Linda Lua: From research to leadership

For Emeritus Professor Linda Lua, biotechnology is not just about research, it’s about leadership, impact and fostering collaboration. After a career spanning industry, academia, and now executive coaching, she has built a legacy that extends far beyond the lab.

Currently, Linda is a biotechnology consultant and executive coach, designing leadership development programs for organisations while also mentoring individuals one-to-one. “Coaching has been a fun departure from what I’ve done before,” she reflects. Her journey to this point has been anything but conventional.

Her path began in 1995 when she arrived at The University of Queensland to complete an Applied Science Honours degree in biotechnology. Coming from Singapore, where she had been enrolled in a biotechnology diploma program, she transitioned directly into UQ’s third year – a move that was both exciting and challenging. “I had to complete nine subjects in one semester and eight the next. It was a real culture shock, but it was necessary.”

One course in particular, Commercialising Biotechnology, changed the trajectory of her career. “That subject stood out because it went beyond science – it made me think about how to take research to market.” This experience came full circle when, years later, she returned to teach and found students using sections of her original project proposal in their work. “I’d ask them, ‘Where did you get that idea?’ and they’d say they sourced it externally. I’d smile and say, ‘Did you check who wrote it?’”

Building the future of biotech at UQ

After completing a postdoctoral fellowship, Linda was at a crossroads. “I was considering a move to Europe or the US, but then an opportunity arose at UQ to set up the Protein Expression Facility (PEF).” It was a risky move – mentors advised against it, fearing it would sideline her research career. But Linda saw a bigger picture.

“I knew researchers were struggling to produce the quality and quantity of proteins they needed for translational applications. PEF was meant to change that.” Under her leadership, PEF grew into a globally recognised facility, bringing revenue to UQ and supporting both academic and industry projects.

“It was more than just a service – it was an enabler of innovation.”

She remained at PEF for 17 years, moving from an Academic Level A position all the way to Level E – a rare progression at a single institution, particularly for someone promoted based on leadership and service rather than research publications. “I had to define my own impact, tell my own story. There was no precedent.”

Linda’s leadership philosophy centred on people and team development. “Seeing my team grow, step up, and thrive was one of the most rewarding parts of my career. Some stayed with me for 10 years, others moved on to incredible new roles. I took pride in enabling their success.”

Leadership beyond the lab

By 2021, Linda felt PEF had reached a stage where it needed a new leader to drive its next phase of growth. She transitioned into a senior leadership role as Director of Researcher Development at UQ, where she built a framework to support early-career researchers. Alongside this, she undertook training in executive coaching, recognising that leadership development was her next calling.

In 2022, after careful consideration, she chose to leave UQ. While she had been on the path to senior university leadership, she realised her passion lay in empowering individuals and organisations to harness their potential. UQ acknowledged her contributions by awarding her the title of Emeritus Professor.

Now, Linda works with biotech professionals, executives, and organisations, guiding them through leadership challenges. “Leadership isn’t just about managing – it’s about inspiring, enabling, and growing others,” she says. Her company’s tagline, ‘Grow. Lead. Give.,’ reflects her philosophy: continuous learning, strong leadership, and giving back to the community.

Shaping the future of biotech

Linda sees biotech innovation as critical in this moment, particularly in vaccine accessibility and sustainability. “We need to ensure that life-saving vaccines reach the vulnerable populations – not as an afterthought, but as part of the plan. There’s an opportunity to rethink profitability models, balancing revenue generation with global responsibility.”

She also believes the biotech workforce must be nurtured to sustain long-term and global innovation.

“We have to develop our future leaders now. Strategic workforce development is particularly valuable if we want our future leaders to tackle unforeseen challenges and thrive in industries that will see rapid technological advancements.”

Another pressing issue is risk aversion. “Entrepreneurial cultures in some other countries are more likely to embrace failure as a learning opportunity to grow, improve and progress. Here, people may hold back from taking risks for fear of negative outcomes or judgement. We need to create a growth mindset that encourages resilience in the face of setbacks and continuous improvement.”

Advice for future biotech leaders

For students pursuing biotech, Linda’s message is clear: “Work hard, be proactive, and engage beyond the classroom.” She encourages students to build relationships with professors, seek opportunities early, and think creatively about how they can contribute to their field.

She also believes commercialisation should be embedded into biotech education. “Students need real-life experience – not just theoretical knowledge. Exposure to design, application, and global industry trends is essential.”

Linda’s own best memories of UQ revolve around friendships and collaboration. “The meaningful connections I made at UQ weren’t just academic – they became lifelong networks.” She still supervises PhD students at UQ, ensuring that her impact continues through the next generation of biotech professionals.

From launching PEF to shaping leadership development, Linda’s career has been defined by innovation and service. “At the end of the day, it’s about making a difference – whether in science, leadership, or the people we help along the way.”