BSc, MRepSc, PhD

George A. Thouas

Head of Research & Innovation

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, MSc, MPhil, PhD.

Chivukula Sekar Subrahmanyam

Head of Regulatory Affairs & Quality

Sekar brings more than 30 years’ experience in pharmaceutical senior management of R&D, GMP compliance, Quality and Risk Control, Process Engineering and Technical Analysis. He manages all aspects of our Regulatory Affairs and Quality procedures, including our internal Quality Management Systems (QMS), international regulatory compliance, partnering organization QA, as well as our own laboratory and manufacturing technical compliance. Sekar imparts a wealth of scientific background in botany, biochemistry, microbiology and biotechnology, having worked in some of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies in Australia and abroad.

BSc., PhD

Prof. Julian Hill

Chief Technical Advisor

Julian has a diverse scientific background of more than 30 years in agricultural and horticultural research and industry R&D, as well as in Tertiary Education and Technical Consultation at all levels. He also brings specialist expertise in sustainability policy, human and animal safety and plant biotechnology. Julian currently provides expertise in all aspects of policy, development and production operations, including our sustainability framework, biotechnology systems, laboratory processes and manufacturing.

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.

BBiochem

Tuan Nguyen

Head of Technical Services

Tuan has worked in pharmaceutical laboratory and project management for over 20 years, having led teams dedicated to GMP auditing, product stability control, test method validation and process control. He established the MBc Skin Sciences Laboratory, and currently oversees formula optimization and prototyping, ingredient extractions and technical analysis in the cosmetic and personal care area. As a qualified biochemist and biotechnologist, Tuan places an intensive emphasis on the methodical creation of safe, effective and innovative products for local and international markets.

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.

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.

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.

BHSc (Nutr. Med), MNutr

Diana Newman

Technical Sales Manager

Diana is a registered nutritionist with a Bachelor's degree in Nutritional Medicine and a Master’s degree in Human Nutrition from Deakin University, where her research explored the impact of digital health interventions on improving dietary behaviour in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Throughout her clinical career, Diana has supported patients across all life stages, with particular expertise in cardiovascular health, hormonal balance, gut health, and digestive disorders. Her growing focus on family nutrition has expanded into prenatal, infant, and children’s health, combining strong scientific knowledge with real-world clinical insight.

At Max Biocare, Diana applies her clinical background and research expertise to her role in technical sales, delivering evidence-based product support, practitioner and retailer education, and science-driven communication aligned with the company’s commitment to innovation and quality.

Sandra Tardio

National Key Account Manager

Sandra is a seasoned pharmaceutical industry professional with over 30 years of experience across a broad spectrum of commercial and customer‑facing roles. She has built a strong track record in key account management, retail category management, multi‑site area leadership, customer service, and sales.

Recognized for her strategic mindset and ability to cultivate high‑value relationships, Sandra consistently delivers results in both operational and commercial environments. Her extensive background and proven performance make her a highly capable and versatile sales professional.