Dr Erin Evans: The future of medicine is personal

Personalised, precision medicine is no longer a far-off dream. As CEO of InGeNA, Australia’s peak industry body for genomics and precision medicine, Dr Erin Evans is working to accelerate the integration of cutting-edge genomics into the healthcare system.

“Having studied genetics and molecular biology at a time when the potential of genomics was just beginning to be understood, it’s incredible to now be in an era where we can make a tangible difference in people’s lives,” Dr Evans explains.

“We’re no longer theorising about the possibilities – we’re embedding genomics into healthcare policy and practice.”

InGeNA works collaboratively with government, industry, and patient groups to ensure a unified approach to implementing precision medicine. “By working together, we can drive systemic change – especially at the policy level,” she says.

A major milestone for the field is the upcoming launch of Genomics Australia, an initiative designed to embed genomics into Australia’s healthcare system. “It’s a paradigm shift,” she says, “one that will allow us to deliver personalised medicine at scale.”

A global career in biotech and innovation

Dr Evans’ career has spanned continents and disciplines, from biotech research and commercialisation to strategic advisory roles in finance and defence. Her early research was industry-integrated, thanks to an industry scholarship that allowed her to complete her PhD between The University of Queensland and Agen Biomedical, a Queensland-based biotech company. “From the outset, I was engaged in translational research – thinking not just about discovery but how to bring those discoveries into clinical use,” she explains. Her PhD work led to patented research that was later acquired by global pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly.

From there, she transitioned into commercialising novel vaccine technology and spearheaded some of Queensland’s first clinical trials in T-cell-based immunotherapies for melanoma. Her work then took her overseas, where she helped lead some of Europe’s earliest gene and cell therapy clinical trials.

During her time at Genzyme (later acquired by Sanofi), she was part of the team that developed the second-ever orphan drug to receive FDA approval. “It was an incredible time to be in Kendall Square, Cambridge,” she recalls, referring to the world-renowned biotech hub in Massachusetts. “We were pioneering treatments for rare diseases and laying the groundwork for early gene therapies.”

Returning to Australia, she expanded her expertise into leadership development and strategic advisory roles across the Asia-Pacific region, including in the financial and defence sectors. Most recently, she served as Head of Life Sciences Queensland and Chair of Health Consumers Queensland, where she worked closely with the healthcare system throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. “A lot of people in biotech don’t work directly with patients or the health system,” she said. “Bringing about innovation in such a complex environment requires deep understanding and co-design with the people it’s meant to serve.”

Shaping the future of precision medicine

Dr Evans believes that genomics and precision medicine represent the most exciting breakthroughs in biotech over the past 25 years. “We’ve moved from the early days of the Human Genome Project to now embedding genomics into mainstream healthcare,” she says.

“Digital technology is accelerating this transformation, allowing us to integrate genomic data with clinical practice in ways that were unimaginable just a few decades ago.”

She is particularly passionate about how genomics can shift healthcare from a disease-treatment model to a predictive and preventative approach. “Our healthcare system is designed to treat illness after it happens. But with genomics, we can identify risks before they manifest, leading to earlier interventions and better patient outcomes,” she says. “It’s a fundamental shift in how we think about health.”

For patients navigating what she calls the ‘diagnostic odyssey’ – where they endure years of medical uncertainty – genomics offers hope. “We can eliminate the guesswork and reduce unnecessary, sometimes harmful treatments like chemotherapy,” she says.

“It’s about improving both outcomes and quality of life.”

Her personal connection to this mission runs deep. “My grandfather had multiple sclerosis, and as a child, I spent a lot of time in hospitals with him and my grandmother, who was his carer. Seeing their struggles – and their hope for new treatments – was a huge driver for me.”

UQ’s lasting impact

Dr Evans credits her education at UQ with providing her the analytical skills and problem-solving mindset that have guided her career. “UQ taught me how to think critically and navigate complex problems – sometimes ones that don’t have clear answers,” she says. “The rigour of my training became even more apparent when I transitioned into industry.”

She fondly remembers being mentored by pioneering scientists such as Professors Sue Hamilton and John de Jersey, as well as learning from global biotech leaders like Professor Brandon Wainwright, who was part of the team that identified the cystic fibrosis gene. “They weren’t just lecturers; they were shaping the future of the field,” she recalls. “Their insights were invaluable, and their work helped build the foundation for Queensland’s biotech industry.”

Advice for the next generation

For students looking to enter biotech, Dr Evans encourages embracing diverse experiences and staying open to unconventional career paths. “Biotech isn’t a linear journey – it’s an ecosystem with many entry points,” she says. “Be open to different pathways, whether it’s research, commercialisation, or policy work. The most important thing is to follow what excites you.”

She also emphasises the importance of adaptability. “Innovation requires more than just technical skills – it requires resilience, systems thinking, and the ability to integrate different perspectives. The ability to connect science with real-world impact is what drives meaningful change.”

From pioneering research to shaping national policy, Dr Evans’ journey reflects the power of combining scientific expertise with strategic leadership. “At the end of the day, I see my role as an accelerator of innovation,” she says. “By bringing together technology, government, and patient perspectives, we can transform healthcare for the better.”