Dr Adam Thomas

Adam is a molecular biologist and biochemist. During his PhD, he investigated the Mycobacterium species and characterised the Pup‐Proteasome system that is crucial for pathogenic mycobacteria to survive hostile environments inside macrophages and persist inside the host.

Shortly after his PhD, Adam joined the pharmaceutical industry as a scientist at CSL’s Recombinant and Gene Product Development group where he gained valuable experience in various pharmaceutical products development, large scale manufacturing, quality control and quality assurance. He was involved in process development and manufacturing of multiple commercial products including monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, and vaccines.

After a few years at CSL, Adam joined St Vincent’s Institute of Medical Research working on an oncology‐focused project with Pfizer’s Centres for Therapeutic Innovation. This collaboration aimed to identify potential new small molecules that target the DNA damage response, which is common to most cancers.

After completing the Pfizer project, Adam joined La Trobe University working in research administration, specifically reporting on realised research impact beyond academia. He ensured La Trobe University’s continuous success in the Times Higher Education Impact ranking by aligning its operations and outputs with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Adam is currently a senior research officer at Burnet working on malaria vaccines development with collaborators across Australia and overseas.

• 2019: PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, La Trobe University, Australia
• 2014: Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, La Trobe University, Australia
• 2012: Bachelor of Science (double major in Microbiology and Molecular Biology), Monash University, Australia

• 2025: Communications Officer at the Parenteral Drug Association (PDA)
• 2023: President, Students and Young Professionals sub-chapter of the Parenteral Drug Association (PDA)
• 2023: Adjunct Research Fellow, Monash University
• 2021: Vice President, Students and Young Professionals sub‐chapter of the Parenteral Drug Association (PDA)
• 2019: Health and Safety Representative (HSR), CSL Limited
• 2014: Public Relations Officer, La Trobe International
• 2013: President, Biochemistry Society, La Trobe University

• 2024: Teaching Associate, The University of Melbourne, Australia
• 2023: Senior Research Officer, Burnet Institute, Australia
• 2023: Postdoctoral Research Officer, Burnet Institute, Australia
• 2022: Research Impact Coordinator, La Trobe University, Australia
• 2021: Senior Scientist, St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research/Pfizer, Australia
• 2019: Scientist, CSL Limited Recombinant & Gene Product Development, Australia
• 2019: Postdoctoral Research Officer, La Trobe University, Australia
• 2019: Teaching Associate, Monash University, Australia
• 2018: Research Assistant, La Trobe University, Australia
• 2015: Teaching Associate, La Trobe University, Australia

• 2025: Outstanding Early Career Professional Award, Parenteral Drug Association
• 2025: Therapeutic Innovation Australia grant
• 2025: AAMRI Commercialisation Skills for health and MedTech Researchers Training
• 2025: Parenteral Drug Association Travel Award (Australia)
• 2025: Parenteral Drug Association Week Conference Fee Award (Palm Springs, CA)
• 2025: Burnet Institute Life Sciences Discipline Funding Award  
• 2024: CASS Foundation grant
• 2024: GenScript Biotech Life Science Research grant
• 2020: CSL Limited R&D Innovation Award (Silver)
• 2014: Community Engagement Award, La Trobe University, Australia