Tara Buse: mRNA innovation and accessible healthcare

Tara Buse never imagined her early curiosity in clinical trials would lead her to the forefront of Australia’s mRNA manufacturing sector. Today, as Production Manager at Southern RNA in Brisbane, Tara oversees manufacturing and operations for clinical trial material, delivering high-quality mRNA products for everything from small research groups to human clinical trials.

“I’ve found a role that feels right – and I finally believe I’m making a difference,” Tara says. “That’s been a big personal milestone, not just technically, but in overcoming imposter syndrome.”

Her journey into biotech wasn’t without its challenges. A self-described introvert, Tara initially found networking daunting. But it was through the strength of her UQ honours cohort that she broke into the industry. “I got my first job by asking a classmate about her company. She put my name forward, and the rest is history,” she explains. “We leaned on each other post-graduation, and that support made all the difference.”

Enabling science, driving access

Tara is driven by the belief that cutting-edge science should be accessible to all. “As a kid, I always said I wanted to cure cancer. And while that may sound cliché, the work we’re doing now is closer to that dream than ever before,” she says.

Southern RNA’s clients are investigating mRNA-based therapies that, while still in early trial stages, are edging toward preventative solutions for diseases that have long lacked effective treatments. But Tara’s focus isn’t just scientific. It’s practical and systemic. “For the next 10 to 20 years, I want to be part of the movement that makes these therapies accessible – regardless of geography or income,” she says. “That means reducing costs and improving manufacturing efficiency.”

The mRNA revolution

Tara is excited by the potential of mRNA to revolutionise biotech. “mRNA can effectively replace almost every therapeutic we’ve known – and create ones we’ve never had before,” she says. It’s a platform that allows therapies to be produced more efficiently, with lower costs and a smaller physical footprint.

It’s this flexibility and scalability that made mRNA the backbone of COVID-19 vaccine development – and Tara believes we’re only scratching the surface.

“We’re now able to address rare diseases previously ignored due to economic or scientific limitations. That’s incredible.”

Her perspective is also shaped by her hands-on role in the field. “I didn’t think I’d see this kind of revolution in my lifetime. But I did – and I’m working in it. That’s powerful.”

UQ foundations and lifelong networks

Tara credits her success in part to the practical training and tight-knit community she experienced during her UQ Biotechnology Honours year. “There were only about 15 of us, and we stayed in constant contact,” she recalls. “It created a cohort mentality that extended beyond graduation.”

That cohort, she says, wasn’t just social – it was strategic.

“We helped each other find jobs, shared insights into companies, and never felt like we were competing. That support has been invaluable.”

Tara also points to the course’s practical lab training as a differentiator. “When I started working, I realised just how valuable it was to have learned to problem-solve independently in the lab,” she says. Now a hiring manager herself, Tara looks for those same hands-on skills in graduates.

Advice for future biotech professionals

Tara encourages students to think beyond the traditional research path. “Biotech is much broader than it seems. It intersects with business, entrepreneurship, even government,” she says.

Her turning point came when someone told her it was okay not to do a PhD. “That gave me permission to explore a different path – and I’ve thrived because of it.”

She’s a strong supporter of initiatives like UQ’s Biotechnology Student Society, which brings professionals into student-led career coaching sessions. “It’s impossible to fit all the real-world insights into coursework. But these kinds of interactions can change a student’s perspective. They changed mine.”

Creating a meaningful legacy

For Tara, the impact she hopes to make is clear: advancing mRNA technology to improve global health and making it accessible for everyone. “If I can help nudge this field in the right direction – just a little – I’ll be proud,” she says. “That’s the legacy I want to leave behind.”

She’s equally passionate about mentorship and training, guiding the next generation of scientists. “I love sharing tips and tricks to navigate the regulated world of biotech while still keeping that spark of scientific curiosity alive.”

As the mRNA revolution unfolds and global attention shifts to biotech’s role in healthcare equity, Tara stands firmly at the intersection of innovation and impact – building a future where science serves everyone.