RESEARCHER PROFILE
Dr Katharina Richter,
University of Adelaide
Filmed November 2023
Dr Katharina Richter is a visionary leader in MedTech, acclaimed for innovation and gender diversity. With over 40 awards to her name, including MIT Innovator Under 35 Asia-Pacific, and Prime Minister’s Prize for New Innovator finalist, she has shattered barriers as an entrepreneur, scientist, and ‘superbug slayer.’ Katharina’s groundbreaking work in combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria has resulted in 6 innovative treatments, 3 of which are patented, offering hope against deadly infections.
Katharina champions gender diversity, serving as a role model for aspiring female leaders. Her international impact is undeniable, as she elevates Australian MedTech on the global stage through panels, collaborations and media engagements. Katharina’s leadership extends to various committees and organisations, where she nurtures the next generation of MedTech
leaders through mentorship and career-development initiatives. Her remarkable journey showcases her as a true pioneer, leaving an indelible mark on both the MedTech industry and the advancement of women within it.
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Inner ear organoids for the study of human hearing and balance
Dr Jackie Ogier is an auditory neuroscientist, with a research focus on the molecular biology of hair cells, the specialised sensory receptors in the ear that detect sound and balance. She is a postdoctoral research fellow in the laboratory of A/Prof Bryony Nayagam, supported by a prestigious Passe and Williams foundation fellowship.
Dr Ogier’s experience broadly spans the genetics of hearing loss, disease modelling, micro dissection, primary cell culture, stem cell culture, organoids, and proteomics. Overall, she aims to generate knowledge of hearing and vestibular sensory biology.
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Dr Dinesh Palipana
RESEARCH IN SPINAL CORD INJURY
@ GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA -
Newborn screening for congenital hypothyroidism
Assoc Prof Jack is passionate about the health and wellbeing of children and adolescents, with diverse research areas including the impacts of family friendly workplace initiatives, screening and management of thyroid disorders in infants and children. She supports her First Nations colleagues on Indigenous-led research projects funded by the Medical Research Future Fund, aiming to improve the social and emotional wellbeing of First Nations Children. Through her clinical and academic roles, Assoc Prof Jack hopes to make a positive difference to the health and well-being of children and their families.
