AusBiotech has announced Professor Skerritt's appointment to its board. It has also announced that Dr Liz Dallimore, the CEO and managing director of Argenica Therapeutics, will join its board.
Professor Skerritt retired from the Australian Public Service earlier this year. He was a deputy secretary in the Department of Health and Aged Care, where he led the TGA for ten years.
"Professor Skerritt has played a major role in advising the Australian Government on the establishment of an mRNA vaccines and medicines industry," said AusBiotech in a statement.
"He was previously the most senior scientific leader in Australia’s Foreign Affairs portfolio, leading implementation of more than $1 billion in collaborative scientific programs between Australia and regional countries. He helped lead Australia’s COVID-19 response and was one of the public media faces of the response."
Professor Skerritt said, “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to the success of Australia’s life sciences industry via the AusBiotech Board. I look forward to working with fellow Directors to advocate for Australia’s biotech industry and its tremendous potential in Australia’s health and economic wealth.”
AusBiotech's interim chair, Dr James Campbell, said, “Professor Skerritt’s appointment brings extensive government and policy experience as well as deep scientific experience to the Board. His connectivity with national initiatives and the broader sector will aid AusBiotech in working collaboratively to drive policy that reinforces the strength of biotechnology in Australia’s future."
Dr Dallimore leads the West Australian clinical-stage biotechnology company Argenica Therapeutics, which is developing therapies to treat stroke and other neurological conditions.
Dr Dallimore previously held senior roles in management consulting as KPMG’s national director of research engagement and commercialisation.
“I am honoured to be appointed to the AusBiotech Board of Directors, joining a group of dedicated and passionate industry leaders who are motivated to further grow and develop Australia’s world-class life science ecosystem,” said Dr Dallimore.
“These new appointments bring fresh perspectives and insight that will position AusBiotech to represent the best interests of our diverse membership at the national level," added Dr Campbell.