Research & Innovation Award: The 2024 nominees

David Clement (HDF Energy, NSW) is a dynamic leader with over 16 years of experience in the infrastructure and energy sectors across the Asia-Pacific region. Originally from France, David relocated to Sydney two decades ago.

Since joining HDF Energy in 2021, David has played a pivotal role in advancing the company’s mission to develop large-scale green hydrogen projects in Oceania. As Vice President for Oceania, he serves as the vital link between stakeholders, engineering teams, and operational activities, driving the growth of renewable energy initiatives that aim to accelerate Oceania’s decarbonisation efforts and transition towards net zero.

David’s extensive expertise spans various industries, including mining, oil and gas, and renewable energy. He has successfully contributed to the development of over 2.7 GW of large-scale wind and solar projects throughout Australia and New Zealand, demonstrating his commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

Passionate about environmental, social, and governance practices, David is dedicated to creating a positive impact on local remote communities. HDF’s community benefit model is integral to each project, focusing on upskilling local workforces and enhancing community engagement. His collaborations include partnerships with Noel Pearson at Cape York Partnership, Aboriginal communities, and similar initiatives in Fiji and New Caledonia, ensuring that every project not only contributes to a greener future but also respects and uplifts local cultures and economies.

David is also a sought-after speaker and has presented at various conferences, including the Australian Hydrogen Conference, Connecting Green Hydrogen APAC, Wind Energy Conference Australia, Vanuatu Energy Convention, New Caledonian Congress, NZ Wind Energy Summit, H2 Innovate Next, FACCI Sustainability Presentations & C-Suite events, BNP Paribas Sustainability Forum, and Jody Row’s Tough Talk podcast. He will soon serve as Chairperson at Hydrogen Asia 2025 in Singapore.

He believes in the power of collaboration and has forged partnerships with local communities, governments, businesses, development banks, and non-profit organisations to drive meaningful change.

With a strong vision for a cleaner and more sustainable future, David Clement continues to lead the charge in making green hydrogen a cornerstone of Australia and the Pacific Islands' energy landscape.

His vision is clear: to fast-track the decarbonisation of Australia and the Pacific Islands, helping to achieve net-zero targets through innovative solutions in green hydrogen and large fuel cell power plants. He is passionate about creating a cleaner, more sustainable future and welcomes opportunities for collaboration and dialogue in this transformative space.

Elisabeth Rechniewski (NSW) is an Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Sydney in the School of Languages and Cultures, co-chair of the research committee of the Institute for the Study of French-Australian Relations (ISFAR), and a member of the Editorial/Advisory Boards of E-réa, the French Australian Review, and War Memories, Postcolonial Cultures. She has a long-standing research interest in the political uses of the national past and has published widely on the remembrance of twentieth-century wars in Australia, France, and New Caledonia, including the commemoration of the role of Indigenous soldiers in these countries.

Elisabeth has collaborated extensively with French researchers, notably with Professor Matthew Graves from Aix-Marseille University on forms of commemoration in France and Australia. She was the Chief Investigator on two ARC Discovery projects, the most recent focusing on the post-Cold War world (2013–2016), examining the impact of Cold War ideology on decolonisation in the French empire. She co-edited the volume Seeking Meaning, Seeking Justice in a Post-Cold War World (Brill, 2018) with Judith Keene.

Her current projects include research into France-Australia tensions over control of the South Pacific in the late 19th to early 20th century, in the context of developing Australian national identity, and exploring writers such as Beatrice Grimshaw, who constructed the image of the French Pacific islands and their inhabitants during that period.

Elisabeth is committed to putting research into practice and engaging in public debate. She served as a consultant for the 2014 ‘Black Diggers’ production at the Sydney Festival, as a member of the Kokoda Aboriginal Servicemen’s Campaign, and on the organising committee of the twelve-year international collaboration ‘Reconciliation in the Asia-Pacific Region,’ with the latest event being the exhibition Art and Activism: 75 Years Since Hiroshima, held at the Tin Sheds Gallery in April/May 2022. She has also been involved in numerous events with the Alliance Française over the years.

Elisabeth was awarded the title of Chevalier des Palmes Académiques by the French government in 2009 and the Ordre National du Mérite in 2010.

Professor Frederic (Fred) Hollande (VIC) currently heads the Department of Clinical Pathology and serves as Deputy Head of the Medical School at the University of Melbourne.

Fred obtained his PhD from the University of Montpellier. Following a post-doctoral position at the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research in Melbourne, he was recruited by the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), where his research group made substantial contributions to the characterization of cell-to-cell communication and cell signalling during cancer progression and in response to treatment.

In 2007, he co-founded a start-up company to translate some of his research findings into clinical applications. He worked as joint Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) of the company until its acquisition by a pharmaceutical firm in 2011. Fred then moved to Australia in 2012 to take up a teaching and research position at the University of Melbourne.

Fred’s research group develops innovative and clinically relevant research models using patient-derived tumour samples, combining functional and molecular analyses to advance knowledge and discover new diagnostic and treatment strategies for colorectal and pancreatic cancer patients.

Since his arrival in Australia, Fred has used his knowledge and expertise to foster closer and more productive links between the French and Australian research and education communities. He contributed to the establishment of an International Research Training Group between the University of Melbourne and CNRS, allowing PhD students from both countries to train in their discipline of choice across both nations. Twenty-two students have participated in this program to date, for which Fred serves as the Academic Lead.

Fred is also Vice-President and leader of the ‘Health Research Community’ for AFRAN (Australian-French Association for Research and Innovation), playing an active role in promoting bilateral science and innovation links. He helps organise scientific and community events and advocates for bilateral academic and MedTech cooperation at French-Australian government meetings.

International collaboration is central to Fred’s work, driven by his passion to make a difference for metastatic cancer patients. This passion fuels his efforts to establish international research exchange programs with France to train the next generation of cancer researchers and to build networks between world-leading institutions. He also shares his passion for science with high school students across Victoria, having organised an annual event in collaboration with Alliance Française de Melbourne since 2020 to promote science and bilingualism.

Professor Gilles Guillemin (Bionyeri, NSW) has been a leading figure in the field of neuroimmunology and inflammation for nearly 30 years. He is an experienced researcher who relocated to Australia in 1997. Over the course of his career, he has worked at St. Vincent’s Hospital and the University of New South Wales for 13 years.

In 2007, Prof. Guillemin founded his consultancy company, International Consulting for Tryptophan Metabolism (ICTRYM) Pty Ltd, specialising in neuroinflammation and neuroprotection. The following year, he launched and became the Editor-in-Chief of a new scientific journal, The International Journal of Tryptophan Research. In late 2011, he co-initiated the establishment of the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Research Centre at Macquarie University. The Centre focuses on molecular and cellular neuroscience with the goal of developing therapeutic strategies for MND and other neurodegenerative diseases.

In 2012, Prof. Guillemin was elected President of both the International Society for Tryptophan Research and the Neurotoxicity Society. He also co-founded and managed the first MND biobank, and acted as Co-Director of the MND Centre for five years (2011–2016).

In 2021, he became one of the five lead scientists of the new Australian Research Council (ARC) Industrial Transformation Training Centre for the Facilitated Advancement of Australia’s Bioactives (FAAB), which aims to collaborate with industries and biotech companies to test and assess natural products.

Prof. Guillemin's achievements include: - Finalist for the 2017 Eureka Prize (awarded in Australia for medical research discovery). - Awarded the title of Chevalier (Knight) de l’Ordre du Mérite by the French government in 2019 for 25 years of excellence in medical research. - Elected as a Fellow of The Royal Society of New South Wales in March 2020. - Elected as a Fellow of The Royal Society of Biology (UK) in December 2020. - Appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in June 2021 for his contributions to medical research. - Ranked in the top 100 scientists in Biology and Biochemistry, and in the top 20 in Neurosciences in Australia.

In March 2023, after securing significant Series A funding, Prof. Guillemin transitioned out of academia and co-founded BIONYERI Pty Ltd, an R&D startup focused on developing the next generation of natural products for pain, inflammation, ageing, and cancers using cutting-edge technologies such as AI and nanoparticles. The company conducts its research in Australia in collaboration with several institutions in Indonesia, including SOHO Global Health, IPB University, and RS Dharmais Hospital. BIONYERI has already secured several research contracts with various companies. Prof. Guillemin currently serves as CEO of BIONYERI Pty Ltd, based in Hornsby, NSW.

Jad Rabbaa (See-Mode Technologies, NSW) is an exceptional digital product designer and innovator who has spent the last 15 years working across four continents and mastering five languages. His diverse background, coupled with his passion for design thinking, UX/UI design, and emerging technologies, positions him as a thought leader and trailblazer in the field of product design. His commitment to research-driven methodologies has enabled him to create innovative solutions in the design, automotive, and healthcare sectors, meeting the highest standards of usability and innovation.

Jad’s education and experience span the globe, with formal training in France and Canada. His rich cultural and professional diversity has allowed him to work on groundbreaking projects with the United Nations, General Motors, and the AGO Museum, pushing the boundaries of design and technology. He has made a mark in the realms of augmented reality, digital games, and wearables, and is now focused on design for healthcare.

In 2023, Jad moved to Australia, where his passion for design and innovation took a new direction. He has taken on a significant role at See-Mode Technologies, an AI healthcare startup, where he serves as the UX and UI product designer behind an advanced computer-vision AI product aimed at assisting radiologists with cancer detection. This cutting-edge product enhances accuracy and efficiency in diagnostics, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and earlier detection in breast and thyroid imaging. Jad has been diligently working on the usability, interaction, user experience, and interface of the product, which is ready to be shipped and used by clinics around the world. This project not only underscores Jad’s expertise in UX/UI design but also highlights his deep commitment to improving health outcomes and enhancing quality of life through technology.

As a Francophone with family ties to France, Australia, and Lebanon, Jad has been deeply involved in the French-Australian community. His multicultural background enriches his approach to design, allowing him to bridge gaps across cultures and foster innovation within the community and the Francophone network. Through his leadership and mentorship, Jad continues to inspire peers and future generations of designers, making a lasting impact in the tech and healthcare industries. His current AI project positions him as a strong candidate for the Design and Health and Wellbeing awards. Through his relentless pursuit of innovation and dedication to making a difference, Jad Al Rabbaa is a true leader in his field.

Luigi Vandi (The University of Queensland, QLD) is a prominent figure in materials science, specialising in advanced manufacturing and the lifecycle management of materials. He holds a PhD in hybrid materials from The University of Queensland and an MSc from the National Polytechnic Institute of Lorraine in France.

Luigi’s translational research is deeply rooted in industry-relevant projects. His experience spans high-performance composite manufacturing, including a significant role at Ferrari F1 Team in Italy, where he was responsible for producing carbon fibre suspensions and gearboxes for Formula 1 cars. In Australia, he has been instrumental in developing patented technologies in collaboration with Airbus and CRC-ACS, and he is the first author of two active patents related to advanced composite materials.

At The University of Queensland, Luigi conducts research in advanced manufacturing, biocomposites, and biopolymers, including the development of sustainable materials from wood and marine-degradable biopolymers in partnership with Norske Skog Paper Mills. His commitment to engaging end users ensures that his innovations are not only theoretical but also practical and widely adopted. Recently, he has focused on creating novel materials for controlled-release fertilisers, working alongside various national industry partners.

As the Deputy Director for the Centre for Advanced Materials Processing and Manufacturing (AMPAM) at UQ, Luigi is dedicated to tackling global challenges such as plastic pollution through the development of sustainable materials. He is currently spearheading a project to produce biobased and biodegradable products for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, utilising Queensland agri-waste bioresources. This initiative brings together diverse stakeholders—including suppliers, manufacturers, designers, and farmers—to foster a circular bioeconomy where materials are perpetually reused.

Driven by a solution-based approach, Luigi aims to bridge the gap between materials science and sustainable development, addressing the challenges of today’s linear economy while promoting a future of innovation and environmental stewardship.

Maryann Rakopoulos (Servier, VIC) holds a PhD in bone cell biology from the University of Melbourne and has over 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry in various roles.

She began her career at Servier Australia before moving to Servier headquarters in France, where she spent 18 years in clinical development roles. During this time, she led project development with biologics in both early and late-phase development for rare immune-inflammatory diseases, in partnership with US and EU biotech companies. She returned to Australia in March 2021 to take on her current roles as Director of the International Centre for Therapeutic Research (ICTR) and APAC Hub Associate Director for Australia, overseeing clinical research activities in Australasia.

She leads an experienced ICTR team with an innovative mindset and patient-driven focus, aiming to improve the patient journey and outcomes in clinical trials.

Professor David Thomas (Omico, NSW) is a distinguished leader in oncology, renowned for his pioneering work in genomic cancer medicine. As a clinician-scientist, he focuses on leveraging genomic technologies to enhance the understanding and management of cancer. In 2019, he founded Omico, the not-for-profit Australian Genomic Cancer Medicine Centre, where he serves as Chief Science and Strategy Officer. Under his leadership, Omico has launched a nationwide initiative aimed at translating cutting-edge genomic technologies into effective therapeutic advancements for cancer patients.

David's vision is to ensure equitable, sustainable, and affordable access to precision oncology for all Australians diagnosed with cancer, a commitment he highlighted in his recent address to the National Press Club of Australia in June 2024. With over 260 research publications in high-impact journals, his work has garnered international recognition and has significantly advanced the field of oncology.

Omico is transforming cancer care by accelerating access to precision oncology trials and uniting Australia's premier cancer institutes, researchers, clinicians, industry partners, and government bodies. By leveraging a comprehensive national network of expertise and resources, Omico facilitates the delivery of genomic cancer medicine clinical trials to thousands of Australians with advanced and incurable cancers. Their innovative approach includes fast-tracked molecular and genomic screening, biomarker-led trial setups, and nationwide patient enrolment, all aimed at providing access to next-generation treatments and preventive strategies.

Omico’s mission is to improve outcomes for Australians with cancer by adopting precision oncology as a research-led model of care, fostering the clinical trials industry, and modernising the Australian healthcare system. Central to this mission is the use of molecular screening for cancer prevention and treatment, personalised risk management, patient support, advocacy, and health system reform.

Thanks to Omico, 23,000 Australians with advanced or rare cancers now have access to free genomic testing, enabling the matching of their cancer types to the most effective available therapies—whether existing treatments or emerging therapies through clinical trials. The establishment of Omico has facilitated the introduction of rare cancer trials in Australia that would not have been possible otherwise, thus providing patients with access to innovative therapies through collaboration with industry partners, including sponsors from the French pharmaceutical sector.

Professor Dedee Murrell (UNSW, NSW) is a pioneering figure in dermatological research, with over three decades of experience in advancing therapeutics for skin diseases. Since 1989, she has been at the forefront of clinical and basic research, contributing significantly to the understanding and treatment of a wide range of skin conditions. As the Director of Australia’s first dedicated dermatology clinical trial centre, established in 1996, Professor Murrell has overseen groundbreaking trials for conditions such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, alopecia, vitiligo, acne, rosacea, epidermolysis bullosa, pemphigus, and pemphigoid.

Her expertise extends into the complex field of autoimmune blistering disorders and genetic skin conditions, with a particular focus on the pathogenesis and validation of outcome measures for bullous diseases. Her research has been instrumental in improving clinical outcomes for patients with these rare but often debilitating conditions.

With a career dedicated to innovation in medical dermatology and clinical trials, Professor Murrell is recognised globally for her contributions to both scientific research and patient care. Her work continues to shape the future of dermatological treatments, offering hope to those affected by some of the most challenging skin diseases.

Professor James Sharman (Menzies Institute & National Hypertension Taskforce, TAS) is addressing the critical issue of inadequate blood pressure control in Australia, a problem compounded by the widespread use of inaccurate measurement techniques. Accurate, standardised, and reproducible blood pressure readings are essential for healthcare professionals (HCPs) to make informed decisions and take appropriate action. Professor Sharman’s goal is to make automated office blood pressure (AOBP) measurement the standard practice across general practices, pharmacies, and community settings nationwide.

Informed by collaborative work with communities and healthcare professionals in Tasmania from June to September 2024, this initiative focuses on improving the accuracy of blood pressure measurements through a new, system-wide approach. A key element of this national project is the integration of digital medical records to easily identify high-risk patients and promote more effective team-based care among HCPs, addressing the challenge of inconsistent record-keeping.

The next phase involves piloting the program in general practices, with its effectiveness to be assessed through a randomised controlled trial. To support this rollout, a certified AOBP training course and additional resources will be developed.

The successful implementation of this initiative holds the potential for earlier and more accurate detection, diagnosis, and treatment of hypertension, benefiting the 6 million Australian adults currently living with the condition. By fostering collaboration across the healthcare system, this project aims to enhance continuity of care, optimise GP consultation time, improve diagnostic certainty, and promote best-practice medicine, ultimately reducing cardiovascular risk across Australia.

Sacha Cornuault (QLD) is a distinguished Research and Solutions Consultant at the NeuroLeadership Institute (NLI), where he works to drive organisational excellence through innovative, evidence-based strategies. Specialising in government sector initiatives, Sacha’s mission is to unite leaders around a shared vision to achieve their strategic goals by leveraging neuroscience-driven approaches.

In his role at NLI, Sacha presents scientifically backed solutions that tackle complex challenges in organisational culture, leadership, diversity, inclusion, and performance. His leadership has made a profound impact on various government organisations across Australia. One of his most notable achievements in the past year was the successful implementation of a leadership development programme for a major Australian corporation, resulting in significant improvements in employee performance and organisational culture. This initiative has further solidified Sacha's reputation as a leader capable of driving meaningful change through strategic thinking and effective management.

Sacha’s portfolio is impressive, extending beyond NLI. He is also a Business Advisor for Sierra Industrie, a French company dedicated to providing agricultural supplies that help farmers protect their harvests from winter freeze. His entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to fostering innovation across borders are evident in his work, which has resulted in over 60% of wineries in France adopting innovative solutions from Sierra Industrie.

With over ten years of experience in business development, strategy, and sales, Sacha has achieved remarkable results, including generating over 10 million views for clients, assisting over 5,000 government leaders in achieving their strategic goals, and successfully implementing more than 50 government initiatives. Additionally, over 90% of his clients have reported measurable growth in efficiency and performance.

Beyond his professional achievements, Sacha is actively engaged in the French-Australian community, passionately working to strengthen ties and share knowledge between the two nations. His strategic thinking, effective project management, and dedication to continuous learning—evidenced by his certifications in finance, strategic thinking, and neuroscience—have earned him widespread respect in the business community.

Sacha Cornuault is a remarkable candidate for recognition in the Research & Innovation category, exemplifying excellence in leadership and a commitment to impactful solutions in both the public and private sectors.

A recognised leader in her field, Vanessa Tyrell (Children's Cancer Institute, NSW) has actively contributed to state and federal government advisory committees and the development of policies to support the implementation of genomics and precision medicine in healthcare for over 30 years. She has also given more than 20 years of voluntary service to peak professional bodies.

Ness joined the Children’s Cancer Institute in 2015 to drive the development and implementation of a precision medicine programme for children with high-risk cancers, establishing the foundations for the Zero Childhood Cancer National Precision Medicine Programme (ZERO), Australia’s first and most comprehensive national precision medicine programme for children with cancer. Jointly led by the Children’s Cancer Institute and the Kids Cancer Centre at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, the programme comprises a network of all major Australian clinical and research groups, along with many international research groups working in childhood cancer.

Ness has been responsible for selecting and establishing ZERO’s testing platforms, pipelines, logistics, and the efficient, clinically responsible delivery of all aspects of ZERO, including the national rollout in 2017 for children with high-risk cancers (with survival rates of less than 30%). In 2020, early successes demonstrated that using the comprehensive genomic profiling platform and bespoke analysis pipelines significantly improved the ability to identify the molecular causes of cancers, make more likely effective treatment recommendations, refine or change diagnoses, and identify whether a child and their family had a genetic predisposition to developing cancer. This success was highlighted in the American Journal of Human Genetics in the “Genomics Medicine Year in Review: 2021” as one of ten key advances in applying genomic information to clinical care.

In a world first, in June, ZERO demonstrated that genomic precision medicine—where treatment is tailored to an individual child’s cancer—leads to significantly improved outcomes for children with high-risk cancer. Results indicated that children who received a ZERO-recommended treatment fared significantly better than those who did not. The two-year progression-free survival rate was more than double that of children who received standard therapy (26% vs 12%) and five times higher than that of children who received an unguided targeted treatment. Children who received their recommended therapy early in their treatment pathway performed significantly better than those who received it after the disease had progressed, suggesting that the sooner a personalised treatment strategy is implemented, the better the chance of preventing relapse and death.

In 2020, efforts began to expand ZERO’s genomic precision medicine platform to all Australian children with cancer, laying the groundwork for implementing precision medicine within the Australian health system. This led to another world first, with ZERO becoming available to all Australian children with cancer since late 2023, to assess whether this model will benefit all children with cancer, irrespective of type, stage, or risk. Almost 2,000 children have been enrolled since 2017.

Vincent Blanchett (WSP, QLD) is a French chartered geotechnical engineer and team leader with a robust background in geomechanics. With valuable experience gained in France, England, Papua New Guinea, and New Zealand, he has spent the past eight years based in Australia. This diverse experience has enriched his ability to provide critical insights into transport infrastructure, mining, and both residential and commercial property sectors.

Currently, Vincent serves as a Technical Executive at WSP in Brisbane, where he plays a pivotal role in the Ormeau Rail Facility Project. Additionally, he is the Chair of the Queensland chapter of the Australian Geomechanics Society.

Throughout his career, Vincent has consistently engaged in challenging and innovative projects, developing a comprehensive skill set that includes field testing and advanced analytical techniques. His expertise, combined with extensive construction experience, positions him to lead geotechnical design effectively. He excels in collaborating with stakeholders and contractors to deliver optimised solutions that consider the inherent risks of geotechnical work.