Negin Rahmani
Managing Director
Complete phase CRO
With over 17 years of experience in clinical research, across Phase 1 units, mid-to-large CROs, and a biotech company. She has managed trials across a range of therapeutic areas and has a well-rounded understanding of the clinical trial landscape—from site-level operations to global project management. Negin holds an MBA from Melbourne Business School, equipping her with the financial and strategic insight to lead both scientific and business aspects of clinical development.
Belle Roels
Senior Director of Clinical Operations
GlaxoSmithKline
Belle Roels is an experienced professional with extensive experience (>15years) in healthcare leadership across multiple regions including EU, USA, Canada and APAC. With a background in clinical operations and a passion for advancing women in leadership, Belle has been actively involved in the Healthcare Businesswomen's Association (HBA) and various initiatives promoting gender equity and career development. Belle combines inclusive leadership with a commitment to fostering high-performing teams and driving impactful change in the healthcare industry.
Clare Whitehead
Head of Fetal Medicines and Head of Perinatal Research
Royal Women's Hospital
A/Prof Clare Whitehead is a Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist Obstetrician and Head of Fetal Medicine at The Women’s. She leads a translational research group with a focus on clinical trials to improve outcomes in pregnancy. She has a special interest in innovative trial design including adaptive trials and leads the first Platform trial in Perinatal Medicine -PLATIPUS.
Charles Beasley
Director Strategic Partnerships
SAPRO
Charles now leads the Business Development and Commercial activities at SAPRO, a boutique Contract Research Organization (CRO) with operations in Australia and New Zealand. SAPRO’s full-service offering is geared toward niche biotech and pharma companies, with a strong emphasis on First In Human and Phase 1 Clinical Research Trials.
Gouri Betigeri
Head of Business Development
Myrio Tx
Gouri has 20 years of experience in business development. With extensive experience at IQVIA, as Partnership Director in Singapore for an oncology treatment practice and holds a molecular Science undergraduate degree with post-graduate degrees in Laboratory Medicine and; Health and Medical Law.
Paul Della Gatta
Head of Business Development
Crux Biolabs
Paul started at Crux in 2022 after 11 years at Deakin University. Following his PhD, Paul continued working within the School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences and the Institute of Physical Activity and Nutrition, working as a Project Manager, Research fellow and Lab Consultant.
Melissa Groom
Business Development Manager
IQVIA
Melissa brings over 13+ years of experience spanning the entire clinical research journey from the bedside to biotech with a focus on oncology. Melissa is deeply committed to improving patient outcomes and brings a comprehensive, hands-on understanding shaped by her diverse roles including Study Coordinator, Clinical Research Associate, Research Nursing Specialist, Program Manager, and Business Development Manager.
Anna Hanks
Senior Clinical Operations Manager
Cynata
Starting out as a Registered Nurse and Study Coordinator, Anna Hanks has extensive experience in the pharmaceutical industry, with roles ranging from Clinical Research Associate to Senior Manager Clinical Operations. Anna has worked at multiple large pharmaceutical companies including GlaxoSmithKline, CSL Limited and CRO’s such as Novotech.
Pratibha Malhotra
Associate
Biointelect
Dr. Pratibha Malhotra brings over 7 years of experience in biomedical sciences, specialising in cancer biology, immunology, and translational research. She holds a PhD in Biomedical Sciences from Curtin Medical School, Curtin University and current works at Biointelect as an associate.
Joshua Marks
Associate Director, Clinical Science (Oncology)
BioNTech
Bringing 10 years of experience within the pharmaceutical industry, working across commercial, medical affairs, and clinical development. Before joining BioNTech, Joshua held a senior medical affairs role at AstraZeneca Oncology, where he was responsible for the in-line and pipeline lung cancer portfolio. Prior to that, he was the medical lead for Pfizer Oncology, working across solid tumours (lung and breast) before transitioning to haematology, as the medical lead for acute leukaemia.
Negin Rahmani
Managing Director
Complete phase CRO
With over 17 years of experience in clinical research, across Phase 1 units, mid-to-large CROs, and a biotech company. She has managed trials across a range of therapeutic areas and has a well-rounded understanding of the clinical trial landscape—from site-level operations to global project management. Negin holds an MBA from Melbourne Business School, equipping her with the financial and strategic insight to lead both scientific and business aspects of clinical development.
Belle Roels
Senior Director of Clinical Operations
GlaxoSmithKline
Belle Roels is an experienced professional with extensive experience (>15years) in healthcare leadership across multiple regions including EU, USA, Canada and APAC. With a background in clinical operations and a passion for advancing women in leadership, Belle has been actively involved in the Healthcare Businesswomen's Association (HBA) and various initiatives promoting gender equity and career development. Belle combines inclusive leadership with a commitment to fostering high-performing teams and driving impactful change in the healthcare industry.
Clare Whitehead
Head of Fetal Medicines and Head of Perinatal Research
Royal Women's Hospital
A/Prof Clare Whitehead is a Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist Obstetrician and Head of Fetal Medicine at The Women’s. She leads a translational research group with a focus on clinical trials to improve outcomes in pregnancy. She has a special interest in innovative trial design including adaptive trials and leads the first Platform trial in Perinatal Medicine -PLATIPUS.
Charles Beasley
Director Strategic Partnerships
SAPRO
Charles now leads the Business Development and Commercial activities at SAPRO, a boutique Contract Research Organization (CRO) with operations in Australia and New Zealand. SAPRO’s full-service offering is geared toward niche biotech and pharma companies, with a strong emphasis on First In Human and Phase 1 Clinical Research Trials.
Gouri Betigeri
Head of Business Development
Myrio Tx
Gouri has 20 years of experience in business development. With extensive experience at IQVIA, as Partnership Director in Singapore for an oncology treatment practice and holds a molecular Science undergraduate degree with post-graduate degrees in Laboratory Medicine and; Health and Medical Law.
Paul Della Gatta
Head of Business Development
Crux Biolabs
Paul started at Crux in 2022 after 11 years at Deakin University. Following his PhD, Paul continued working within the School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences and the Institute of Physical Activity and Nutrition, working as a Project Manager, Research fellow and Lab Consultant.