Alumni profile

Dr Tony Radford AO has built a career in biotechnology, holding executive roles in the management of commercial research and development in the medical field.

Notable Positions:

• Director of Genetic Signatures
• Director of Ellume
• Director of Nucleus Network

He holds a Bachelor of Science and a PhD in Biological Sciences from La Trobe University, and is a member of the Class of 1979.

Tony said the atmosphere throughout his time at the University was "collegial".

“It was very team-like. It was a happy atmosphere, too … we were on top of the world,” Tony said.

With an interest in science and technology, Tony identified that a career as a scientist would suit him perfectly.

"It was like having the most elegant hobby in the world. Then eventually someone paid you for it, which is fantastic," he said.

“It’s one of those careers where if you’re a totally well-balanced individual, you’re probably not going to succeed. You’re going to have to be a little bit driven.

The timing for Tony to begin his PhD could not have been better - it was an exciting time in science.

“Cloning DNA had just been invented. Sequencing had just been invented. This was just breaking everything open," he said.

"We thought we had the future right in front of us and we were actually going to go for it."

Tony said he's proud of the achievements that La Trobe has accomplished in recent times.

"I think that some of the most recent outputs, particularly in cancer research, have been quite significant," he said.

"But I think that one can never rest in the research area. If you actually think that you’ve arrived, then you’re stationary."

Distinguished Science

Last updated: 7th May 2019