Dr Marthe D’Ombrain has worked in the life sciences sector for over 20 years and has extensive leadership experience across industry and academia, both locally and internationally. Marthe currently serves as the Head of Global Research Innovation at CSL and plays a key role in building and diversifying CSL’s global R&D portfolio. At CSL, Marthe has championed the establishment of an early stage fund – the CSL Research Acceleration Initiative – that establishes partnerships between CSL and global research organisations and invests in promising discoveries to accelerate translation and fast-track the development of innovative biotherapies to address unmet patient needs. Recently, Marthe played a key role in the establishment of the Jumar BioIncubator, a new biomedical incubator that is located at CSL’s global corporate headquarters in the world-leading Melbourne Biomedical Precinct. The incubator supports Australian and international start-up companies to translate promising medical research into commercial outcomes. Marthe completed a Bachelor of Science (Honours) at the University of Melbourne, has a PhD in immunology and parasitology from WEHI, and undertook postdoctoral studies at the University of Lausanne and WEHI. Marthe is also a graduate of the AICD Company Directors Course. Marthe’s skills and experience encompass research and development, drug discovery and development, commercialisation, licensing, strategy, business development, project management, partnerships, and fundraising.