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Dr Kathy Surinya

https://people.csiro.au/s/k/kathy-surinya

Biography

After completing my PhD at the University of Adelaide, I worked in research laboratories in the United Kingdom and at the University of Adelaide before joining CSIRO in 2014. I am currently employed as a Senior Research Scientist in "Cell and Molecular Health" in Health and Biosecurity. My background was directed towards the generation of reagents suitable for diagnostic applications and theranostics, contributing pivotal capability in the development of nanobodies for biosecurity applications. My recent work has involved the establishment of a national Australian Health Biobank, early stage research into chronic disease prevention at population level, and developing my interest in Indigenous Health. For the last 10 years, I am the Site Biological Safety Officer at Kintore, and am familiar with a broad range of regulatory requirements in biosecurity (DAFF) and GMOs/OGTR.

Achievements and Awards

  • 2018-2018

    Health & Biosecurity BU: Performance Award for the commercialisation of leading technology.
    CSIRO

  • 2020-2020

    Health & Biosecurity BU: Outstanding Collaboration Award for the Theranostics Team.
    CSIRO

  • 2021-2022

    Health & Biosecurity BU: Award for the Australian Health Biobank Team.
    CSIRO

  • 2022-2023

    Health & Biosecurity BU: Outstanding Collaboration Award for the APAIR Diagnostics Team.
    CSIRO

  • 2024-2025

    Health & Biosecurity BU: Nominee for Support Excellence Award for the Australian Health Biobank Team
    CSIRO

  • 2025-2026

    Health & Biosecurity BU: Support Excellence Award for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Impact
    CSIRO

Current Roles

  • Committee Member (from June, 2025)
    H&B Indigenous Initiative Committee

  • Team Leader (from October, 2024)
    Cellular Health, in the Cell and Molecular Health Group

  • Team Member (from November, 2021)
    Australian Health Biobank

Academic Qualifications

  • 1997

    PhD
    University of Adelaide

  • 1992

    Bachelor of Science (Honours)
    University of Adelaide

  • 1991

    Bachelor of Science
    University of Adelaide

Professional Experiences

  • Mar, 2014-Present

    Senior Research Scientist
    CSIRO

  • Mar, 2005-Aug, 2007

    Research Scientist
    Department of Biochemistry, University of Adelaide

  • Oct, 2002-Nov, 2004

    Postdoctoral Research Scientist
    Molecular Medicine Unit, University of Leeds, UK

  • Aug, 2000-Oct, 2002

    Postdoctoral Research Scientist
    Clinical Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, UK

  • Aug, 1997-Aug, 2000

    Research Scientist
    Department of Biochemistry, University of Adelaide

Community and Corporate Citizenship

  • 1/12/2015-Present

    Site Biological Safety Officer

  • 1/12/2015-Present

    Member of the OHSE Committee (Kintore Ave)

  • March, 2020-Present

    First Aid Officer

  • Dec, 2019-Present

    Lab Custodian

  • April, 2022-Present

    H&B Representative for the Adelaide Site Management Committee

  • Feb, 2023-Present

    Adelaide Representative for the H&B HSE Site Committee

Publications