Lab to Leadership

Join us alongside Science and Technology Australia President, Professor Sharath Sriram, and a distinguished panel of experts as we delve into global challenges and pioneering solutions that propel us towards a brighter tomorrow. From harnessing sustainable energy sources to revolutionising clinical trials, this event promises future-focused insights to lead the way.

Meet our speakers

Chair: Prof Sharath Sriram, President Science and Technology Australia
Professor Sharath Sriram jointly leads the Functional Materials and Microsystems Research Group at RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia. His research transforms discoveries in materials science and electronics into devices and products for high-speed electronics, sensors, and medical devices. He is Director of the Discovery to Devices Facility for scale-up manufacture of medical devices, and was Founding Deputy Director of the $60 million Micro Nano Research Facility. He actively links academia and industry, to commercialise Australian innovations into products. He is a leader in science research policy and advocacy, having led the Early- and Mid-Career Researcher Forum, and is currently President of Science & Technology Australia.

Panelist: Prof Kylie Readman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Education and Students), UTS

Professor Kylie Readman is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Education and Students) at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and is an experienced leader in the field of education. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing UTS's key priorities in teaching, learning, and the student experience. She has a particular focus on engagement, belonging, wellbeing, and partnerships with students. Kylie is passionate about teaching excellence, learner engagement and student success. Her expertise lies in creating the institutional conditions to build staff capacity to design and deliver engaging and innovative curriculum while ensuring students, especially those from backgrounds traditionally under-represented at university, have the very best chance of realising their aspirations.

Panelist: Dr Duncan Macinnis, Director of Stakeholder Engagement (NSW and ACT), MTPConnect

Dr Duncan Macinnis is Director for Stakeholder Engagement at MTPConnect, a federally funded not-for-profit set up with the goal of accelerating the rate of growth of the medical technology, biotechnology and pharmaceutical (MTP) sector in Australia. Duncan has extensive experience in scientific research, development and commercialisation and external engagement, having worked in roles in tech transfer at the University of Sydney, and as Commercial Manager for an ASX-listed biotechnology companies, among other roles. In his role with MTPConnect, Duncan works with industry, academics, clinicians, investors and regulators to help connect the dots in the Australian ecosystem.

Panelist: Katharine Hole, CEO, Association for the Battery Recycling Industry

Katharine is the Association for the Battery Recycling Industry's (ABRI) CEO. She greatly enjoys working across the Australian battery value chain to support development of a world leading, innovative and sustainable clean energy sector. Prior to joining ABRI, she worked in senior executive roles across the energy, resources, planning, water, infrastructure and environment portfolios within government. University qualifications in economics, Asian studies and environmental management provides her with a strong skill set to take a multi-disciplinary approach to applying evidence based solutions to policy challenges.

Panelist: David Langford, Managing Director, Long Lake Research Group

David is Managing Director at Long Lake Research Group, an independent investment research and advisory firm focused on innovation, agility and capital management. He is an Adjunct Professor at UTS Business School where he coaches MBA student teams undertaking strategic consulting projects for corporate clients, mentors honours students and delivers Masterclasses within the finance discipline. David is the Chair of the Science Industry Advisory Group as well as a member of the UTS Business School Advisory Board.