Former Victorian innovation minister Jaala Pulford takes up the role of chairman at MTPConnect
Former Victorian innovation, medical research and digital economy Jaala Pulford, has joined the board of medtech, biotech and pharma growth center MTPConnect, replacing Sue MacLeman as chairman.
Pulford left politics after 16 years in the 2022 state election and had a strong focus on medical innovation, having founded mRNA Victoria and also played a key role in enticing BioNTech to establish R&D and manufacturing capabilities in Australia.
She is a director of the Children’s Cancer Foundation, a member of the Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health Advisory Council and was named a Vice Chancellor’s Fellow at the University of Melbourne earlier this month.
Pulford sees MTPConnect as a vital role for the startup industry.
“I look forward to contributing to MTPConnect’s work supporting the science, research and entrepreneurship that underpins medical product innovation and scaling for growth,” said Pulford.
“MTPConnect is delivering outstanding results and helping to unlock the huge potential of Australia’s medical products sector.
“I have worked closely with our dedicated health and medical researchers in translating and commercializing their discoveries. I am committed to developing the startup ecosystem as a generator of future jobs and when I reflect on my work with companies like Moderna I know firsthand the industry’s contribution to the growth of Australia’s vibrant medical products sector .
Sue MacLeman has left the board after chairing it since 2018 and will continue to serve as an advisor during the initial transition. She praised her successor’s connections as essential to MTPConnect’s continued growth.
“Ms Pulford’s leadership, achievements and deep experience in government, public administration and governance will be an asset to MTPConnect and the wider medical technology, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries across Australia,” she said.
“As I said when I announced I would be stepping down, innovation is important for all organizations and I know that Jaala will effectively leverage her experience and bring new perspectives to ensure MTPConnect remains impactful and agile in the future.”
