Awards shine a light on women leading the way in Victoria’s medtech sector

9 April 2019

Three women were recognised today at an award ceremony at Government House for their leadership in Victoria’s biotechnology, medical technology and pharmaceuticals sector.

Selected from a field of exceptional nominations, the recipients of the 2019 BioMelbourne Network Women in Leadership Awards have each made significant and valuable leadership contributions to the sector:

Dr Anna Lavelle, recipient of the Women in Leadership Award, has spent the better part of 25 years working actively within and campaigning for the growth and expansion of the life sciences and medical technologies sector.

Associate Professor Clara Gaff, recipient of the Most Valuable Women in Leadership Award, has been recognised for establishing the Melbourne Genomics Health Alliance in 2013 which has accelerated the transition of genomics from research use to patient care.

Dr Evelyn Chan, recipient of the Emerging Women in Leadership Award, has been recognised for her innovation and entrepreneurship as CEO and co-founder of Smileyscope, a virtual reality system that is transforming paediatrics.

“We had a record number of applications this year, and the judges were overwhelmed by the quality and the achievements of women leaders in our industry,” said Lusia Guthrie, Chair of BioMelbourne Network.

She added: “This is not only a reflection of the growing role and successes of women in Melbourne’s medtech sector but also that these achievements are valued and recognised by their colleagues.”

The BioMelbourne Network Women in Leadership Awards were launched in 2015 to recognise and champion women, at different stage of their careers, who have made outstanding contributions to advancing the biotechnology, medical technology and pharmaceutical sector, and inspire more women to pursue leadership roles.

The 2019 Women in Leadership Awards were presented by The Honourable Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria at a ceremony at Government House.

For the full biographies of our award recipients, see our Women in Leadership Awards honour roll.

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