Dr. Carthur Wan

Carthur brings a unique combination of scientific expertise and strategic business acumen. With a Ph.D. in neuroscience, master's degree in management, and experience in creating investor-ready business cases, and commercialisation support, he has created an impressive track record helping innovative teams access the resources needed to translate breakthrough ideas into real-world impact.

Carthur has recently returned from working in the USA as Engagement Manager at Luminary Labs, where he specialised in innovation program strategy, design and implementation for organisations including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, and Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation.

Prior to joining Luminary Labs, Carthur served as Manager of Major Initiatives within the Innovation & Enterprise office at the University of Melbourne, where he led a program management and strategic advisory team focused on securing large-scale industry-partnered research funding. His leadership contributed to significant funding successes, including a $35 million Australian Research Council research centre developing computational models for synthetic biology, and the $10.77 million Victorian Medtech Skills and Devices Hub.

Carthur is a former CIS Senior Consultant (2016 - 2021). While working with CIS, his experience included conducting market and financial analyses for multiple university and research institute initiatives, developing strategies for medical research institutes, and supporting critical funding initiatives. His strategic modeling work was instrumental in securing a $35 million capital raise for the development of a heart disease combination therapy.

His passion lies at the intersection of science and business, where he excels at identifying opportunities, building strategic partnerships, and ensuring that innovative research reaches its full potential for societal benefit.