Depaz Oration to celebrate an ‘enduring’ legacy in the biotech sector

AusBiotech announced the establishment of the Depaz Oration, an annual keynote event that will debut at the AusBiotech Conference in 2025, honouring the memory of the late Dr Iris Depaz.

In August of this year, the Australian life sciences community was deeply saddened by Dr Depaz’s sudden passing. As an AusBiotech Board Member, Head of Medical Vaccines, and Managing Director of Sanofi’s Translational Science Hub in Queensland, Dr Depaz’s commitment to the growth and success of the life sciences sector was unparalleled.

Rebekah Cassidy, CEO of AusBiotech and ex-colleague and friend of Dr Depaz, reflected on the lasting impact she left on the sector.

“The Depaz Oration will be a testament to Iris’s enduring legacy and our respect for her contributions to our sector nationally.”

Dr Depaz firmly believed in the transformative potential of Australia’s life sciences sector, seeing it as a critical force for both the nation’s economy and the future of healthcare. Her leadership was marked by a tireless dedication to advancing innovation and fostering collaboration.

Known for her infectious enthusiasm, warmth, and compassion, Dr Depaz was a beacon of inspiration to all who worked with her. She exemplified true leadership by caring deeply for her colleagues and relentlessly advocating for the entire biotechnology industry.

One of Dr Depaz’s key achievements was her instrumental role in establishing Sanofi’s Translational Science Hub – a $280 million partnership with the Queensland Government, the University of Queensland, and Griffith University. As Managing Director, she worked passionately to enhance Australia’s biomedical ecosystem, helping to secure the Hub’s success.

Beyond her work at Sanofi, Dr Depaz was also a staunch advocate for the role of digital technology in healthcare. She served as a Director of a blockchain and AI start-up aimed at empowering patients to take control of their healthcare data, enabling them to make more informed health decisions.

Cassidy further added, “The Oration will be held annually at our AusBiotech Conference starting in 2025,” Cassidy continued. “It will celebrate and continue Iris’s mission of fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth in Australia’s life sciences community.

“The Oration will serve as a reminder of Iris’s impact, ensuring her vision and passion for biotechnology live on. We are honoured to pay tribute to her remarkable life and career, and we look forward to inspiring future generations of leaders in the spirit of her dedication and vision.”

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