Former Victorian innovation minister Jaala Pulford takes on chair role at MTPConnect

Former Victorian innovation, medical research and digital economy Jaala Pulford,  has joined the board of medtech, biotech and pharma growth centre MTPConnect, replacing Sue MacLeman as chair.

Pulford left politics after 16 years at the 2022 state election, and had a strong focus on medical innovation, having established mRNA Victoria and also playing 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 earlier this month was appointed a Vice Chancellor’s Fellow at University of Melbourne.

Pulford sees MTPConnect as playing a vital role for the startup sector.

“I look forward to contributing to MTPConnect’s work supporting the science, research and entrepreneurship that underpins medical product innovation and scaling up for growth,” Pulford said.

“MTPConnect is delivering some outstanding results and helping to unlock the enormous potential of Australia’s medical products sector.

“I have worked closely with our dedicated health and medical researchers as they translate and commercialise their discoveries. I am committed to developing the startup ecosystem as a generator of future jobs and reflecting on my work with companies like Moderna, I know first-hand the contribution industry makes in growing Australia’s vibrant medical products sector.”

Sue MacLeman has left the board having chaired it since 2018 andill continue to act as an advisor though the initial transition. She praised her successor’s connections as vital to MTPConnect’s ongoing growth.

“Ms Pulford’s leadership, achievements and deep experience in government, public administration and governance will be an asset to MTPConnect and the broader medical technology, biotechnology and pharmaceutical sector across Australia,” she said.

“As I said when I announced I’d be stepping down, renewal is important for all organisations and I know Jaala will effectively leverage her experiences and provide new perspectives to ensure MTPConnect continues to be impactful and agile into the future.”