Joint event by the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering (ATSE) and the Royal Society of Tasmania (RST)
IN-PERSON EVENT & WEBINAR
Australia’s marine territory is vast, pristine and protected. It harbours the next generation of environmentally responsible resources and products – think bioplastics made from kelp, complementary medicines made from seaweed, beauty products extracted from fish roe. The Marine Bioproducts Cooperative Research Centre (MBCRC) and Australian Biotechnology Company Marinova are dedicated to growing marine resources, developing new processes that utilise those resources and creating new, sustainable marine bioproducts that address some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Please note that for in-person attendees, the wearing of masks is encouraged and that temperature screening is mandatory.
Speakers
John Gunn FTSE
ATSE Chair, Tasmanian Division
John Gunn has conducted, led, translated and communicated science focused on the sustainable use of marine ecosystems and resources for over 35 years. Senior positions included Chief Executive of the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Chief Scientist of the Australian Antarctic Program, and Deputy Chief of CSIRO’s Marine and Atmospheric Research Division. He has worked at the interface between R&D and industry throughout his career, and currently Chairs the Boards of the Marine Bioproducts CRC and Australia’s Integrated Marine Observing System, He is also a Non-Executive Director of the Great Barrier Reef Foundation.
Paul Garrott
Managing Director, Marinova
Paul Garrott has been Managing Director of Marinova since 2003 and through his strategic approach to innovation and commercialisation has taken the company from start-up to global success. A Chartered Accountant and graduate of the University of Tasmania, Paul has extensive experience in corporate governance across a diverse range of industry sectors and is recognised for his expertise in business development and pragmatic attitude towards the protection and utilisation of intellectual property assets.
Professor Catriona Macleod
Interim Executive Director, IMAS
Prof Catriona Macleod has a PhD in Aquaculture from the University of Tasmania focused on sustainable development in marine and coastal systems, and science-based management and decision-making, with specific expertise in environmental, economic, and social sustainability. Catriona has been a research leader in three CRCs (Aquaculture, Aquafin and Seafood) and is currently a research program leader in the MBCRC. She is interim Executive Director at the Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) of the University of Tasmania.
Dr Justin Coombs
CEO, Marine Bioproducts CRC
Dr Justin Coombs is a PhD-trained scientist, biotech specialist patent attorney, and biotech enterprise leader. His areas of expertise are in company startups, R&D program development, intellectual property, technology transfer, and commercial strategy across a broad range of technology-focused organisations. Before taking on his most recent role as the CEO of the new Marine Bioproducts CRC, Justin was part of the founding senior management team for the Cell Therapy Manufacturing CRC (CTMCRC) and was the founding CEO of CTMCRC spin-out company Carina Biotech.