Ann Damien: Amplifying Australian biotech

Ann Damien has built a career at the intersection of science, business, and international collaboration. Today, she serves as Associate Director and Global Biotech Lead at the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), where she helps Australian health businesses expand internationally and strengthens Australia’s global standing in clinical trials.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see the technologies we’ve supported reach new markets,” Ann says.

“Knowing that my work helps bring Australian innovation to the world and improves healthcare worldwide is incredibly rewarding.”

Her career has been shaped by a global perspective. In a previous role as a technology scout for a medical device company, Ann travelled extensively – attending conferences and meeting leading researchers and physicians across Asia, Israel and the U.S. That exposure, she says, cemented her passion for connecting Australian innovation with international opportunities.

Driving biotech impact through trade

Australia’s biotech and medtech sectors are flourishing, with ASX-listed biotech companies now valued at around A$233 billion. Within this ecosystem, Ann and her team at Austrade provide crucial support – offering expert insights on global trends and helping companies grow their international footprint.

“Our work helps position Australia not just as a hub of research excellence, but as a competitive force in clinical trials and biotech innovation worldwide,” Ann explains.

“Ultimately, this means patients across the globe gain access to groundbreaking medical technologies.”

Biotech breakthroughs: From CAR-T to the microbiome

Looking back on the last 25 years, Ann highlights CAR-T cell therapy and microbiome research as 2 of the most transformative biotech advances. CAR-T therapy has revolutionised cancer treatment by modifying patients’ own immune cells to target cancer, achieving unprecedented remission rates in blood cancers. Microbiome research, meanwhile, has reshaped our understanding of human health, linking gut microbes to conditions ranging from obesity to neurological disorders.

On the horizon, Ann is particularly excited about the intersection of regenerative medicine and microbiome science – a field beginning to reveal how gut bacteria influence tissue repair and regeneration. From bone healing to cardiac therapies, she believes this synergy could redefine how we approach chronic disease and recovery.

Memories of UQ: Community and camaraderie

Ann’s journey began at UQ, where some of her best memories were forged in student clubs, late-night study sessions, and lively O-Week activities.

“There was such energy on campus,” she recalls. “The camaraderie of group projects and the friendships built in the Biological Sciences Library are things I’ll always cherish.”

Advice for future biotech leaders

For students considering a future in biotech, Ann offers practical advice:

• Build both scientific and business skills—biotech thrives at their intersection.
• Seek hands-on experience through internships, research projects or industry placements.
• Stay curious by following industry trends and leaders.
• Expand your network—relationships often open unexpected doors.
• Think globally, because biotech breakthroughs transcend borders.

“Above all, stay passionate and persistent,” she says. “Biotech takes time, but the rewards – improving lives and shaping the future of healthcare – are worth it.”