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Kate TaylorChair Kate Taylor is Director of Industry Engagement at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). +61 434 954 982 | chair@techtransfer.org.au Kate leads efforts to drive strategic research partnerships, foster innovation, and commercialise QUT’s intellectual property. With over 13 years of experience in technology transfer and business development, Kate’s experience spans diverse sectors including health, agriculture, defence, education, and creative industries, all aimed at delivering impactful, real-world outcomes. Kate is a Registered Technology Transfer Professional and holds a Bachelor of Biotechnology (First Class Honours) from the University of Queensland. She is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. In addition to her role at QUT, Kate serves on the board of the Queensland Social Enterprise Council and chairs the Queensland Network Chapter of Knowledge Commercialisation Australasia. Recognised as an AgriFutures Future Young Leader in 2019, Kate is committed to fostering collaboration and entrepreneurship across sectors. |
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John GraceTreasurer and Chair SCOPR Committee John Grace is currently serving as Director of his consulting company TechAdvisory Pty Ltd. +61 402 033 205 | treasurer@techtransfer.org.au John Grace is the Director of his consulting company TechAdvisory Pty Ltd. He has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of NSW and is an officer of the Order of Australia, a Fellow of the Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering and a Fellow of the Institute of Company Directors. John has worked in the biotechnology research commercialisation space for over 50 years. He was the Chief Executive Officer for 11 years of AMRAD a listed company commercialising medical research technology. He has been a member of a number of government committees and private company boards, in the most recent, serving as the Chair of UniSA Ventures. He was a Vice President of ATSE and served on the ATSE board over a period of ten years. His award as an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2018 was for his contribution to biotechnology research and its commercialisation. |
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Danielle NealeDirector, AU Memberships and Surveys Danielle Neale is the Head of Commercialisation & IP at ANU. +61 481 451 636 | danielle.neale@anu.edu.au With over 20 years of experience in entrepreneurship, innovation, and digital transformation, she specialises in research commercialisation. Danielle holds an MBA from UNSW AGSM and studied a Bachelor's in Biotechnology Innovation at Queensland University of Technology. As a former startup founder, board member, and coach, she has raised millions for research, driven significant cultural change, and implemented award-winning programs. |
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Nicole CowanDirector, Marketing Communications and Sponsorship Nicole is the Head of Marketing and Communications at UniQuest, the commercialisation company of The University of Queensland. +61 439 305 018 | n.cowan@uniquest.com.au With over 20 years’ experience in promoting research commercialisation, Nicole has strengths in marketing strategy, stakeholder engagement, and government relations. She designs and delivers initiatives that build relationships and support the commercialisation of UQ’s innovative technologies. Before joining UniQuest, Nicole led the marketing and communications function at BioSA, the South Australian government’s biotechnology industry development body. In this role, she developed international attraction campaigns to foster government, academic, and industry partnerships. Prior to this, Nicole served as a media officer to the Premier of South Australia and as a ministerial liaison to the South Australian Water Corporation. Nicole is a Certified Practicing Marketer and a Fellow of the Australian Marketing Institute. |
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Kathryn SunnDirector, Training Kathryn is the Director of Commercialisation at Macquarie University.
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Peter KambourisDirector, International and Accreditation Director - Investment and Technology Sourcing, Element Zeta. +61 448 621 668 | peter@elementzeta.au Peter is a seasoned innovator with over 20 years of experience in accelerating research investments into global innovation solutions for communities, businesses, and industries. His contribution to innovation has been recognized through multiple CSIRO Awards and a Eureka Innovation prize. |
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David ChristensenDirector, New Zealand David serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Otago Innovation Ltd, the University of Otago's technology transfer company. +64 3 479 8781 | david.christensen@otagoinnovation.com Since joining Otago Innovation in 2007, David has emerged as a highly accomplished figure in the commercialisation ecosystem, with a rich background that includes a previous career in banking and finance. As CEO, Dave supports the strategic identification, protection, and transfer of intellectual property produced by the University’s academic staff, frequently steering innovations into spin-out ventures. Dave also represents Otago Innovation on national investment committees such as Return on Science and serves on Brandon Capital Partner’s Australasian investment review committee. In addition, he holds multiple board directorships and is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Directors. David holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Master of Tourism from the University of Otago. |
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Siobhan CurranDirector, Advocacy Acting Director, Knowledge Exchange & Entrepreneurship, The University of Newcastle +61 407 867 643 | siobhan.curran@newcastle.edu.au Siobhan Curran brings extensive expertise in entrepreneurship ecosystem development and technology transfer from her role at the University of Newcastle. Under her stewardship, the entrepreneurship unit has delivered significant commercialisation outcomes, supporting over 150 Hunter and Central Coast-based startups. It has been recognised as regional Australia’s most recommended Accelerator and Incubator. Siobhan holds a Masters in Business Administration (Innovation & Entrepreneurship) with Honours from the University of Newcastle and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, She serves on the NSW Innovation & Productivity Commission's Expert Advisory Group, measuring the economic impact of coworking spaces, accelerators, incubators, and startup hubs on the NSW economy. |
