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Dr Stewart James Washer is currently CEO of Phylogica Limited, a spin-out company from the Telethon Institute of Child Health Research, which is involved in discovery of new therapeutics to treat inflammatory diseases. BSc from UWA in Biochemistry and Microbiology in 1990. BSc (Honours 1) at Murdoch Uni on a thesis that covered the insertion of a mouse gene into a plant (arabidopsis) – 1991. PhD at Murdoch (1996) on a thesis that covered genetic modificaton of tobacco plants to make them resistant to a root disease caused by a nematode (Meloidogyne spp). Stewart is experienced in the following areas, relevant to this project: manipulation of DNA from animals and plants; bacterial and nematode culture; plant tissue culture and plant breeding; Large animal cloning experience and mammalian cell culture experience.

Stewart has over 12 years of senior executive and Board experience in commercial technology companies in the healthcare, food, agricultural and environmental sectors. Stewart was previously CEO of Celentis for the last 3 years and managed the commercialisation of intellectual property from AgResearch in New Zealand with 650 scientists and $130m revenues. During this time he formed and governed a number of successful biotechnology company spin offs that employed over 100 staff and realized profitable annual product revenues of $30m per annum.

Prior to this time, Stewart was based in Australia where he founded several biotechnology companies including Grain Biotech Australia, Biowest and Biotest. He also assisted with the startup of Clinical Cell Culture (C3 ASX:CCE) and InfaMed. For the past 4 years Stewart has been a member of the Australian Federal Government Advisory Council on Intellectual Property (ACIP) that advises the Minister on IP related matters.