People
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Students
We are actively recruiting 19 Ph.D. students. Projects will be added as they are approved.
Neha Agarwal
Professional Background:
I completed my Master’s in Organic Chemistry at Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University, India in 2021, followed by a Master of Research (M.Res) in Chemistry at Nottingham Trent University (UK) in 2023, with a focus on organic synthesis, drug detection, and peptide modification. My research project explored peptide modification using Mizoroki-Heck and Sulfur-Fluorine Exchange (SuFEx) reactions, aimed at developing biologically orthogonal reaction sequences to enhance applications in peptide-drug conjugates.
Research Interests:
In 2024, I commenced my PhD studies under Professor Louis Rendina at the University of Sydney, focusing on the development of metal-based chelators for cancer theranostics, with a specific focus on phosphonium-functionalized chelators that target tumour cell mitochondria with a goal to combine diagnostic radioimaging and targeted radiotherapy into a single molecular platform for the advancement of precision oncology.
Jarvis Ashcroft
Professional Background:
Hi, my name is Jarvis Ashcroft. I began working at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) while completing my Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at the University of Wollongong, where I graduated with First Class Honours. At ANSTO, I gained experience across the Minerals and Radiopharmaceutical Units, working in chemical process development, chromatographic separations, analytical chemistry, pilot plant operation, radiochemistry and radiopharmaceutical formulation. I also completed a research placement with CSIRO, where I developed Python-based computational models of metallurgical processes. This combination of mineral-processing, radiochemical and computational experience led directly to my interest in adapting industrial lanthanide-separation technologies for nuclear medicine.
Research Interests:
I am currently undertaking a PhD at the University of Sydney. My research focuses on designing, synthesising and evaluating chelator-impregnated extraction chromatographic resins for the selective separation of radiolanthanides used in nuclear medicine. By integrating resin synthesis, chromatographic optimisation and radiochemical validation, the project aims to develop more efficient, sustainable and automation-compatible purification processes for medical radioisotope production. Outside the laboratory, I enjoy gardening and surfing, where I probably receive more radiation exposure from unshielded cosmic and solar radiation than I do while working with radionuclides.
Jade Choi
Professional Background:
My name is Jade Choi, and I completed a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at La Trobe University in 2024. During my undergraduate studies (2023 – 2024), I was fortunate to work as a research assistant in Prof. Jason Dutton’s research group at La Trobe, where I developed fundamental research skills while contributing to the synthesis of iodine (III) oxidants. In 2025, I completed an Honours degree in Chemistry with the same research group. My honours project focused on the development and investigation of the oxidative capacity of novel iodine (V) compounds for C-H bond oxidation. The newly synthesised iodine (V) compound demonstrated promising oxidative activity towards electron-deficient phenol species.
Research Interests:
Following the completion of my Honours degree, I sought to further expand my knowledge in synthetic chemistry by commencing a PhD at the University of Melbourne under the supervision of Prof. Paul Donnelly in March 2026. My current research focuses on the development of rhenium-188 complexes for targeted radionuclide therapy in cancer treatment. The project aims to develop therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals that can serve as theragnostic pair to the clinically established technetium-99m imaging agents widely used in hospitals.
Ella Desbrow
Professional Background:
Hi, my name is Ella Desbrow – I completed my Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Chemistry at the University of Queensland in November 2024. My Honours project focused on the synthesis of cyclopropyl-containing fatty acid molecular probes. These probes were used to better understand the oxidation activity of a thermostable Cytochrome P450 mutant enzyme.
Research Interests:
In August 2025 I commenced my PhD at Monash University under Professor Kellie Tuck (School of Chemistry) and Dr Maggie Aulsebrook (Monash Biomedical Imaging). As a student in association with DART, my PhD will focus on the design and synthesis of novel chelators for radiopharmaceutical imaging and therapeutic purposes. The project will hope to achieve rapid and efficient radiolabelling of these chelators in conjunction with target biomolecules such as peptides or antibodies.
Eva Doukas
Professional Background:
Hi, my name is Eva Doukas. I completed my Bachelor of Science at Monash University in 2022 majoring in chemistry. In 2023, I then went on to complete my Honours in chemistry at Monash University under the supervision of Professor Andrea Robinson. The focus of my project was oxytocin’s receptor interactions via insertion of metal ions into the disulfide bridge. Furthermore, I introduced modifications into the structure of native oxytocin to investigate its ability to self-assemble into micellular structures.
Research Interests:
Following the completion of my Honours, I commenced my PhD at Monash University with Professor Andrea Robinson in May 2024. For my PhD project, I am continuing the investigation of disulfide bridge replacements in disulfide-containing peptides. This will be examined through the insertion of metal ions, which also includes radioisotopes for radiopharmaceutical development.
Basit Febrian
Professional Background:
I earned my Bachelor of Chemistry from the University of Indonesia in 2008. In 2009, I joined the National Nuclear Energy Agency of Indonesia (now the National Research and Innovation Agency, BRIN) as a research assistant. I then completed my Masters in Chemistry at Bandung Institute of Technology in 2011. My research at BRIN focused on radiochemistry, radiopharmaceuticals, nanomaterials, and analytical chemistry, specializing in the development of radiolabeled compounds and nanoparticles for various applications, including cancer therapy.
Research Interests:
I began my PhD studies in January 2025 at the School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney, under the supervision of Professor Louis Rendina. My research focuses on the development of a novel metal chelators for the multimodal therapy of aggressive glioblastoma (brain tumour). These metal chelators are designed to deliver theranostic metal radioisotopes specifically to the mitochondria of glioblastoma cells. To ensure the safe and effective delivery of ionizing radiation into the tumours, I will examine several strategies, including the use of delocalized lipophilic cations and a multi-targeting design achieved through conjugation with specific probes that can target glioblastoma markers.
Ellanor Goyne
Professional Background:
I completed my Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at the University of Melbourne in 2021. Between my bachelor and Master’s, I worked as a research assistant under Prof. Megan Maher looking into the structures of Timm8a and Timm13 and their potential function. I then went on to complete a Master of Science (Chemistry) at the University of Melbourne under Paul Donnelly with my thesis looking at aza-macrocycle derivatives for potential use in nuclear medicine. Following submitting I worked at an analytical laboratory, TraCEEs, located at the University of Melbourne and a mining laboratory. Then I moved into a radiopharmaceutical scientist role at the Austin Hospital in Heidelburg. I worked at the Austin for over one year before returning to the University of Melbourne to start my PhD.
Research Interests:
For my PhD project I am continuing to look at potential new chelators for radiometals and antibody drug conjugates.
Ben Jiang
Professional Background:
My name is Ben Jiang. I'm excited to study for a PhD degree at Monash University in 2025 under the supervision of Dr. Chris Ritchie and A/Prof David Turner. I had two years of research experience as a chemistry undergraduate student at the University of Queensland (UQ). During my Honours year, I learned to balance research with working as a lab tutor School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences (SCMB). My Honours project has been focused on elaborating dual catalyst photo-accelerated Sonogashira coupling reactions, by devising appropriate controls to benchmark the catalytic reactions and provide insight into the reaction mechanism.
Research Interests:
I am interested in photochemistry, organometallic, and transition metal chemistry. Besides these interests in inorganic chemistry, I am also passionate about laboratory work. Not only working in the lab independently, but also interacting actively with other researchers as part of a team. My goal is to expand my inorganic chemistry knowledge and continue doing research during the PhD degree.
Yuandong Wang
Professional Background:
Hi, my name is Yuandong Wang. I completed my bachelor of biomedicine at the University of Melbourne in 2020 majoring in pharmacology. I then completed a graduate diploma following with a Master’s degree in chemistry at the University of Melbourne. My Master’s project revolved around improving the solid-phase-synthesis coupling efficiency of peptide nucleic acids as well as altering their structures in order to improve their cell-penetrating ability.
Research Interests:
Following the completion of my Master’s, I commenced my PhD at the University of Melbourne with Professor Craig Hutton in May 2025. For my PhD project, I will be trying to optimize the synthesis of F-18 Enzalutamide and analogues, potential PET imaging radiotracers specifically used for prostate cancer detection, staging, androgen receptor mapping etc.
Post Doctorate Fellows
The Centre will ultimately employ 5 Post Doctoral Fellows, distributed across the three nodes. Three will be hired at the beginning of the Centre (2024/2025 timeframe) with 2 more coming on during the last year of the program.
Dr. Amit Hetsron
Professional Background:
Amit started his academic journey with a BSc in chemical biology and an MSc in organic chemistry from Bar Ilan University, Israel. He began his radiochemistry research and clinical production at Hadassah Hospital (Israel), mostly around radioflurinations and developing Click Chemistry for peptide-based radiotracers. Upon moving to the US, Amit supported research and clinical production at Stanford Medical School and held industry positions as an analytical chemist in big pharma companies (Gilead Sciences, Genentech). Moving to Australia allowed Amit to combine his analytical and radiochemistry knowledge as a radioanalytical chemist at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and later on to push the envelope even more as a PhD student (PeterMac, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Science) and complete a theranostic development for Y1R targeting peptide, from chemical synthesis to pre-clinical-PET-CT-imaging in mice.
Research Interests:
Amit is primarily interested in using traditional pharmaceutical development tools to promote radiopharmaceutical development. For example, metabolic stability analysis of non-radioactive standards can hint at the biodistribution trend of a given theranostic agent, allowing a more thoughtful design to secure a selective hit of an in vivo target. Another evolving field is the medical usage of Alpha-emitting metal radioisotopes. While these high-energy radioisotopes can deliver lethal radiation doses to terminate cancer tumours, their radioactive decay is complex and challenging. The current coordinative chemistry to capture radioisotopes is insufficient for these Alpha emitters. Amit is interested in developing new chelating agents and chelation methods to solve this problem.
Dr. Adam Kennedy
Professional Background:
Dr Adam Kennedy is the Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the ARC Development of Advanced Radiochemical Technologies (DART) Industrial Transformation Training Centre located at Monash University. Adam completed his PhD in 2023 at Monash University and has since undertaken a postdoctoral research position in development of novel radiopharmaceuticals at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR, Dresden, Germany). He has now returned to Australia to join the DART Centre to continue his interests in radiopharmaceutical development.
Research Interests:
Adam is focussed on a wide range of (radio)medicinal chemistry topics. He has conducted innovative research projects spanning the development of peptides, peptidomimetics, small molecule chelators, targeted endoradiotherapy, radiotheranostics and radioimmunotherapy. Adam’s work within the DART Centre will continue to focus on expanding these areas of interest.
Dr. Katherine A. Morgan
Professional Background:
Dr Katherine A. Morgan is a Postdoctoral Fellow at The University of Melbourne. After completing her B.Sc. (2016) and M.Sc. (2018) in Chemistry, she received her PhD at The University of Melbourne in 2023 under the supervision of Professor Paul Donnelly.
Research Interests:
Her research specialises in personalised cancer treatments and diagnostic imaging agents for Alzheimer’s Disease, with a focus on designing selective agents using synthetic chemistry, radiochemistry, biochemistry, and cell biology. Her research involves designing molecular agents linked to tumour-targeting antibodies, peptides and small molecules. Katherine enjoys developing new macrocyclic chelators for the therapeutic radionuclides, actinium-225 and terbium-161, as well as for the theranostic matched pair of copper-64 and copper-67. Beyond research, she actively contributes to science communication and mentoring programs, supporting women and underrepresented groups in STEM.
Centre Leadership
Executive Team
Prof. Andrea Robinson
Professional Background:
Prof Andrea Robinson is the Deputy Head of School for Chemistry at Monash University and Director of the ARC Development of Advanced Radiochemical Technologies (DART) Industrial Transformation Training Centre. Between her PhD from Monash and returning as a professor, Andrea worked at DuPont Merck Pharmaceutical Company in the USA. Andrea has been well supported by ARC and NHMRC project grants and has deep, long-standing relationships with various industrial partners which results in highly productive collaborations.
Research Interests:
The Robinson Lab is focused on chemical biology and catalysis research with real-world applications to spirocyclic alkaloids, venoms and insulin. Designing new analogues to improve biological potency, selectivity and understanding mechanisms of action are a focus for the group. DART Centre projects focus on radiolabeling peptides and peptidomimetics as well as bioconjugation and targeting strategies.
Prof. Philip Andrews
Prof. Philip Andrews
Professional Background:
Phil completed his PhD at the University of Strathclyde, in Glasgow and joined Monash as a Research Fellow in 1995 and was subsequently successful in being awarded a five-year ARC QEII Fellowship in 1997. He was appointed as a lecturer in the School in 2004. Prior to joining Monash Professor Andrews was an Alexander von Humboldt Fellow, at the Philipps Universität, Marburg, Germany, and he held a Royal Society Fellowship, at Griffith University in Queensland.
The highly esteemed chemist is a Fellow of both the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Royal Australian Chemical Institute. Phil is currently Professor and Interim Head of the School of Chemistry.
In 2020, Phil joined the Monash Centre to Impact AMR as a founding member and is helping drive the Centre's industry engagement strategy.
Research Interests:
Discovering new bioactive metal compounds as anti-inflammatory, antitumour and antimicrobial agents, development of new antimicrobial materials, synthesis of homo- and hetero-bimetallic metal cages and materials for medical imaging and therapeutics, and exploring metal-mediated anion rearrangements in main group organometallic complexes.
His main research areas of interest are:
- Main Group Organometallic Chemistry: Synthesis, Structure and Application
Novel chiral main group metal organometallic and amido complexes in asymmetric synthesis.
Synthesis and structural studies of homo- and hetero-bimetallic main group metal complexes.
Investigations into the synthesis, structure and stability of novel heavy p-block metal complexes. - Medical Imaging
New bismuth and rare-earth based contrast media for optical and radiographic imaging. - Medicinal Chemistry
Development of new bioactive bismuth compounds as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour and anti-microbial
agents.
Development of new metallo-drugs for combating Leishmania.
Cellular uptake and bio-distribution of Bi(III). - Green and Sustainable Chemistry
Solvent-free and microwave assisted metal mediated syntheses.
New catalysts for sustainable chemistry.
Prof. Paul Donnelly
Professional Background:
Professor Donnelly leads a research group that is based in the School of Chemistry and Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute.
Research Interests:
Professor Donnelly is a chemist with expertise in inorganic chemistry, synthetic chemistry, radiochemistry and biological chemistry. Aspects of his research centre on the design and synthesis of new metal compounds for application in biology.
Dr. Diana V. Dugas
Professional Background:
Diana graduated from Rice University in 2007 with a PhD in Biochemistry and Cell Biology, focusing on plant genetics and microRNAs. She spent several years working as a bioinformatician before transitioning to a facilitator position, supporting communication and understanding between researchers and IT. Diana then became the Director for Instruction and Research Support at New Mexico State University, USA. Since moving to Australia, she has become the Centre Manager for DART.
Research Interests:
Although Diana is currently not in a research position, she continues to be interested in staying up to date on genetic and biology-related topics. Through her activities in supporting the students of the Centre, she is also actively gaining knowledge and insight on all things radiochemistry related.
Sam Graf
Professional Background:
Sam Graf is Head of Innovation and Partnerships at Cyclotek. Following the completion of his Master of Science at the University of Melbourne, Sam worked at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre as a Clinical Trial Coordinator. In 2022, Sam joined the team at Cyclotek to manage Cyclotek’s R&D projects and industry-academia collaborations.
Research Interests:
Sam completed his Master of Science under Professor Paul Donnelly at the University of Melbourne. There, his research focused on the synthesis and characterisation of novel Rhenium based theranostics for the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. At Cyclotek, Sam has been involved in various research projects involving the translation of novel small molecules and antibody fragments for the diagnosis and treatment of multiple diseases.
Dr. Ivan Greguric
Dr. Ivan Greguric
Professional Background:
Since joining ANSTO in 2000 as a postdoctoral research fellow, Ivan has been a key player in the field of radiochemistry. His expertise lies in the development of diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals using F-18, Tc-99m, and I-123 radioisotopes. In 2003, he was appointed as a Radiochemist and, in 2010, he took on the role of Head of Radiochemistry. In this capacity, Ivan has successfully managed a team of radioisotope and radiopharmaceutical scientists, overseeing the delivery of technologies and products to institutional, academic and industry partners.
Research Interests:
Ivan leads a team of radiochemistry scientists at ANSTO. Team research interests include advanced manufacture, radioisotope separations, and theranostic radiopharmaceuticals. The aim of the team is to develop and translate radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals for preclinical and clinical evaluation. These research themes primarily utilise therapeutic radioisotopes from the OPAL research reactor, e.g., Lu-177, Tb-161, and I-131, with plans to expand the set of radioisotopes. The research programs intend to develop sovereign radiochemistry capability to support clinical researchers and ANSTO’s nuclear medicine business.
Prof. Dr. Klaus Kopka
Prof. Dr. Klaus Kopka
Professional Background:
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Klaus Kopka (HZDR, Germany) is a radiopharmaceutical chemist and holds a full professorship (W3) for Bioinorganic and Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry at Technical University Dresden, Germany, which is combined with the directorship of the Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf [HZDR]. Between 2013 and 2019 he held a W3 position at Ruprecht-Karls-University of Heidelberg, Germany. At the same time he was head of the Division of Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry at the German Cancer Research Center [DKFZ] in Heidelberg. In 2018 Klaus Kopka was honoured together with his colleagues Michael Eisenhut, Matthias Eder and Uwe Haberkorn with the highly recognized “The Stifterverband Science Award – Erwin Schrödinger Prize” of the Helmholtz Association.
Research Interests:
He was involved in the development of the theranostic prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeting radiotracers, i.e. PSMA-617 (approved as Pluvicto), PSMA-914 and PSMA-1007 (approved as Radelumin). His current research interests focus on radiopharmaceutical drug development; radiopharmaceutical sciences; medicinal radiochemistry; radionuclide production and radionuclide theranostics; targeted endoradiotherapy; noninvasive molecular imaging. His scientific output includes 269 publications, corresponding to 13,144 citations (h-index 57) (Scopus, 16-July-2024).
Prof. Louis Rendina
Professional Background:
Prof. Louis M. Rendina is a Professor of Chemistry and Associate Head of Research Education at The University of Sydney, Fellow of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI), Fellow of the Royal Society of NSW, and Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (UK). He is also a Deputy Director and Node Leader of the ARC Development of Advanced Radiochemical Technologies (DART) Industrial Transformation Training Centre. Lou has an international reputation for original, impactful research and sustained excellence in synthesis and the medicinal inorganic chemistry of boron, lanthanoid metals, and radiometals.
Research Interests:
The Rendina Lab is internationally recognised for the synthesis of new molecules containing boron or lanthanoid metals for applications in medicine. The group is particularly interested in exploiting the unique properties of these elements in cutting-edge cancer therapies. The group is also interested in their incorporation into unique molecular scaffolds for binding to important biological receptors, selective localisation within sub-cellular components such as mitochondria, or as advanced materials. DART Centre projects focus on the radiolabelling of our unique cancer cell targeting groups for application as cancer radiotheranostic agents, as well as novel disease targeting strategies.
University of Sydney Researcher Profile
Twitter: @GroupRendina
Dr. Yanling Lu
Professional Background:
Yanling is a technical leader with strong expertise in biopharmecautical product development and manufacturing. She was initially trained as an applied chemist in China and later obtained her Master and PhD degrees in Physical Biochemistry in the UK. Prior to moving to Australia in 2009, she was a Senior Scientist in Bioprocess Development at MedImmune Cambridge UK (now AstraZeneca) leading antibody characterisation and formulation development. In the last 18 years, Yanling has led R&D teams in the biotech sector across UK, US and Australia. She has a track record of bringing discovery projects through development to commercialisation with her versatile skills and experiences covering drug discovery and development, assay development, process development & CMC, cGMP biomanufacturing, clinical trials and regulatory.
Research Interests:
Yanling is Head of Chemistry, Manufacturing and Control (CMC) at GlyTherix where they are developing radiopharmaceutical reagents for the treatment of solid tumours. Currently she manages all CMC programs including antibody manufacturing, bioconjugation and radiopharmaceutical drug manufacturing.
Advisory Board
Bronwyn Capanna
Bronwyn Capanna
Bronwyn Capanna recently retired as the Executive Director of Accord Australasia, the peak body representing the hygiene, personal care and specialty products industry in Australia.
Commencing initially with a degree in pharmacy, during her career she has held senior positions in both the not-for-profit and private sectors spanning the healthcare, chemicals and related agriculture/veterinary medicines sectors. She has also held Ministerial appointed roles within these sectors and been actively involved in the development and implementation of government and industry policy impacting trade and commerce, both locally and internationally.
With over 30 years of experience in representing manufacturers, marketers, suppliers of raw materials and service providers, Bronwyn has spent a lifetime dedicated to constructive and positive industry advocacy. She contributes to the DART Advisory Board’s fundamental understanding of the principal needs of businesses when it comes to engagement and partnerships with academia on research and professional career placements to meet local and global markets.
For more than 20 years Bronwyn has also been associated with the Cancer Patients’ Foundation / Look Good Feel Better Australia a national service program dedicated to holistic cancer patient outreach and support.
Robert Klupacs
Mr Robert Klupacs was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Bionics Institute on 1 May 2017. He has over 39 years of international corporate experience in technology development, mainly in the fields of medical technologies and biotechnology, with a particular focus on healthcare.
Robert is scientifically trained in pharmacology and biochemistry. He is also an Australian-registered patent attorney with extensive experience in private and publicly traded companies as well as academia.
Robert has been involved in the successful commercialisation of software, scientific instrumentation, food technologies and agricultural technology. He has unique skills in translating and commercialising early-stage intellectual property into products or investable corporate vehicles.
Robert’s broad career includes appointments as Director of Intellectual Property at AMRAD, COO of the Monash Institute of Reproduction and Development, CEO of Singapore-based ES Cell International, Managing Director and CEO of ASX-listed Circadian Technologies Ltd, Executive Chairman of Bionic Vision Technologies Pty Ltd and CEO and Chairman of ASX -listed Bio-Gene Technologies Ltd.
He has served as a Non-executive Director for many early-stage companies and Co-operative Research Centres.
Robert is a founder of 28 companies in Australia and Singapore and was previously a member of the Pharmaceutical Industry Group and the Victorian Biotechnology Advisory Committee.
Robert is especially regarded for his ability to bridge cultural divides and knowledge gaps between academics, corporations, and the investment community.
He is internationally recognised for his ability to lead start-up organisations to mature well-focused companies, his strong leadership, organizational and communication skills, and his track record of consistent and exceptional achievement.
Dr. Kathie McGregor
Dr. Kathie McGregor
Dr Kathie McGregor has over 25 years of experience in research, IP, and commercialisation strategy at CSIRO, with a focus on fostering innovation, managing high-stake projects, and leading teams towards groundbreaking technology achievements.
Kathie is currently a Research Director at CSIRO Manufacturing, with specific responsibility for the Advanced Materials and Processing Program, where she oversees a portfolio of strategic science and commercial projects, as well as manages a team of over 160 staff and affiliates. The program focuses on developing novel materials with designed properties and new processes for scaling to manufacture, aiming for applications across the defence, aerospace, space, and cleantech sectors. She has also led CSIRO’s Active Integrated Matter Future Science Platform, a $60M, 6-year fundamental science initiative that integrated materials science, robotics, processing, sensing technologies, and autonomous science at the convergence of big data, advanced autonomous systems, and materials science.
Kathie has substantial experience in partnering with major companies and SMEs to develop and commercialise innovative technologies, including negotiations to spin out CSIRO technologies.
Kathie has co-supervised 5 PhD students and published over 110 refereed journal papers, conference papers, and commercial in-confidence reports for industrial clients. She is a member of several professional bodies including Materials Australia, and the International Society of Electrochemistry, and has been a Board Member for the Institute of Frontier Materials at Deakin University since 2020.
Prof. Andrew Scott AM
Prof. Andrew Scott AM
Prof. Andrew Scott leads the Tumour Targeting Laboratory at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, is the co-Director of the Centre for Research Excellence in Brain Cancer, is the Director of the Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Austin Health, and holds Professorial positions at La Trobe University and The University of Melbourne.
Andrew’s clinical and research interests are focused on developing innovative strategies for targeted therapy of cancer (particularly with monoclonal antibodies), molecular imaging in oncology, and global advocacy in oncology and nuclear medicine. Andrew’s laboratory has been involved in the preclinical development and first-in-man trials of numerous recombinant antibodies in cancer patients, and seven antibodies developed in his laboratory have been licenced to Biotech and Pharma companies, and have entered Phase I/II/III trials. He has published over 496 peer reviewed papers and 27 book chapters, is an inventor on 26 patents, and is a founder of a biotech company.
Andrew is actively involved in the training and mentoring of young scientists and clinicians, and is currently supervising several doctoral students, postdoctoral fellows and nuclear medicine trainees. Another focus of his work is strategic planning for training, health care policy, and molecular imaging and nuclear medicine therapy advocacy within the US, European, South American, Asia-Oceania, and African regions, as well as with the IAEA and WHO. Andrew also participates in policy and governance activities with the Australian Government.
Dr. Chris Teleha
Prior to several years in private consulting, Dr. Chris Teleha had been at Janssen R&D, part of the family of companies of Johnson & Johnson (J&J) since 2003 and became Scientific Director R&D in 2012. There he contributed to a wide range of research projects, including process development for important candidates in the pipeline. Dr Teleha was also an Associate Director at DuPont Pharmaceuticals, later acquired by Bristol-Myers Squibb, where he became a Director. Chris’ very recent retirement provided the ITTC with an opportunity to capitalise on his substantial experience in the international pharmaceutical industry and his assistance with ITTC development opportunities and partnerships with pharma, biotech and translational research organisations.
Dr. Helen Tope AO
In the Australia Day 2023 Honours, Dr. Helen Tope was invested as an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for her distinguished service to environmental protection, particularly of the ozone layer, through leadership, research and policy development.
Helen has over thirty years’ experience in environmental policy development and scientific, technical, and analytical studies.
Helen is currently Principal Consultant, Montreal Protocol and Climate Change, with her business, Planet Futures, providing technical advice on the management of ozone-depleting substances and their high global warming hydrofluorocarbon replacements.
Since 1995, she has been a member of the Montreal Protocol’s Technology and Economic Assessment Panel, and co-chair of one of its Technical Options Committees, providing leadership to synthesise policy-relevant technical advice for the Montreal Protocol and other treaty bodies, such as the Kyoto Protocol, including the development of global strategies to manage the use of ozone depleting and high global warming propellants in asthma inhalers. She is currently co-chair of the Medical and Chemical Technical Options Committee.
She has recently worked with members of the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand to develop its position statement on the environmental impact of asthma inhalers, published in Respirology, and is currently an Adjunct Professor at Deakin University in the Office of the Executive Dean, Faculty of Health.
Helen was previously with EPA Victoria (1991-2006), where her policy development grounding included ozone layer protection, climate change, air quality, and chemicals and hazardous wastes management, with extensive experience in strategic policy, regulatory and legislative development, and public policy processes. She also managed the development of an inventory of air pollutant emissions for the city of Brisbane.
Dr. Ivan Williams
Dr. Ivan Williams
Dr. Ivan Williams is a medical physicist, certified and registered, in the field of Radiation Oncology Medical Physics with the Australian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine. Ivan has nearly thirty years’ experience in the field, evenly divided between clinical practice and government regulatory activities. Across his clinical work, Ivan has been deeply involved with the evaluation of long term impact of radiation exposure, the accuracy of dose calculation and measurement, and how to optimise the therapeutic outcome for a therapy regime.
Ivan trained in Medical Physics at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute in Melbourne before returning to research and completing a PhD in the application of Phase Contract Imaging to mammography. Following this Ivan moved to Ireland where he was initially a Principal physicist, then Acting Head of the Physics Department at St Luke’s Hospital in Dublin. In 2010, Ivan was recruited by ARPANSA to develop and deploy a national dosimetric auditing service for radiotherapy providers; the Australian Centre for Clinical Dosimetry, or ACDS. The ACDS has developed into a highly competent radiotherapy dosimetry auditing service, recognized internationally. Ivan was appointed to Branch Head for the Medical Radiations Safety within ARPANSA in 2015. He has responsibility for the Ionising Radiation Primary Standards Dosimetry Laboratory (PSDL), the ACDS and the Medical Imaging sections which collectively underpin the safe delivery of ionizing radiation for therapy and imaging across Australia. Ivan is a member of Committee 3: Medical Radiation, for the International Commission on Radiological Protection, ICRP.
CIs
A/Prof. Uwe Ackermann
A/Prof. Uwe Ackermann
Professional Background:
A/Prof Uwe Ackermann is a senior radiochemist at Austin Health and the NIF Facility Fellow at the University of Melbourne. Uwe is an ACPSEM registered Radiopharmaceutical Scientist with more than 25 years of experience in the field.
Uwe has been awarded a PhD in chemistry from the University of Heidelberg, Germany. Before joining Austin Health, he did a Postdoc at Cornell University and worked as the Action TB Fellow for GlaxoSmithKline in Cape Town, South Africa.
Uwe has been supported by NHMRC, NBCF and other grants and has long standing relationships with academic and industry partners.
Research Interests:
Uwe focusses on the development of novel imaging agents in oncology and neuroscience. He has participated in many first in human studies of novel radiotracers and has a significant track record in radiosynthesis automation.
Dr. Karen Alt
Dr. Karen Alt
Professional Background:
Dr Karen Alt is laboratory head of the NanoTheranostics lab at the Australian Centre for Blood Diseases. Karen is widely recognised as a leader in molecular imaging for her research which employs innovative, multidisciplinary approaches and unique tools to enhance diagnostic imaging in various field of diseases.
Research Interests:
As a trained immunologist with more than 10 years of experience in health sciences research, Dr Alt is specialized in protein engineering, combining novel enzymatic and chemical protein modification techniques for molecular imaging. A central objective of her research is to develop imaging techniques to better understand the underlying mechanisms of different disease progression and the impact of therapy.
Prof. Philip Andrews
Prof. Philip Andrews
Professional Background:
Phil completed his PhD at the University of Strathclyde, in Glasgow and joined Monash as a Research Fellow in 1995 and was subsequently successful in being awarded a five-year ARC QEII Fellowship in 1997. He was appointed as a lecturer in the School in 2004. Prior to joining Monash Professor Andrews was an Alexander von Humboldt Fellow, at the Philipps Universität, Marburg, Germany, and he held a Royal Society Fellowship, at Griffith University in Queensland.
The highly esteemed chemist is a Fellow of both the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Royal Australian Chemical Institute. Phil is currently Professor and Interim Head of the School of Chemistry.
In 2020, Phil joined the Monash Centre to Impact AMR as a founding member and is helping drive the Centre's industry engagement strategy.
Research Interests:
Discovering new bioactive metal compounds as anti-inflammatory, antitumour and antimicrobial agents, development of new antimicrobial materials, synthesis of homo- and hetero-bimetallic metal cages and materials for medical imaging and therapeutics, and exploring metal-mediated anion rearrangements in main group organometallic complexes.
His main research areas of interest are:
- Main Group Organometallic Chemistry: Synthesis, Structure and Application
Novel chiral main group metal organometallic and amido complexes in asymmetric synthesis.
Synthesis and structural studies of homo- and hetero-bimetallic main group metal complexes.
Investigations into the synthesis, structure and stability of novel heavy p-block metal complexes. - Medical Imaging
New bismuth and rare-earth based contrast media for optical and radiographic imaging. - Medicinal Chemistry
Development of new bioactive bismuth compounds as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour and anti-microbial
agents.
Development of new metallo-drugs for combating Leishmania.
Cellular uptake and bio-distribution of Bi(III). - Green and Sustainable Chemistry
Solvent-free and microwave assisted metal mediated syntheses.
New catalysts for sustainable chemistry.
Dr. Maggie Aulsebrook
Professional Background:
Dr Maggie Aulsebrook is the Head of Radiochemistry at Monash Biomedical Imaging. Maggie has worked in Europe, the United States and Australia with extensive experience in FDA and TGA licensed environments for the supply of sterile radiopharmaceuticals in the private and public health sectors. Maggie holds a PhD in chemistry and has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications in leading scientific journals.
Research Interests:
Dr Aulsebrook’s research focuses on the development and clinical translation of novel radiopharmaceuticals in regulated environments. New technologies of interest include those which utilise new biological targets and non-routine radionuclides. New and improved tools for the diagnosis and treatment of debilitating diseases is crucial to ensure a greater level of patient care.
Prof. Philip Chan
Prof. Philip Chan
Professional Background:
Professor Philip Chan is the Associate Head (Postgraduate Research) at the School of Chemistry, Monash University and “New Methodologies for Radiofluorination” theme leader of the ARC Development of Advanced Radiochemical Technologies (DART) Industrial Transformation Training Centre. Since graduating with his D.Phil. degree from the University of Oxford, Philip has developed over 115 new catalytic methods for the concise and efficient synthesis of complex molecules and their applications in other fields ranging from medicine to materials science. He has been well supported by ARC Discovery Project grants and maintains several ongoing and highly productive collaborations with various and academic and industry partners.
Research Interests:
The Chan Lab is focused on the discovery and understanding of new and sustainable reactions through the power of homogeneous catalysis and their application to the synthesis of bioactive compounds and functional materials. To achieve these aims, research in the group is centred on the three main areas of organocatalysis, and transition metal and photoredox catalysis. Included in this is the design and realisation of new synthetic methods that can selectively radiolabel peptides and peptidomimetics as well as bioconjugation and targeting strategies.
Prof. Paul Donnelly
Professional Background:
Professor Donnelly leads a research group that is based in the School of Chemistry and Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute.
Research Interests:
Professor Donnelly is a chemist with expertise in inorganic chemistry, synthetic chemistry, radiochemistry and biological chemistry. Aspects of his research centre on the design and synthesis of new metal compounds for application in biology.
Prof. Christoph Hagemeyer
Prof. Christoph Hagemeyer
Professional Background:
Prof Christoph Hagemeyer is the Director of Monash Biomedical Imaging (MBI) and Head of the NanoBiotechnology Laboratory at Monash’s School of Translational Medicine. He studied Chemistry in Germany and obtained a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Freiburg (Germany) for contributions to the field of Cytochrome P450 metabolism in the brain. As a postdoctoral fellow, he worked in the field of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) at the “Centre national de la recherche scientifique” in Bordeaux (France) before migrating to Australia in 2005. He has extensive expertise vascular biology, molecular imaging, recombinant antibodies, and nanotechnology and has been supported throughout his career by national and international fellowships and grants.
Research Interests:
The Hagemeyer Lab has particular expertise in the use of small recombinant single-chain antibodies for molecular imaging and drug delivery. The group has published widely in leading journals (Circ Res, Adv Mater, Angew Chem..) on cardiovascular research developing anti-thrombotic fusion proteins and novel imaging probes for MRI, Ultrasound and Positron Emission Tomography. The lab has been supported by NHMRC, ARC, and JDRF grants as well as several other grants in competitive schemes.
Prof. Craig Hutton
Prof. Craig Hutton
Professional Background:
Craig Hutton is a Professor in the School of Chemistry and Associate Dean (Infrastructure) in the Faculty of Science at The University of Melbourne. He undertook his undergraduate and PhD degrees at the University of Adelaide before completing postdoctoral studies at the University of California, Berkeley and The University of Melbourne. He started his independent academic career at The University of Sydney before returning to The University of Melbourne.
Research Interests:
The Hutton Lab research interests include the development of novel synthetic methods for the assembly and functionalization of peptides, and the chemical biology of cyclic peptide natural products. DART Centre projects will focus on the development of radiolabelled amino acids and peptides for cancer imaging.
Dr. Joseph Ioppolo
Professional Background:
Dr Joseph Ioppolo is the National Imaging Facility Radiochemistry Fellow at the University of Western Australia. Joseph supports preclinical and clinical studies utilising PET and MRI imaging at UWA, and is integrated into the cyclotron radiopharmaceutical team (RAPID) at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Perth. Joseph is a certified radiopharmaceutical scientist (RPS) registered with the Australasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine, and is a current Supervisor and Assessor for RPS registrars.
Research Interests:
Dr Ioppolo’s research interests are in novel fluorine-18 synthesis and quality control methods, technology transfer and development of new radiopharmaceuticals for imaging cancer and neurodegenerative/neuroinflammatory disorders.
Prof. Michelle McIntosh
Prof. Michelle McIntosh
Professional Background:
Professor Michelle McIntosh is a distinguished professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Monash University and the Director of the Medicines Manufacturing Innovation Centre. She has made significant contributions to the field of drug delivery, with a particular focus on improving access to essential medicines in resource-limited settings. Michelle earned her PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Monash University and has since built a career marked by innovative research and impactful collaborations.
Research Interests:
Professor McIntosh's research centres on the design and development of novel drug delivery systems aimed at enhancing the efficacy and accessibility of therapeutic agents. Her work in inhalable oxytocin is a groundbreaking endeavour that addresses critical challenges in maternal health, particularly in low-resource settings. The McIntosh Lab is dedicated to advancing drug delivery technologies, exploring new formulations, and improving the stability and bioavailability of pharmaceuticals. Michelle's projects are characterised by their potential for real-world impact and their alignment with global health priorities.
Prof. Elizabeth New
Prof. Elizabeth New
Professional Background:
Prof. Elizabeth (Liz) New completed PhD studies at Durham University (UK) and a Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of California, Berkeley. Her research is currently funded by the ARC, NHMRC and Human Frontier Science Program, and she is Chief Science & Technology Officer for Fluorescentia, which is commercialising her assay for therapeutic drug monitoring.
Research Interests:
Liz's research group develops small molecule fluorescent sensors and sensor arrays for biological, clinical and environmental applications. Their technologies have been adopted by >50 labs across the globe and several probes and assays have been commercialised. Of relevance to the DART centre, the group develops multimodal imaging probes, including agents for F-19 PET studies, and investigates the effects of bioactive compounds on the cellular environment.
Prof. Louis Rendina
Professional Background:
Prof. Louis M. Rendina is a Professor of Chemistry and Associate Head of Research Education at The University of Sydney, Fellow of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI), Fellow of the Royal Society of NSW, and Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (UK). He is also a Deputy Director and Node Leader of the ARC Development of Advanced Radiochemical Technologies (DART) Industrial Transformation Training Centre. Lou has an international reputation for original, impactful research and sustained excellence in synthesis and the medicinal inorganic chemistry of boron, lanthanoid metals, and radiometals.
Research Interests:
The Rendina Lab is internationally recognised for the synthesis of new molecules containing boron or lanthanoid metals for applications in medicine. The group is particularly interested in exploiting the unique properties of these elements in cutting-edge cancer therapies. The group is also interested in their incorporation into unique molecular scaffolds for binding to important biological receptors, selective localisation within sub-cellular components such as mitochondria, or as advanced materials. DART Centre projects focus on the radiolabelling of our unique cancer cell targeting groups for application as cancer radiotheranostic agents, as well as novel disease targeting strategies.
University of Sydney Researcher Profile
Twitter: @GroupRendina
Dr. Chris Ritchie
Professional Background:
I completed my PhD in 2008 from the University of Glasgow, Scotland. I then completed a post-doc and an ARC DECRA fellowship at The University of Melbourne and an ARC Future Fellowship at Monash University where I'm currently a Senior Lecturer.
Research Interests:
We are a synthetic research group with broad interests spanning inorganic and organic chemistry. Our focus is currently on the development of new hybrid molecules/materials with fluorescent, photochromic and sensing properties.
Prof. Andrea Robinson
Professional Background:
Prof Andrea Robinson is the Deputy Head of School for Chemistry at Monash University and Director of the ARC Development of Advanced Radiochemical Technologies (DART) Industrial Transformation Training Centre. Between her PhD from Monash and returning as a professor, Andrea worked at DuPont Merck Pharmaceutical Company in the USA. Andrea has been well supported by ARC and NHMRC project grants and has deep, long-standing relationships with various industrial partners which results in highly productive collaborations.
Research Interests:
The Robinson Lab is focused on chemical biology and catalysis research with real-world applications to spirocyclic alkaloids, venoms and insulin. Designing new analogues to improve biological potency, selectivity and understanding mechanisms of action are a focus for the group. DART Centre projects focus on radiolabeling peptides and peptidomimetics as well as bioconjugation and targeting strategies.
Prof. Peter Rutledge
Professional Background:
Prof Peter Rutledge is Head of the School of Chemistry at the University of Sydney. He completed his BSc and MSc degrees at the University of Auckland and a DPhil at Oxford. He held a postdoctoral fellowship and college lectureship at the Dyson Perrins Lab in Oxford, then a lectureship in the Centre for Synthesis and Chemical Biology in Dublin, before relocating to Sydney with his group in 2006.
Research Interests:
The Rutledge Group's research spans antimicrobial discovery and medicinal chemistry, biosynthesis and biocatalysis, enzyme evolution, molecular sensors, and science communication, supported by $5 M in research grant income to date from sources including the ARC, NHMRC, NBCF, CSIRO, and Science Foundation Ireland. DART Centre projects focus on design and synthesis of metal-binding agents for targeted radionucleide delivery.
Prof. Kellie Tuck
Prof. Kellie Tuck
Professional Background:
Prof. Kellie Tuck is a T&R academic in the School of Chemistry and is the Associate Head – International Affairs. She obtained her PhD from the University of Adelaide and subsequently held postdoctoral research positions at the University of South Australia, Australia, and the University of Cambridge, UK, before returning to Australia. She is engaged in a number of interdisciplinary research programs that combine organic chemistry with analytical chemistry, chemical engineering, and/or biology.
Research Interests:
Her group’s research program focusses on the synthesis of functional molecules for diverse applications, spanning supramolecular chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and sustainable surfactant development. DART Centre projects focus on novel bifunctional chelators for imaging applications, and the development of theranostic agents.
A/Prof. David Turner
Professional Background:
Associate Professor David Turner works in the School of Chemistry at Monash University. After completing his undergraduate and PhD at King's College London, he held successive fellowships (ARC and AINSE) at Monash before being appointed to staff.
Research Interests:
The Turner lab centres on metallosupramolecular and coordination chemistry. In particular they are currently interested in chiral coordination cages, providing unique nano-environments sheltered from bulk solution. DART Centre projects focus on radiolabelling cages to act as delivery or therapeutic agents and/or carrying labelled payloads.
Prof. Jonathan Michael White
Professional Background:
Honorary Professor of Organic Chemistry at The University of Melbourne.
Research Interests:
Interest in radiopharmaceutical, physical organic chemistry and structural organic chemistry.
PIs
Dr. Douglas Campbell
Professional Background:
Douglas is the Head of Research and Development at GlyTherix and leads the scientific team. He has 20 years of experience in biomedical research with a particular focus on drug development and oncology. He led the development of the Miltuximab anti-GPC-1 monoclonal antibody from preclinical studies to First in human clinical trials, and has previously been involved in the development of a novel antibody for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MDX-1097) from pre-clinical to Phase 2 clinical trials. Douglas has been supported by ARC, NHMRC Development Grants together with Commercial Ready, Commercialisation Australia and CRC-P grants.
Research Interests:
GlyTherix is focussed on the theranostic Miltuximab monoclonal antibody for the treatment of solid cancers. The team has expertise in monoclonal antibody development, preclinical studies to support first in human clinical trials and the development of radiolabelled antibodies for cancer. The laboratory is based at Macquarie University in Sydney.
A/Prof. Benjamin Fraser
A/Prof. Benjamin Fraser
Professional:
A/Prof. Benjamin Fraser is the Organic Chemistry Task Leader and a Principal Radiochemist in NST Health at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation. After obtaining his PhD at Monash University he worked as a drug discovery scientist at Biota Holdings, followed by post-doctoral work in United States at The Scripps Research Institute. Ben collaborates with scientists across Australia and internationally on the discovery and development of new radiopharmaceuticals.
Research:
A/Prof. Fraser's laboratories focus on the discovery and development of new radiopharmaceuticals utilising both imaging (Fluorine-18, Gallium-68, Iodine-123) and therapeutic (Lutetium-177, Lead-212, Terbium-161 and Hg-203) radioisotopes. New radiopharmaceuticals undergo in vivo characterisation in animal models of disease in collaboration with the ANSTO biology and imaging teams.
Sam Graf
Professional Background:
Sam Graf is Head of Innovation and Partnerships at Cyclotek. Following the completion of his Master of Science at the University of Melbourne, Sam worked at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre as a Clinical Trial Coordinator. In 2022, Sam joined the team at Cyclotek to manage Cyclotek’s R&D projects and industry-academia collaborations.
Research Interests:
Sam completed his Master of Science under Professor Paul Donnelly at the University of Melbourne. There, his research focused on the synthesis and characterisation of novel Rhenium based theranostics for the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. At Cyclotek, Sam has been involved in various research projects involving the translation of novel small molecules and antibody fragments for the diagnosis and treatment of multiple diseases.
Dr. Ivan Greguric
Dr. Ivan Greguric
Professional Background:
Since joining ANSTO in 2000 as a postdoctoral research fellow, Ivan has been a key player in the field of radiochemistry. His expertise lies in the development of diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals using F-18, Tc-99m, and I-123 radioisotopes. In 2003, he was appointed as a Radiochemist and, in 2010, he took on the role of Head of Radiochemistry. In this capacity, Ivan has successfully managed a team of radioisotope and radiopharmaceutical scientists, overseeing the delivery of technologies and products to institutional, academic and industry partners.
Research Interests:
Ivan leads a team of radiochemistry scientists at ANSTO. Team research interests include advanced manufacture, radioisotope separations, and theranostic radiopharmaceuticals. The aim of the team is to develop and translate radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals for preclinical and clinical evaluation. These research themes primarily utilise therapeutic radioisotopes from the OPAL research reactor, e.g., Lu-177, Tb-161, and I-131, with plans to expand the set of radioisotopes. The research programs intend to develop sovereign radiochemistry capability to support clinical researchers and ANSTO’s nuclear medicine business.
Prof. Dr. Klaus Kopka
Prof. Dr. Klaus Kopka
Professional Background:
Univ.-Prof. Dr. Klaus Kopka (HZDR, Germany) is a radiopharmaceutical chemist and holds a full professorship (W3) for Bioinorganic and Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry at Technical University Dresden, Germany, which is combined with the directorship of the Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf [HZDR]. Between 2013 and 2019 he held a W3 position at Ruprecht-Karls-University of Heidelberg, Germany. At the same time he was head of the Division of Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry at the German Cancer Research Center [DKFZ] in Heidelberg. In 2018 Klaus Kopka was honoured together with his colleagues Michael Eisenhut, Matthias Eder and Uwe Haberkorn with the highly recognized “The Stifterverband Science Award – Erwin Schrödinger Prize” of the Helmholtz Association.
Research Interests:
He was involved in the development of the theranostic prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeting radiotracers, i.e. PSMA-617 (approved as Pluvicto), PSMA-914 and PSMA-1007 (approved as Radelumin). His current research interests focus on radiopharmaceutical drug development; radiopharmaceutical sciences; medicinal radiochemistry; radionuclide production and radionuclide theranostics; targeted endoradiotherapy; noninvasive molecular imaging. His scientific output includes 269 publications, corresponding to 13,144 citations (h-index 57) (Scopus, 16-July-2024).
Dr. Manja Kubeil
Dr. Manja Kubeil
Professional Background:
Dr. Manja Kubeil studied chemistry at the Technische Universität Dresden (Germany) and undertook her doctoral studies on metal-based radiopharmaceutical agents at Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, HZDR. In 2014 she received her doctoral degree from Technische Universität Dresden with highest distinction and was awarded with a Marie Skłodowska-Curie International Outgoing Fellowship. From 2015 until 2017 she was working in the group of Prof. Leone Spiccia and Dr. Bim Graham at Monash University, School of Chemistry and Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Australia). During this time, she developed photoactivatable carbon monoxide-releasing molecules for cancer treatment. As part of the fellowship, she returned to HZDR in 2017. From 2019 until 2025, Dr. Kubeil was a group leader at the Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research working on the development of metal-based multimodal theranostic radiopharmaceutical agents for tumor diseases. In 2025 Dr. Kubeil became head of the division Radiation research on biological systems at Institute of Resource Ecology, HZDR.
Research Interests:
Dr. Kubeil's research interests are broad spanning bioinorganic and coordination chemistry as well radiochemistry / radiopharmacy with focus on radiation research and radioecology. Currently, we are focusing on (radio)nuclides (mainly actinides / lanthanides) interactions with different organisms like bacteria, fungi, plants or mammalian cells for different applications such remediation or recycling strategies or decontaminating agents.
Dr. Loan Le
Dr. Loan Le
Professional Background:
Loan completed her PhD at the University of Sydney in 2013 and then undertook postdoctoral training at Westmead Institute for Medical Research (2013-2017) and the University of Sydney (2017-2019). In November 2019, Loan joined ANSTO as a Biologist in the Biosciences Platform and in 2020, she was appointed Manager of Biology & Preclinical Imaging. In her current role, she leads and manages biologists, imaging scientists and infrastructure, to undertake biological research in radiopharmaceutical translation, radiation biology and radiotracer studies.
Research Interests:
Loan has over ten years of experience in developing cell- and non-cell-based therapies for heart diseases and investigating the mechanism of actions of treatments. Loan and her team’s current research focus is on the preclinical characterisation of radiopharmaceuticals that incorporate radioisotopes from the OPAL multi-purpose reactor (such as Tb-161, Lu-177, I-131). The effectiveness of radionuclide therapies is evaluated by using biological assays, in-vitro/in-vivo disease models and nuclear imaging technologies. Loan also has a research interest in the radiobiology of molecular radionuclide therapy. A particular goal is to understand the mechanisms by which a- and b-emitting radioisotopes modulate the tumour microenvironment and associated biomarkers, in order to optimise existing and new radionuclide therapy strategies.
Dr. Nigel Lengkeek
Dr. Nigel Lengkeek
Professional Background:
Dr Nigel Lengkeek is the Principal Radiochemist in the Department of Nuclear at Liverpool Hospital and the Manager of the Liverpool Hospital Cyclotron Facility, ensuring the reliable daily manufacturing of routine clinical radiopharmaceuticals and supporting theranostic clinical trials and research. Nigel completed his PhD at UWA, moving to ANSTO in 2010. During his 13 years at ANSTO he worked on a broad range of projects covering radiopharmaceutical discovery and development, radioisotope generators, radioactive medical devices and radiopharmaceutical translation, while managing a team of scientists and professional staff, and research facilities.
Research Interests:
The Liverpool Hospital Cyclotron Facility’s core capabilities are the development, scale-up, automation and validation of PET radiopharmaceuticals, particularly with F-18. Establishing radiopharmaceutical products to meet patient need and manufacturing demands are a particular focus. DART Centre projects will be focused on the LHCF’s core capabilities to manufacture new F-18 and Ga-68 radiopharmaceuticals, and manufacturing technologies.
Stan Poniger
Professional Background:
Solid Targetry manager at Austin Hospital from 2012 to 2021. Cyclotron engineer at the Austin Hospital from 2001 to 2012. Bachelor in Medical Biophysics and Instrumentation.
Research Interests:
Co-founded iPHASE technologies in 2003 and CEO.
Greg Santamaria
Professional Background:
Greg Santamaria is the Co-Founder, Director and CEO of Cyclotek. Over multiple decades Greg has gained extensive experience in business development and operations, asset management and finance structuring. Greg holds several board and consultancy positions within private companies in the fields of healthcare, manufacturing, wholesale and finance. Since 2016 Greg has been CEO of the Cyclotek group, which compounds and distributes diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals across Australia and New Zealand.
Research Interests:
Throughout his time at Cyclotek, Greg has executed a number of research projects in
collaboration with industry and academic partners. Between 2005 and 2012, Greg led the Cooperative Research Centre for Biomedical Imaging Development, an 8-year project that aimed to develop targeted radiopharmaceuticals for the diagnostic imaging of cancer, culminating in three first in human clinical trials. With his Innovation team, Greg now manages multiple research and development programs that aim to translate novel radiolabelling methods and targeting vectors into commercially viable theranostic products.
Dr. Brad Walsh
Professional Background:
Dr. Brad Walsh is Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of GlyTherix Ltd, a Sydney-based biotechnology company specialising in immuno-oncology. He founded GlyTherix to bring to market an innovative antibody for treatment of solid tumours from cancers such as prostate, glioblastoma, bladder, pancreas, lung, mesothelioma, ovarian and esophageal. Dr Walsh has led the company’s scientific and business development, raising capital to bring the company to successful completion of a First-in-Human safety study of Miltuximab®, its lead compound. The company is currently planning a Phase1 trial to be conducted in Australia.
Research Interests:
Dr. Walsh’s career in biotechnology began with a PhD in protein chemistry. Over the following years he led research groups in government agencies, universities and hospitals and was a key part of the establishment of a major national research facility, APAF. He continues to be active in research collaborations and academic supervision and was a joint recipient of one of Australia’s most prestigious awards, a Eureka Prize, for Interdisciplinary Research in 2015. He has co-authored over 125 peer reviewed papers and book chapters and nine patents. He is a strong supporter of internship opportunities for students, serving as an Industry Mentoring Network in STEM mentor since 2017.
Dr. Michael Wheatcroft
Professional Background:
Since completing a PhD in UK at Cambridge University, and starting my career with Cambridge Antibody Technology (Medimmune, UK) to my current role at Telix Pharmaceuticals, I have been fortunate to have worked in a number of technical or research roles with biotechnology industry leaders in precision medicine. I have also worked in senior development roles at a number of successful smaller companies including Medicines Development Limited, Hatchtech and Starpharma Limited; performing activities related to GMP clinical manufacture, clinical study support and nonclinical studies and research for a range of pharmaceutical and medical device products.
Research Interests:
I oversee a research team involved in the development of novel theranostics (including biologics, engineered antibodies, bioconjugates, peptides and small molecules) and researching the role of targeted radiation to address unmet needs in oncology. This covers a broad number of topics from identifying new cancer targets/targeting agents, optimisation of radiobiologic outcomes, evaluating the impact of drug combinations on tumour biology / immuno-oncology, developing radiation-/fluorescent-guided surgical technologies and exploring novel radioisotope chelators & payloads. I am inspired by the potential of combining the innovative ideas from academia with the resources & knowledge of drug development from industry to develop new drugs that benefit patients.
Dr. Yanling Lu
Professional Background:
Yanling is a technical leader with strong expertise in biopharmecautical product development and manufacturing. She was initially trained as an applied chemist in China and later obtained her Master and PhD degrees in Physical Biochemistry in the UK. Prior to moving to Australia in 2009, she was a Senior Scientist in Bioprocess Development at MedImmune Cambridge UK (now AstraZeneca) leading antibody characterisation and formulation development. In the last 18 years, Yanling has led R&D teams in the biotech sector across UK, US and Australia. She has a track record of bringing discovery projects through development to commercialisation with her versatile skills and experiences covering drug discovery and development, assay development, process development & CMC, cGMP biomanufacturing, clinical trials and regulatory.
Research Interests:
Yanling is Head of Chemistry, Manufacturing and Control (CMC) at GlyTherix where they are developing radiopharmaceutical reagents for the treatment of solid tumours. Currently she manages all CMC programs including antibody manufacturing, bioconjugation and radiopharmaceutical drug manufacturing.
Dr. Kristof Zarschler
Dr. Kristof Zarschler
Professional Background:
Kristof Zarschler completed his university studies in Biology at the
Technische Universität Dresden (TUD), Germany in 2005 and received his PhD
with distinction from the Department of Nanobiotechnology at the University
of Natural Resources and Life Science Vienna (BOKU), Austria in 2009. Before
joining the Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research (IRCR) of the
Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) in 2011, Kristof was a
postdoctoral research associate at the Institute for Genetics of the TUD
(2010-2011). Kristof is currently research associate at the Department of
Medicinal Radiochemistry of the IRCR working on the biological evaluation
and modulation of targeted, radiometal-based bioconjugates.
Research Interests:
Kristof's research focus is on the in-depth biological characterization and
pharmacological evaluation of novel radiopharmaceuticals based on small
molecules, peptides and antibody derivatives. Hereby, the individual
building blocks (e.g. radiometals, chelators) as well as the conjugates as a
whole are analyzed in depth regarding their in vitro stability, their
effects on cell signaling and health as well as their multifaceted
interactions with biomolecules and cells. Our fundamental aim is to
understand the biology of such materials and to shed light on involved
molecular mechanisms and use the knowledge gained for rationally improving
their design in that respect. Building up on these studies, we are also
working on precise engineering and tailoring of different kinds of
bioconjugates for their application as diagnostic tools and therapeutic
agents.
