Olga Shimoni

Dr Olga Shimoni is an experienced R&D scientist with an entrepreneurial mindset, skilled in basic and translational research, IVD product development, quality assurance, and manufacturing under quality systems.

In September 2023, Olga commenced a Senior Adviser on major research initiatives role with the Office of Research. Building on knowledge and skills obtained from both the academic and commercial worlds, Olga will support academic leaders to develop and deliver complex, multi-partner projects, such as Cooperative Research Centres and ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hubs and Training Centres.

Prior to this, Olga held a Senior Scientist and R&D team leader role with Alcolizer Technology (Perth, Australia). She was responsible for transferring nanoparticle-based technology from UTS, establishing R&D facilities within Alcolizer headquarters; leading the design and development of the Virulizer™ system for COVID-19 detection, establishing quality assurance and a knowledge base at Alcolizer for lateral flow strip manufacturing according to ISO13485, quality control and scale-up. Engaged with major stakeholders on the commercialisation pathway and promoted the product across Australia.

Before joining the industry, Dr Shimoni was an A/Prof and Group Leader at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). She led a translational research group to leverage the properties of various nanoparticles to generate multi-functional nanosystems that can simultaneously analyse complicated cell behaviours, visualise particle distribution, detect and/or treat diseases. Her responsibilities included supervising early career researchers, attracting major research funding, research collaboration, research publication and external engagement with industry and public stakeholders.  During her academic career, she co-authored more than 40 research papers in high-impact journals, two book chapters and 2 patents and successfully attracted over $5 million in research funding from various organisations. She is passionate about engaging with industry partners and MedTech start-up communities to commercialise research and was also involved in establishing a start-up.