In our 5Qs with… series in THRIVE, we speak with leaders across Australia's life sciences sector — from CEOs and C-suite executives to key decision-makers — to hear their perspectives on the ecosystem and their vision for its future.
This edition features Tamlyn O'Connor, AusBiotech's new Head of Global Trade and Partnerships. Tamlyn leads AusBiotech's national TradeStart partnership with the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), a collaboration designed to accelerate the global growth of Australia's biotechnology, medical technology, pharmaceutical, and digital health companies. With more than 20 years of experience spanning industry development, trade engagement, and ecosystem building, she brings deep expertise to this newly created national role.
1. What are you most looking forward to in your new role as Head of Global Trade and Partnerships?
"I'm most looking forward to working closely with Australia's innovators and helping them take their breakthrough science to global markets. Our sector is full of extraordinary ideas and companies with real potential to change lives, and I'm passionate about supporting them through the next stage of their growth.
"This role gives AusBiotech and Austrade another opportunity to champion Australian capabilities internationally, build strategic partnerships, and help strengthen the commercial pathways that turn world-class research into global impact."
2. How will the TradeStart partnership strengthen opportunities for Australian life sciences companies?
"The Austrade TradeStart partnership brings together the complementary strengths of both organisations: AusBiotech's deep national connections across biotech and medtech, and Austrade's unparalleled global reach and in-market expertise.
"Together, we can provide companies with a seamless pathway from local capability building to international market entry. This collaboration ensures that exporters receive both sector-specific guidance and global commercial intelligence, expanding their opportunities to grow, connect, and compete internationally."
3. What opportunities do you see for Australian life sciences companies as they expand into international markets?
"There is strong global demand for innovative health solutions, and Australia consistently delivers high-quality science, trusted clinical evidence, and advanced technologies. As companies gear up to export into markets internationally, they have opportunities to tap into rapidly growing markets and attract global partnerships.
"There is increasing appetite worldwide for Australian cutting-edge health innovations. Australian companies are well placed to scale and succeed on the global stage taking world class innovations to patients worldwide."
4. How will your role connect Australian companies with international partners, markets, and export pathways through the TradeStart network?
"In this new role, I'm laser-focused on opening doors — targeting the right international partners, connecting companies with in-market specialists, and guiding them through export pathways that align with their growth strategies.
"Through the TradeStart network, we will work with both emerging and established companies to help them navigate market entry, understand regulatory and commercial environments, and build relationships that support long-term expansion. Ultimately, it's about ensuring Australian innovation reaches the people and markets where it can have the greatest impact."
5. Why is international trade so critical for the future of Australia's life sciences sector, and how do you see your work contributing to that growth?
"International trade is essential for a thriving life sciences sector. It strengthens Australia's economic resilience, supports high-value job creation, boosts our global competitiveness, and enhances health security by enabling deeper international collaboration.
"By supporting companies to export and scale globally, AusBiotech and Austrade will help accelerate the commercial impact of Australian innovation. The more we connect our capabilities with global markets, the more we can reinforce Australia's position as a trusted leader in life sciences."
