Michelle Gallaher

Michelle is renowned for her role in advocating for women in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM). She supported and mentored many in the technology, biotechnology and medtech start-up community. Throughout her career, she has guided change and advanced the implementation of legislation, policy and funding programs in support of biotechnology and medical research in Victoria.

Michelle’s positive impact on individuals and organisations in the health and life sciences industry in Australia is both significant and sustaining.

Her career spans working as an orthoptist with low vision patients, to executive roles in listed biotech companies. She has led major national medical research initiatives, and served as Chief Executive Officer of the peak body for biotechnology and medtech in Victoria, the BioMelbourne Network.

Leaving corporate life in 2014, Michelle entered the world of entrepreneurship, co-founding The Social Science, a unique digital marketing communications agency focused on the science, health and technology sector.  At the same time, she co-founded an advocacy group, Women in STEMM Australia.  Michelle is also co-founder in a third startup, SkinLife, developing new products with a therapeutic application in dermatology.

She is a sought-after speaker, mentor, collaborator and influencer.  Michelle is an enthusiastic contributor to the Victorian community as an Ambassador for the Victoria Against Violence Campaign and a regular at the St Vincent de Paul’s CEO SleepOut.

Michelle has served and continues to serve as a non-executive director and advisor within universities, private and in public companies, not-for-profits and on various government advisory committees and boards.

Michelle was named the 2017 Telstra Business Woman of the Year  and was the 2017 Telstra Victorian Business Women’s Entrepreneur Award winner.