RNA Australia Board
Mrs Susan Petrellis, Chair
Susan is a non-executive director and advisor with deep experience in innovation systems and economic development across research, industry and government. She has worked extensively across emerging sectors in manufacturing, agriculture and tech in commercialisation, industry development, skills, training and investment, including system capability and governance with Innovation Australia and Innovation & Science Australia, rural development corporations, NCRIS public research facilities, joint skills councils and biosecurity NGOs. She is the Managing Director of innovation advisory firm Bounce Partners and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).
Emeritus Professor Alan Pettigrew, Director
Alan is a distinguished academic and administrator with a rich history of executive roles at leading Australian universities. He was the inaugural CEO of the National Health and Medical Research Council and currently serves as a Fellow of Senate at the University of Sydney. Alan brings a wealth of governance experience, having served on various national research and medical institute boards.
Ms Petra Andrén, Director
Petra, GAICD, is a distinguished leader in medical commercialisation, innovation ecosystem development and investment. As former Head of Innovation Districts for the NSW government, she led collaboration between universities, research institutions and industry. Petra has served as CEO of Cicada Innovations, Australia’s premier deep-tech incubator, and founded two national accelerators that invest in and support early-stage startups. She was also Managing Director of Octapharma Australia, a global biopharmaceutical company. Her extensive international experience, including establishing and running a CRO business in the US, complements her deep expertise in clinical trials. Currently, as CEO of STING Advisory, Petra provides strategic advice on investment and innovation ecosystem building.
Dr Phil Kearney, Director
Phil is an expert in gene therapy and RNA medicine with career spanning roles such as department head at Santaris Pharma and technology scout at Merck Research Laboratories. Most recently he has worked with Amaroq Therapeutics and RNAfold.ai, in the field of RNA therapeutics, and is currently CEO of Axelia Oncology. Phil serves on several boards and committees, showcasing his dedication to governance and strategic leadership.
Dr Elaine Stead, Director
Elaine is a seasoned venture capital investor and Principal at Main Sequence Ventures, focusing on ‘Humanity Scale Healthcare’. With a background in science and entrepreneurship, she has invested in over 80 startups across Australia, the US, and Southeast Asia. Elaine has also been Director of New Ventures at ANU, founded several venture businesses and is known for her values-driven approach to innovation.