AusBiotech is honoured to announce the establishment of the Depaz Oration, an annual keynote to be introduced at the AusBiotech Conference in 2025 in memory of the late Dr Iris Depaz.
In August of this year, AusBiotech was deeply saddened to learn of Dr Depaz’s sudden passing, a long-standing advocate and champion of Australia’s life sciences sector.
As an AusBiotech Board Member, Head of Medical Vaccines, and Managing Director of the Translational Science Hub in Queensland at Sanofi, Dr Depaz held an unwavering commitment to our sector and belief in the potential of Australia’s life sciences sector. She saw our sector as a transformative force for our economy and the future of healthcare in Australia.
Known for her infectious enthusiasm, warmth, and compassion, Dr Depaz was a source of joy and inspiration to all who knew her. She embodied the true essence of leadership, deeply caring for her colleagues while tirelessly advocating for the advancement of the entire biotechnology sector.
Dr Depaz’s leadership played a pivotal role in establishing Sanofi’s Translational Science Hub—a $280 million collaboration with the Queensland Government, the University of Queensland, and Griffith University. As the Hub’s Managing Director, one of her primary goals was to strengthen Australia’s biomedical ecosystem.
Beyond her work at Sanofi, Dr Depaz was a passionate advocate for digital technology and championed the advancement of digital healthcare platforms in Australia. She had previously served as a Director of a blockchain and AI start-up designed to empower patients with ownership of their healthcare data, enabling them to make informed decisions about their health.
Rebekah Cassidy, CEO of AusBiotech, said:
“The Depaz Oration will be a testament to Iris’s enduring legacy and our respect for her contributions to our sector nationally.”
“The Depaz Oration will be held annually at our AusBiotech Conference starting in 2025. 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.”
