Catalysing Australia’s biosecurity

Connecting stakeholders in health and biosecurity across science government and industry.
18 September 2025
Australia Pavilion
CSIRO

This event is an opportunity to connect key stakeholders with expertise in one health and biosecurity across science, government, industry and corporate organisations. We aim to elevate the role of science, technology and innovation and build actionable approaches through these networks for future collaboration and partnerships.

The event promises an exciting afternoon of keynote presentation, panel sessions and networking. It will bring together speakers from Australia, Japan and USA to discuss emerging technology for preventing and managing biological threats to oceans and natural environments.

Speakers

  • Dr Andy Sheppard
    Dr Andy Sheppard is Chief Research Scientist at CSIRO working on biosecurity and invasive species management.

    Since 2006 has been a CSIRO Research leader of three different programs on plant, animal and environmental biosecurity and terrestrial biodiversity management. He was Research Director in the CSIRO Health and Biosecurity business unit from 2015-2021.
    Dr Sheppard is seconded to the Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) as co-executive director of the Catalysing Australia’s Biosecurity Initiative. The initiative is a partnership between DAFF and CSIRO.
  • Dr Andrew Bean
    Dr Andrew Bean is senior research science leader for health and biosecurity and deputy director of the Catalysing Australia’s Biosecurity initiative. Dr Bean will be focused on one health engagement which will both showcase Australian research and connect with stakeholders from Japan with future collaboration.
  • Dr Wilna Vosloo
    Dr Wilna Vosloo is a senior research science leader and Health and Transboundary Disease team manager for CSIRO. Dr Vosloo will focus on connections which can showcase our science capability and facilities at the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness. She is a world leader in Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) research and has been a serving member on the World Organisation for Animal Health.
  • Dr Cameron McDonald
    Dr Cameron McDonald is business development director for health and biosecurity in CSIRO. Dr McDonald will be focused on championing our research activities across multiple focal areas in biosecurity and health areas. Dr McDonald will aim to connect with stakeholders in Japan across animal, plant and human health areas for potential partnership and development activities.
  • Jon Spaits
    Jon Spaits is project development and innovation manager for health and biosecurity at CSIRO. Mr Spaits manages engagement and development of partnerships and co-investment into initiatives and projects via Catalysing Australia’s Biosecurity.
  • Dr Joanne Mollinger
    Dr Joanne Mollinger is a manager for animal biosecurity and welfare policy at Biosecurity Queensland. Dr Mollinger leads a team developing and implementing policies and strategies to enhance Queensland’s biosecurity. Her focus is aligning national and international standards and fostering collaboration across government, industry and community.
  • Marni Manning
    Marni Manning was appointed general manager of operations for the National Fire Ant Eradication Program. Recognised as one of Australia’s largest biosecurity programs, it is jointly funded by all state and territories and the Commonwealth Government. Ms Manning leads a new approach to eradication, reducing community harm and protecting the program’s social licence to operate.

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