Dr Amanda Caples

Introducing the Lead Scientist

Dr Amanda Caples BSc Hons PhD GAICD was appointed to the role in mid-2016. Amanda brings broad experience in technology commercialisation, public policy development and governance of public and private entities. As Deputy Secretary Sector Development and Programs, Amanda was responsible for the development of Future Industries strategic sector growth plans and for support of the Victorian science, innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

After graduating from the University of Melbourne with a PhD in pharmacology, Amanda began her pharmaceutical industry career with Servier Laboratories Australia where she was responsible for local product development and the registration of new medicines for the treatment of diabetes and high blood pressure. Amanda progressed to business development roles first with AMRAD where she secured licensing deals and strategic alliances for the R&D portfolio before joining the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute to establish the Technology Transfer Office.

Amanda joined the Victorian public service in 2002 as the inaugural Director of Biotechnology and was subsequently appointed as the Executive Director Science and Technology to drive the state's science agenda. In these roles, Amanda has led the development of industry sector strategy plans, delivered research-led health initiatives, regulatory and legislative scientific reforms and established international alliances.

Amanda has also worked with Commonwealth agencies on national science and innovation policies and programs, notably the Australian Synchrotron and the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Scheme.