With a finger on the pulse of Australia’s STEM ecosystem, Dr Evans-Galea is an accomplished executive and board director change-making at the interface of industry, academia and government.

In 2025, Dr Evans-Galea was appointed Deputy Director, Strategy and Planning and is part of ARMI’s Executive. She leads the development and implementation of the Institute’s strategy and vision to drive sustainability and growth, develop the Institute’s diverse research leaders and rising stars, and support ARMI’s mission: the discovery and innovation of regenerative medicine and advanced therapies. Leading the Office of the Director, Dr Evans-Galea is responsible for the Institute’s $25M budget, operations, advocacy, stakeholder engagement and governance. Dr Evans-Galea is also a member of ARMI’s Leadership Advisory Board, Industry Advisory Committee and Development & Engagement Committee. She engages broadly to boost ARMI’s profile and foster collaboration.

With AusBiotech and Medicines Australia, Dr Evans-Galea led a national initiative, Australia’s Cell and Gene Catalyst, to connect and activate Australia’s advanced therapies ecosystem. She mobilised stakeholders, drove national collaboration, policy and advocacy in market access, workforce and manufacturing.

At the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering (ATSE), she established and led the strategic development and delivery of prestigious STEM initiatives. With national impact and global reach, she scaled her portfolio to attract $43M in public and private funding, generating an annual revenue of $4.8M, networking and upskilling thousands of students and professionals from leading organisations in Australia.

In her 18-year research career, Dr Evans-Galea led international programs in cell and gene therapy in the United States and Australia. As a consultant, she has advised research, biotechnology and investment companies on the commercial and translational potential of research. An internationally recognised champion for diversity and inclusion, Dr Evans-Galea co-founded Women in STEMM Australia, served on Victoria’s Ministerial Council for Women’s Equality and represented Australia at APEC Women in STEM & Entrepreneurship forums.

Her leadership and impact have been recognised with an Australian Leadership Award, the University of Queensland Vice-Chancellor’s Alumni Excellence Award and as an inductee of the Victorian Honour Roll of Women. She is also a Member of the Order of Australia.

With deep understanding of Australia’s ecosystem, Dr Evans-Galea provides strategic advice and thought leadership on public and private advisory groups, and communicates via social and mainstream media. She is a strongly committed advocate for research and innovation and a sought-after speaker, MC and author.