ND, RT, NU, Fellow of ANTA

Tom van Wunnik

Technical Director, Max Biocare Group

Tom has been involved in Research and Development of natural formulations since Max Biocare began in 2000. Tom is also a qualified Naturopath with over 50 years’ experience in the natural health industry and is one of the first members of the Australian Natural Therapist Association (ANTA), since 1968. Tom combines traditional medicine with evidence-based, scientific research, providing comprehensive patient education during his consultations, and has actively contributed to clinical trials of many of Max Biocare’s products.

BSc, MRepSc, PhD

George A. Thouas

Head of Research & Innovation, Max Biocare Group

George Thouas is an experienced bioscientist with nearly two decades of experience in medical and biotechnology research. He leads the R&I team, overseeing all aspects of ingredient and product research across the Group’s diverse portfolios. George has previously specialized in specific areas of research, including developmental biology, infertility treatment, stem cell therapies, medical device development, and biomaterials for tissue regeneration. He has authored more than 70 publications, including books, patents, scientific articles, expert commentaries and conference proceedings presented at local and international symposia.

BSc (Hons), PhD

Christopher Halkias

Research Officer, Max Biocare Group

A biomedical scientist who has worked as researcher and lecturer at RMIT University since 2018, with interests in pharmacology, pathology, immunology and the use of natural products for therapeutic benefit. Christopher has published multiple peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts, led scientific research within significant commercial projects and is an award-winning academic teacher. Chris currently has oversight and organizational management of Max Biocare Research Park’s projects, contributes a variety of R&D projects and makes regular contributions to the Institute’s educational activities.

BBiomedSci, BSc (Hons), PhD

Mark T. Waddingham

Research Fellow

Mark Waddingham is an experienced research scientist who is working on understanding the mechanisms that drive the evolution of heart failure. After completion of his PhD at the University of Melbourne in 2016, Mark has held international research positions in Europe and Japan. Throughout his research career, Mark has attracted competitive research funding (totaling ~$150,000) and has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications in international journals. Mark continues his work as an active researcher as well as making contributions to Max Biocare Group’s product development activities and educational activities.

BNut&Diet (Hons)

Ben H. Parmenter

Natural Products Researcher

Benjamin is a nutrition scientist, who has worked exclusively in research and development across Industry and Academic settings within the medical and health sciences. He has expertise in translational projects and specializes in natural products and lifestyle medicine. Ben is currently completing a PhD in Perth, investigating the roles of plant polyphenols in human health and is an author of several peer-reviewed publications and conference proceedings. Ben is passionate about all aspects of the research process and has been instrumental in Max Biocare Group’s product research and publications.

BHSc (Nutr. Med), MNutr

Diana Newman

Nutritionist

Diana is a registered nutritionist with close to 10 years’ experience as a clinical nutritionist. She completed her undergraduate and post-graduate qualifications through Deakin University, is a member of the Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA) and the Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA). Diana’s areas of expertise include digestive disorders, cardio-metabolic conditions, fertility, pregnancy and infant nutrition. As well as being a Max Biocare Clinic practitioner, Diana regularly contributes to the Max Biocare Group’s educational resources, including seminars, articles and health blogs.

BHSc, MDiet

Justine Gal

Consulting Dietitian

Justine holds qualifications in health sciences and dietetics. She has an intrinsic and evidence-based understanding of the positive impact that good nutrition can have on health and wellbeing, from infancy to adulthood. Justine applies her specialized background in nutrition and functional foods, working closely with the research & development and marketing teams at Max Biocare Group to provide technical marketing and educational support.

BSc (Agr)

Leilani Paller

Quality Manager

Leilani Paller has close to 20 years of experience in Science and Quality Assurance. At Max Biocare, Leilani specialises in preparing technical dossiers, ensuring product compliance with the TGA’s regulatory standards, and checking manufacturing and packaging specifications.

She completed her Bachelor of Science degree at University of the Philippines, with a major in Agriculture (Animal Nutrition) in 1997. In 2000, Leilani furthered her education by completing postgraduate studies in Animal Nutrition. She commenced her career as an Animal Nutritionist at a manufacturing company in the Philippines. From 2007 to 2015, Leilani worked as a Quality Assurance Officer and Associate at Probiotec Pharma Pty Ltd. Her responsibilities included quality assurance and control, auditing batch documentation for product release and preparation of master formulation for products.

Leilani is passionate about her work at Max Biocare because she is able to use her extensive experience in Regulatory and Quality compliance.

BHSc

Kaukab Nasir

Technical Coordinator

Kaukab has over two decades of combined experience in the food sector, including operations, business & quality management, and regulatory affairs. Analysing new food trends, supporting innovation, driving, and executing new food product development projects while remaining within the critical regulatory framework, have been her key areas of responsibility since joining Max Biocare. More recently, she has been involved in is coordinating the extensive planning of Max Biocare Research Park projects that will be company’s research hub for eco-friendly and sustainable production processes, with emphasis on mycology and apiculture.