Meet Julie Phillips
B Pharm, M Sc, Dip Hosp Pharm, MBA, MPS, MAICD 
Why did you join the University Council?
I was glad to accept an invitation to join the Council to contribute to the existing impressive and growing strengths of the University of Newcastle in life science research and commercialisation.
What do you look back on most fondly when it comes to your own education?
A totally unexpected happy experience amidst the grind of study was the interaction with fellow students and teachers from different walks of life. Their life experiences and approach to problem-solving reinforced to me the value of having a team.
Biography
Ms Julie Phillips is a pharmacist with a strong background in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry, having worked as the CEO and Director of start-up Australian biotechnology companies operating in the life sciences sector. AS CEO of Biodiem Ltd she negotiated the live attenuated influenza virus (LAIV) licence to the World Health Organisation, and commercial licences to the Serum Institute of India and Changchun BCHT Biotechnology Ltd, China, where the vaccine products are marketed. Julie has instigated Industry-led and collaborative research with many Australian and international universities and agencies including the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and CSIRO.
Julie is Managing Director of BioDiem Ltd (a development and commercialisation company). She served on Industry Innovation and Science Australia's R&D Incentives Committee from 2015 and was Chair from 2019 until November 2024. From 2014 until February 2020 Julie was Chair of AusBiotech Ltd, the peak biotechnology industry association in Australia and she is currently a non-executive director of MTP Connect which was previously the Federal Government's Medtech and Pharma Growth Centre. She is a member of the Steering Committee of MTP Connect's Australian Antimicrobial Resistance Network (AAMRNet).
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.