Session: "East Meets West: Untapped Opportunities in the Asia Pacific Region"

Dr Amanda Caples is the Director of Biotechnology and Science & Technology Programs in the Victorian Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development. 

Amanda joined the Victorian Public Service in 2002 as the inaugural Director of Biotechnology after a successful 15-year career in the private sector developing and commercialising pharmaceutical and biotechnology products.

In her role at DIIRD, Amanda has led the development of successive Biotechnology Strategic Development Plans and related policy statements including Healthy Futures: The Victorian Life Sciences Statement.  She has had a significant role in major research capital initiatives - most recently the $1Parkville Comprehensive Cancer Centre - and has been responsible for regulatory reforms including stem cell legislative reform and the establishment of a single ethical review process for multi-site clinical trials in Victoria.

In 2008 Amanda was appointed to a broader role that encompasses Victoria’s Science Agenda and which includes responsibility for the Australian Synchrotron and Technology Commercialisation.

Amanda holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) and PhD from the University of Melbourne.  She is a member of the Ivanhoe Grammar School Board of Governors.