As a Registered Nurse since 2002, my career has evolved to specialise in clinical trial coordination, a role I have embraced since December 2011 at St Vincent’s Health Network Sydney. Here, my expertise in managing trial protocols, budget oversight, and ensuring precise documentation has been pivotal. My approach is rooted in teamwork and collaboration, essential for the effective operation of clinical trials. My role extends to direct involvement with trial participants, focusing on ensuring their informed participation and maintaining the highest standards of data confidentiality and integrity. I also manage the handling and storage of investigational products, crucial for maintaining trial quality. In March 2023, I advanced to a Senior Clinical Trial Coordinator and Team Lead at Emeritus Research Sydney, continuing my commitment to clinical trial management with a focus on efficient coordination and collaborative team efforts.

Joshua has worked in the healthcare sector for over 9 years, beginning as a Registered Nurse in 2014, before moving to Clinical Trials as Research Nurse/Study Coordinator in 2018. While Working in Clinical Trials he realised he was drawn to quality control projects, later making the decision to pursue this avenue in a Masters Degree in Clinical Nursing (Quality and Safety). After achieving his degree, Joshua moved into a Quality Associate Role in a Phase 1 trial centre, before taking on the role of Quality Specialist and now Quality and Training Manager at Emeritus Research.

Cheryl-Ann Hawkins is the Chief Executive Officer at Veritus Research. She has enjoyed working in many leadership positions in Clinical Trials and Oncology in a career spanning 30 years. Cheryl-Ann has in that time, had the opportunity to develop multiple clinical trial facilities and build clinical teams to ensure successful businesses. Having the right people around her who are aligned to the business vision and objectives is critical. Cheryl-Ann is focused on the practicalities of protocols and the impact on resources and staff at site level. Implementation of innovative approaches of clinical trial delivery to ensure optimal efficiencies at site level is her priority and contributes to the professional growth of her team. Cheryl-Ann is a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor of Nursing, has completed a post graduate diploma in Oncology/Palliative care nursing, a Master’s degree in Health Administration and a post graduate certificate in Cancer Research.

Madison is the Associate Director, Clinical Development and Operations Quality at Alexion, with over 10 years of experience in the industry. Madison joined Alexion in 2023, and is responsible for supporting the development of an overarching strategy related to proactive and sustainable quality and compliance for all programs/portfolios across all Therapeutic Area(s) (TAs) at country level, including training and development of local teams. Prior to joining Alexion, Madison worked across a number of different roles at a site, CRO and Sponsor level, and as such understands the challenges each side of the industry faces when working towards fostering a collaborative partnership.

Aoife McDonnell is Director of People Strategy at Novotech. Aoife has over 17 years’ experience in clinical research across Operations and HR. In this role Aoife oversees HR across ANZ, India, USA and Global Talent Acquisition with a focus on HR innovation, spearheading initiatives that drive organizational growth, cultivate talent, and foster a culture of collaboration and inclusivity.