VIC BioBriefing with La Trobe University, May 2026

Connie Crisafi, Executive Director, Medical Research Innovation & Technology - Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions

Connie Crisafi is an experienced executive leader with more than 20 years in the Victorian public sector, currently serving as Executive Director of Innovation and Medical Research at the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions. In this role, she leads initiatives to strengthen Victoria’s innovation and technology capabilities and advance the state’s medical research impact. She has previously held senior positions across government, including in economic strategy and medical research innovation. Her work focuses on policy leadership, strategic investment, and fostering partnerships that support Victoria’s innovation ecosystem and economic growth.

Professor Chris Pakes, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) and Vice-President, La Trobe University

Chris is Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research and Innovation) at La Trobe University, carrying responsibility as a member of the Senior Executive Group for research, research training, research partnerships and industry engagement. Chris received his PhD in condensed matter physics from the University of Birmingham (UK) in 1999 and subsequently held positions at the National Physical Laboratory (UK) and The University of Melbourne before joining La Trobe in 2007. He has previously held the roles of Associate Dean (Research), Dean of Graduate Studies and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Graduate and Global Research) at La Trobe.

As Professor of Physics at La Trobe, Chris’ research focuses on quantum materials, in particular the functionalization of diamond surfaces for two-dimensional spin transport and quantum technology. He leads the Diamond Research Group, with laboratories that house instrumentation for quantum transport, atom-scale and surface engineering, and is a frequent user of the Australian Synchrotron. He has published over one hundred research publications, attracted over $20M in research funding as chief investigator, and supervised about 20 graduate research candidates.

Dr. Claire Borg, Associate Director, R&D Partnerships, Moderna Australia

Dr. Claire Borg is the Associate Director of R&D Partnerships at Moderna in Melbourne, Australia. In this role, she drives strategic collaborations that advance mRNA research, working closely with global Moderna leadership, academic institutions, and government stakeholders. Claire works to foster partnerships that expand Moderna’s research footprint in Australia, supporting the translation of cutting-edge science into innovative healthcare solutions. With a career spanning both industry and academia, Claire has extensive experience in medical affairs, scientific leadership, and vaccines research. Prior to her current position, she served as Associate Director of Scientific Leadership for the APAC region at Moderna. Before joining Moderna, she spent over a decade at GSK in various Medical Affairs roles, including leading medical strategy for vaccines, driving pre-launch and launch activities, engaging with key external stakeholders, and supporting regulatory and health policy submissions.

Claire began her career in academic research, earning her PhD from the Faculty of Medicine at Monash University. Her current role brings her back into close partnership with the research community, where she works at the intersection of discovery and development to support the translation of early scientific insights into new medicines.

Dr. David Sparling, Head, BioNTech Australia

David comes with 25 years of leadership experience as a life sciences senior executive and company director. He has a demonstrated ability in strategy creation and implementation in complex multi-faceted businesses. He has held various Chief Executive Officer and senior executive roles in the life sciences industry and understands cGMP manufacturing (including sterile) and the global regulatory landscape. His qualifications include a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Sciences (Hons) from University of Queensland, Bachelor of Law (Hons) from Bond University, Graduate Diploma in Applied Corporate Governance, a GAICD from the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and a Graduate Certificate in Executive Leadership from Oxford University Saïd Business School.

In his role at BioNTech Australia, David is responsible for developing the mRNA ecosystem in partnership with the State of Victoria, building the new Australia organization, and for the operational set-up of the R&D and clinical-scale cGMP manufacturing facility that will be located at the La Trobe University campus in Melbourne. He will oversee the transition from site development to manufacturing startup and subsequent management of day-to-day operations.