, helping to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world impact.
A published researcher in leading journals, Sarah has spearheaded national diagnostic programs, led multi-million-dollar health technology initiatives, and helped shape policy to support industry growth. Through firsthand experience in building new products for health, she is well versed in the challenges in health procurement. Passionate about innovation, collaboration, and ensuring high-quality healthcare, Sarah believes that the best ideas come from great teamwork-and that no problem is too big to solve with enough data, determination, and a well-designed spreadsheet.
Before joining BioMelbourne Network in February 2025, Sarah was the Manager of Sector Partnerships at the Australian Medtech Manufacturing Centre, an initiative of the Victorian Government.
Jess joined BioMelbourne Network in 2021 after earning a Master of Biomedical and Health Sciences at Monash University. She has worked across communications and strategic projects before her current position as Digital Platform Manager. In this role, Jess has contributed to the digital transformation of BioMelbourne Network through the launch and management of both Wilam and the BioResource Hub.
Karen Parr brings almost 20 years' experience in science policy, strategy, communications and engagement for government and industry bodies in Australia, New Zealand and the UK.
Karen is recognised for her ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments, forge trusted strategic partnerships and drive meaningful change within local, national and international environments.
She has worked extensively on public policy impacting life science companies, including opportunities and challenges traversing capital attraction, tax incentives, clinical trials, regulation and commercialisation of medical research. She established Australia's Cell and Gene Catalyst and developed and launched research reports that resulted in increased global investment in Victoria and Australia.
Before joining BioMelbourne Network in June 2024, Karen was the Director of Policy and Communications at AusBiotech.
Nicole joined BioMelbourne Network in 2003 and has the distinction of being our organisation's longest serving staff member.
Her unparalleled focus on precision, adept management of office activities, and nurturing of member relationships all play a pivotal role in the ongoing success of our operations.
Ollie joined BioMelbourne Network in September 2024, bringing experience from the clinical trials sector, where he organised key annual events at the Medical Research Council (MRC) Clinical Trials Unit at University College London.
He also gained extensive experience working with national and local government stakeholders as part of the events team at the London-based Local Government Association (LGA), the leading membership body for over 300 councils in England. At the LGA, Ollie worked on events covering diverse topics such as the environment, finance and social care.
With an MA in International Relations and a BSc in Business Management, Ollie draws on his academic expertise and professional experience to produce impactful events in and for Victoria's medtech sector.
Ollie is committed to delivering exceptional events that add value for BioMelbourne Network members and its broader community. This includes bringing international and national expertise to Victoria to share knowledge and ensure success for Victorian and Australian based medtech innovation, products and services nationally and globally.
Job Titles:
- Communications Coordinator
Pritika serves as the Communications Coordinator at BioMelbourne Network, a role she commenced in April 2024. Holding a Master's degree in Global Media and Communications from the University of Melbourne, Pritika has developed a strong practical and theoretical background in strategic communications, stakeholder analysis, and digital marketing.
Her professional journey includes significant contributions to organizations such as St Vincent de Paul Society and DD Counselling & Therapy, where she demonstrated her proficiency in creative communications, stakeholder engagement, content creation and brand implementation.
Pritika is passionate about the transformative power of health innovation and its potential to improve lives. She is committed to leveraging her skills in storytelling and digital trends to advance BioMelbourne Network's mission of fostering health innovation.
With over 15 years of experience in event management and business operations, Suzanne brings a wealth of expertise and professionalism. Her background includes managing a diverse range of events, from training sessions and networking nights to large-scale conferences, award ceremonies, and community-focused initiatives. Notably, she has played a pivotal role in coordinating key industry events, including Formula SAE-A, an international competition for local and international universities, the Women in Engineering breakfast, and a two-day Open Day for ABMARC.
In addition to her event management expertise, Suzanne has successfully operated two women's gyms as a business owner. These ventures allowed her to foster meaningful connections within the community.
Suzanne is deeply passionate about delivering outstanding results and contributing to the success of the teams and organisations she collaborates with.
Vicky has over 20 years of experience in event management, business development, marketing and client relations in the UK, Malaysia and Australia.
Since joining BioMelbourne Network in 2014, she has strategically positioned the Network as a vital hub for innovation and collaboration in the life sciences industry.
Previously, Vicky was Executive Director at the British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce, strengthening trade between the two countries. She also served as Assistant Project Director for the BMW Malaysian Open, a WTA international tennis tournament.