Denise is Founder and CO-CEO JourneyTech Pty Ltd, a comprehensive research & technology translation and commercialisation service.  

She started her formal training as a biologist in the UK, graduating with a PhD from the University of York, in the field of molecular biology.  

After moving to Australia in 2004, Denise undertook a post-doctoral position at the Institute for Molecular Bioscience at the University of Queensland. With a strong foundation in the biological sciences, Denise then trained as a patent attorney, becoming registered in Australia and New Zealand in 2010. With a number of years’ experience working in private patent and trademark attorney firms, Denise has critical expertise in IP strategy and management across all areas of IP, including patents, trademarks, plant breeders’ rights and designs.  

In 2010, Denise joined QUTbluebox Pty Ltd as a Commercialisation Manager, responsible for ‘cradle to grave’ commercialisation of technologies across the University in all areas of research.  

In 2014, Denise became Director, Commercial Operations at QUT bluebox, responsible for commercialisation from licensing to startup creation, industry partnerships, IP strategy, protection and management, and early seed funding, leading a team of Commercialisation Managers. In 2017, Denise extended her experience in commercialisation to the United Kingdom, where she joined The University of Edinburgh. Denise led the Business Development team (across biology, chemistry and physics), establishing multiple industry partnerships, negotiating benefit sharing arrangements between parties and driving research translation efforts.  

With a key understanding of international models, Denise moved to Melbourne and joined Agriculture Victoria Services Pty Ltd (AVS) as their Chief Operating Officer, leading and delivering on all commercial, research translation activities for Agriculture Victoria and managing the commercial team.  

After three and a half years at AVS, Denise joined James Cook University (JCU) in Townsville to become their Director, JCU Connect, leading the University’s Research Office, Commercialisation and Innovation capabilities across all areas of the university. Since founding JourneyTech, Denise has continued to collaborate with JCU across IP management, research translation and commercialisation.

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