A few weeks ago, my son lay in agony in a hospital emergency bed due to appendicitis. Not that many years ago, he could have died. However, for him, first came the fentanyl in the nose, then pain relief injections, monitoring machines, tests and keyhole surgery. He was home quickly and back on track.
I did note that they kept the saline drip in less than I would have expected. Why? Because there is a world shortage of saline. This reflects the lack of sovereign manufacturing in Australia and how we are still so reliant on our international counterparts to support us in supplying our healthcare system.
Additionally, where would we be without the development of scientific research into products and commercialisation? This week, I was reminded of where Australia is situated regarding the development, or lack thereof, of our homegrown research. I was privileged, along with another 100+ from the sector, to be invited to the inaugural MTP and AusBiotech National Biotech and Medtech Development and Commercialisation Summit in Canberra. Four key areas we addressed on this day were:
1. Protecting and Advancing Australia’s Health
2. Moving Beyond Early-Stage Development
3. Growing and Optimising the Capital Pool
4. Creating a Development-Focused Workforce
The day’s outcomes will inform a joint communique and a white paper outlining a pathway for advancing Australia’s biotech and medtech industries.
I’ve included a note below on my small contribution. However, I urge you to follow the discussion and stay informed.
Only 5 weeks till Christmas! 🎅🤶🧑🎄❄️🎄
Cheers
Marilyn Jones
In this edition you might want to check out:
- Our latest mexec musings from Mark Thomas
- Check out our NEW SECTION on candidates seeking opportunities
Latest mexec musing
Unlocking the Future of Healthcare: How Quantum Technology is Revolutionising Biotechnology and Medicine
Blog from Mark Thomas
Here at mexec, we find Quantum fascinating. Here’s a primer to pique your interest – if you aren’t already! Keep an eye on this space!
Translating Australia’s world-class research into clinical practice and improvements to public health is a lengthy but essential process. By leveraging quantum mechanics, many believe we are on the verge of a revolution in biotechnology and healthcare. Since Thomas Young’s double-slit experiment in 1801, advancements in quantum technology have been challenging yet promising, with recent acceleration in understanding and capabilities, particularly in the development of quantum computing…
Click here to continue reading the full Musing, showcasing the value quantum technology will bring to Australia.
Company Profiles
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mexec is proud to have partnered with Argenica Therapeutics to assist with recruiting Dr Stuart Gribble as their new Vice President of Product Development. It was great to catch up with Stuart and Dr Liz Dallimore the CEO from Argenica Therapeutics at AusBiotech in person. Argenica Therapeutics Limited (ASX:AGN) is developing novel neuroprotective therapeutics to reduce brain damage after stroke and other devastating brain injuries | |
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Marilyn caught up with Vanessa Waddell, CEO of PolyActiva, at the AusBiotech BioInvest conference. Vanessa presented new data on the safe and effective glaucoma treatment developed in Australia. mexec has partnered with PolyActiva since 2017 to assist in building out their team. We recruited roles including Vanessa into the company and their Head of Commercial and Operations, Quality Management, Clinical Operations and more |
Product Manager – Flow Cytometry Operations Support & Administration
Do you know about the hidden job market? We recently filled a Non-Executive Director role WITHOUT advertising! We’ve filled a lot of roles recently with some really great people. To make sure you don’t miss out on your ideal role create a job alert via our website. |
Candidates Seeking Opportunities
Experienced Biotech Leader / R&D Management / Project Director / Biochemistry and Biomolecule Expert. 15+ years of biotech and Ag-tech industry experience, including production scale-up, gene editing, and biomolecule development. Skilled in Team Leadership, Strategy Development, Technology Transfer, and Project Management. Extensive background in advanced analytical methods and innovation. Proven track record working with global companies and multidisciplinary teams. Available for full-time, part-time, or casual assignments.
Seeking new opportunities in medtech company or consultancy.
Locally and internationally experienced.
Available in the new year.
Experienced partnership manager/strategic advisor/data analyst. 10+ years of medtech project management. Skilled in leadership, strategic planning and implementation. Proven track record collaborating with government, industry and research institutions. Experienced in driving large collaborative projects. Available now.
Reach out to Marilyn [email protected] or Mark [email protected] to discuss these experienced candidates for your organisation
The Latest in AI for our Sector
Apple exposes major AI weakness
Penguin Random House underscores copyright protection in AI rebuff
Full Text Seeker: Using Microsoft Copilot to create a tool to assist with systematic reviews
Are you opportunity ready?
A networking discussion might produce a new opportunity – have your CV ready!
We can help you with this! Reach out to us for a free 15-minute phone consultation with Janice at [email protected] to see if the mexec jobstrategy™ program can help your career progression
mexec memberships
mexec is proud to partner with organisations across the life sciences, medtech, pharmaceutical, and healthcare sectors. We understand the importance of embedding ourselves within these sectors, and these partnerships help us to understand and ask the right questions to meet our clients and candidates needs.
mexec is now a strategic partner with ARCS
We now have a year-round partnership with ARCS Australia, which will ensure visibility and continuous engagement with key industry stakeholders in the clinical trials and regulatory sectors. This strategic partnership enhances our presence at the annual conference and extends our reach and impact throughout the year.
mexec recruits key roles in the clinical trials and regulatory sectors, and our remit includes Directors of Commercial Operations for Biotechnology companies and Heads of Data Management and CRAs for leading Australian CROs.
ARCS is an Australian-based professional organisation that focuses on career-long professional development for its members in the therapeutic goods sector. ARCS provides education, competency building, and information sharing within communities of practice, as well as targeted advocacy and collaboration with a range of stakeholders.
Industry News
Non-compete clauses, job mobility and wages in Australia
Workplace culture one of the leading contributors to work addiction, preliminary research finds
UCLA chemists just broke a 100-year-old rule and say it’s time to rewrite the textbooks
A national framework for the future of genomics in cancer care
Forever chemicals don’t make hero mutant ninja turtles
Establishing Genomics Australia
WGEA Gender Equality Scorecard 2023-24
Papers of Interest
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Recent Events
BPD Election Summit
There was lots of great networking and updates at the BioPharmaDispatch Election Summit.
A whole afternoon of panel discussions relevant to patients and many healthcare sectors.
Topics covered included access to treatment and drugs, economics, Clinician perspectives, HTA review, Biotechs, Biosimilars, PBS, PBAC, TRUMP, manufacturing, investment, MedTech devices, biologics, hospitals, pharmacy, funding, governments, chemotherapy, and a whole lot more.
Thanks to Paul Cross for allowing mexec to do the name tags this year!
Save the Date
BPD Full Summit
19th May 2025
 | GA4GH Genomics Conference Marilyn attended the global GA4GH conference in Melbourne in September with many international and local delegates. Kathyrn North from MCRI and Sue Hill from the UK NHS session were incredibly inciteful as they showed how far we are behind regarding genomic testing in Australia. ☹ Other talks included insights on Indigenous health, and we are not winning here either. Canada and other countries are far ahead of us in evening out the inequities in genomics. We must apply genomics to improve health outcomes; there is a long way to go. |
Inaugural AusBiotech/MTP Connect Summit
Marilyn was invited to the inaugural AusBiotech/MTP Connect Summit in Canberra. Four topics were targeted for discussion, and she was asked to speak briefly on the fourth, which was on the macro trends in the workforce across Australia.
Comments included:
There is an oversupply and undersupply in certain areas of skills and expertise.
Undersupply included areas of expertise in biostatistics, quality, regulatory management, and commercial people who can take a product to market globally.
At the Board level, an undersupply of internationally experienced Australian NEDS on Australian boards.
Oversupply of academics wishing to move out of academia and students that do not have commercial expertise.
Competition from other sectors, including finance and insurance, are paying more for our scientist’s expertise than our sector.
She talked about the development from when she was there when ABA became AusBiotech in 2000 and how ‘Biobeers’, now ‘Biocheers’, started with a few people going to the pub each month. (Thanks Scott Carpenter!)
It’s good to reflect that we have also progressed a long way since 2000, when we had 100 at Parliament House and a national BioCheers, finally!
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NSW Ecosystem Christmas Drinks Marilyn was in Sydney in November to meet with a number of clients and candidates, which also gave her the opportunity to meet with the local NSW ecosystem for their end-of-year drinks. It’s good to see the collaboration of BioNSW, ARCS, and AusBiotech as members of each. It’s also good to have just one event to go to, not three! |
ICN – Industry Capability Network – Victoria 2024 Medtech Showcase at Jumar Bioincubator
Marilyn Jones attended with 24 exhibitors showcasing the latest local innovations in the medtech space.
Speakers included:
🔉Neil Rodaway, Chief Executive, HealthShare Victoria
🔉David Campbell Senior Project Manager – Social Sustainability, Building VIC, Lendlease
🔉Tom Stray, Managing Director, Dentalife Australia P/L Australia and PharmaDesign Thailand
🔉And mc’d by Craig Neylon, Industry Capability Network – Victoria Victoria’s Medtech Industry Adviser.
Also announced at the event was a new alliance, AMMA – The Australian Medtech Manufacturing Alliance. The Alliance is being established in partnership with peak industry bodies: BioMelbourne Network, AusBiotech, MTPConnect, and AMTIL Australian Manufacturing Technology Inst. Ltd and the Industry Capability Network – Victoria with seed funding from the Victorian Government.
AusBiotech 2024
AusBiotech 2024 was again a fantastic knowledge-sharing opportunity for Australia’s life sciences community. Marilyn was delighted to be invited to a panel on ‘Building our talent to support our sovereign capability’.
There were many important messages, but a key theme was the need for Australian companies to build out talent to remain competitive. Marilyn commented that international expertise is beneficial; however, we encourage expats to return sooner rather than later.
The importance of qualifications was also considered. The addition of on-the-job learning and micro-credentials to support development is also key.
Marilyn thanks AusBiotech for the opportunity to contribute, as well as the panel chair Dell Kingsford Smith and fellow panellists Chris Burns FAHMS, Prof Andrea O’Connor and Fabienne Connet FCPHR for helping to generate such a stimulating discussion.
Jumar Mentor Lunch & Learn
Marilyn was invited to mentor at the inaugural Jumar Mentor Lunch & Learn, an exclusive opportunity for residents to connect with leading experts in venture capital, IP, HR, lab operations, and more.
The event started with small, interactive group sessions, during which residents explored different perspectives with their peers and mentors.
After the group sessions, residents had the chance to dive deeper through personalised 1:1 mentoring tailored specifically to their needs.
Collaborating with Health: Data-driven Insights for the Victorian Medtech Ecosystem
Marilyn attended an event with ANDHealth at CHICC, where they partnered with AMMC for an engaging discussion on ‘Collaborating with Health: Data-driven insights for the Victorian Medtech Ecosystem’.
I would love to see some incentive for our healthcare networks to buy Australian products. Currently, it seems to be mainly based on price.
Speakers included: Professor Ian T. Meredith AM (Monash University), Shelley Jackson (AMMC), Bronwyn Le Grice (ANDHealth), Neil Sigamoney (Monash Health), Veronica Hope (Safer Care Victoria), Ewan Dowie (Dowson Pty Ltd) and Dr Jane Oppenheim (Ego Pharmaceuticals).
This event was delivered in collaboration with the Australian Medtech Manufacturing Centre (AMMC) – an initiative of the Victorian Government, and hosted by CHICC.
Looking for our sector events list?
Our events page has moved!
Check out a longer and more comprehensive range of events on the new events section of our website here.
Links of Interest
The Atlas of Economic Complexity
Columbus probably Spanish and Jewish, study says
2024 Shonky Award winners revealed
‘Chart your fart’: Calling Aussies to track flatulence for science
Tips for LinkedIn!
Upload your resume to your LinkedIn account Go to the navigation bar and click “Me“
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This will be our last newsletter before Christmas, so we wish you all a very happy and healthy Christmas and New Year. We are looking forward to connecting with you over the coming Christmas event season and in the new year.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can be of assistance with your job search or executive recruitment
With best wishes,
Marilyn Jones & the mexec team
mexec
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