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Dr Susie Nilsson

Professor

https://people.csiro.au/n/s/susie-nilsson

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Contact details:

PRIVATE BAG 10
CLAYTON SOUTH VIC 3169 AUSTRALIA

Biography

Prof Susie Nilsson is the Research Director for the Biomedical Manufacturing program with CSIRO (the Commonwealth Science and Industry Research Organisation), Australia’s National Science Agency. Her portfolio encompasses the production of new products and processes for the biomedical sector – medical devices, diagnostics, drugs, vaccines, and efficient processes to produce them. This covers regulated biomanufacturing, biologics research and development, chemical biology, diagnostics and devices and bioactive small molecules and polymers.

Susie has an extensive history in biologics and specifically haematopoietic stem cell research. She completed her PhD at Melbourne University and post-doctoral studies at the University of Massachusetts prior to taking up a position at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute then the Australian Stem Cell Centre. She moved to CSIRO in 2009 and was appointed as an Australian Research Council Future Fellow. She became a group leader at the Australian Regenerative Medical Institute, Monash University in 2013 and a CSIRO Science Leader in 2014. Her current role sees broad contributions including overseeing the production of biologics for Phase I clinical trials, recently exemplified by the production of two COVID-19 vaccine candidates, the building of the new National Vaccine and Therapeutics Laboratory for producing products in mammalian and insect systems for Phase I and II/III clinical trials as well as the growth of interactions with industry in key areas or of the biomedical sector. Recently she won the 2023 BioMelbourne Network Inspiring Women’s leadership award.

Professional Areas

Fields of Research

Current

Current Roles

  • Research Director, Biomedical Manufacturing CSIRO
    Research Director

  • Adjunct Professor, ARMI, Monash University
    Group Leader

  • Senior Research Fellow, Dept Pathology, Melbourne University
    Adjunct

Academic Qualifications

  • 1989

    B.Sc.
    University of Melbourne

  • 1990

    B.Sc.(Hons)
    University of Melbourne

  • 1994

    PhD
    University of Melbourne

Professional Experiences

  • 2018-2021

    Biology Group Leader, Biomedical Manufacturing
    Manufacturing CSIRO

  • 2009-2018

    Team Leader
    Manufacturing CSIRO

  • 2005-2009

    Head of Niche Laboratory
    Australian Stem Cell Centre

  • 2002-2005

    Microenvironment Laboratory Head
    Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

  • 1999-2002

    RD Wright Fellow
    Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

  • 1997-1998

    CJ Martin Post-Doctoral Fellow
    Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute

  • 1995-1997

    CJ Martin Post-Doctoral Fellow
    University of Massachusetts Medical Center

  • 1994-1995

    Post-Doctoral Fellow
    Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute

Achievements and Awards

  • 2016

    Adjunct Professor
    ARMI, Monash University

  • 2014-2019

    OCE Science Leader
    CSIRO

  • 2009-2013

    ARC Future Fellow
    Australian Research Council

  • 2006-2013

    Adjunct Associate Professor
    Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Monash University

  • 2003-2022

    Senior Research Fellow
    Department of Pathology, Melbourne University

  • 1999-2002

    NHMRC RD Wright Fellowship
    National Health and Medical Research Council

  • 1997-2002

    Associate
    Department of Anatomy, Melbourne University

  • 1995-1998

    NHMRC CJ Martin Fellowship
    National Health and Medical Research Council

  • 2013-2016

    Adjunct Associate Professor
    ARMI, Monash University

Grants

  • 2012-2016

    SIEF, CI 5 yr Project grant, in collaboration with WEHI and CSL

  • 2016-2016

    OCE Science Leader Collaborative project with Sean O’Donoghue

  • 2013-2015

    ARC, Partner Investigator, Discovery Project Grant

  • 2013-2014

    Stem Cells Australia, co-applicant Strategic Research Fund grant

  • 2012-2014

    CSIRO, OCE Post-Doctoral Fellowship Co-CI

  • 2011-2013

    NHMRC, Co-Chief Investigator Project Grant

  • 2011-2013

    NHMRC, Co-Chief Investigator Project Grant

  • 2010-2013

    CSIRO, OCE Post-Doctoral Fellowship Co-CI

  • 2009-2011

    Australian Stem Cell Centre Stream Grant, Module leader, Pluripotent Stem Cell Differentiation Stream

  • 2009-2011

    Australian Stem Cell Centre Stream Grant, Module leader, Bioreactor Stream

  • 2009-2011

    Australian Stem Cell Centre Stream Grant, Module leader, Adult Stem Cell Stream

  • 2006-2006

    The CASS Foundation, Chief Investigator, Project Grant

  • 2005-2007

    NHMRC, Chief Investigator, Project Grant

  • 2003-2006

    Australian Stem Cell Centre “Adult Stem Cell Platform” with P Simmons

  • 2003-2006

    Australian Stem Cell Centre “Therapeutic Focus in Haemopoiesis” with P Simmons

  • 2003-2005

    The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Chief Investigator, Translational Research Grant

  • 2002-2004

    Association for International Cancer Research, Chief Investigator, Project Grant

  • 2002-2004

    NHMRC, Chief Investigator, Project Grant

  • 2004-2004

    Australian Cancer Research Foundation, Joint grant for microscopy equipment

  • 2001-2003

    NHMRC, Co-Chief Investigator Project Grant with JP Levesque

  • 1995-1997

    NHMRC, Co-Chief Investigator Project Grant with I Bertoncello

  • 1992-1993

    Eirene Lucas Foundation, Research Grant

Community and Corporate Citizenship

  • 2013

    Associate Editor International Journal of Hematology

  • 2011-2017

    Associate Editor Experimental Hematology

  • 2017

    Chair of ARMI faculty meetings

  • 2011-2013

    Chair, HSC committee, International Society for Cellular Therapy

  • 2011

    FlowCore Management Committee

  • 2014-2017

    Monash Gender Equity Committee

  • 2010-2010

    Chair, Local Organising Committee, Melbourne Meeting, International Society of Experimental Hematology

  • 2009-2011

    Scientific Organising Committee International Society of Experimental Hematology

  • 2009-2011

    Monash Animal Services Ethics Committee

  • 2007-2011

    Member of the Board International Society of Experimental Hematology

  • 2005-2011

    Editorial Board, Experimental Hematology

  • 2003-2006

    Member Nominating Committee International Society of Experimental

  • 2002-2005

    Chair Emerging Leaders Task Force Committee International Society of Experimental Hematology

  • 2002-2005

    Scientific Organising Committee International Society of Experimental Hematology

Related links

Publications

We have publications by Dr Susie Nilsson