New Chairman for ITEK
ITEK Pty Ltd has recently welcomed John Grace as its new
Chairman, bringing extensive experience in the commercial
development of leading-edge science, specifically biotechnology, to
the position.
Grace (pictured) is currently the director of iBIO Pty Ltd Consultancy, providing advice to clients in research commercialisation particularly in the biotechnology industry. He is also a member of the Council of the Australian Institute of Marine Science and a Vice President of the Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering.
Grace says he is looking forward to being part of the ITEK and UniSA team. ITEK is UniSA’s commercial arm and is responsible for developing commercial opportunities from research undertaken by the University.
"The University of South Australia is a dynamic organisation and ITEK is one of Australia’s few successful university-based commercialisation companies," he said.
"The translation of research by commercial routes is a legitimate and important way by which the benefit of university research can be delivered to the community.
"The translation role is the essence of ITEK and an area in which I have a very strong interest. I am pleased to be part of a dynamic team, which in the coming years should further substantiate its strong position under the leadership of its CEO Graham Smith."
The new appointment follows the retirement of former Chairman Kevin O’Brien. There are currently seven ITEK board members appointed on two-year terms.