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Before her death from cancer in August his year, Dr Depaz was Country Medical Lead and Head of Medical Vaccines for Sanofi Australia & New Zealand, as well as Managing Director of the Translational Science Hub, Sanofi Global Vaccines R&D.
The LSQ Hall of Fame honours individuals whose contributions have profoundly shaped Queensland’s life sciences sector, inspiring innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
LSQ Chair Professor Trent Munro praised Dr Depaz’s vision and dedication, describing her as a trailblazer whose influence extended far beyond Queensland.
“Iris’s impact on our sector was extraordinary. She was a visionary leader who championed Queensland as a global biotechnology hub,”Professor Munro said.
“Her leadership in establishing Sanofi’s Translational Science Hub has not only advanced vaccine development but also placedQueensland at the forefront of global biomedical research. Iris’s legacy is one of innovation, collaboration, and empowerment.”
Professor Munro also highlighted Dr Depaz’s passion for mentoring emerging female scientists and breaking new ground in science and technology.
“Iris was an innovator, a mentor, and a friend to many in our community. Her dedication to fostering the next generation of female leaders and advancing scientific innovation will inspire us for years to come,”he said.
The announcement was made at LSQ’s networking breakfast and 2023–23 Annual General Meeting this morning, with Dr Depaz’s husband, Dr Chris Booth, accepting the award on her behalf.
Dr Depaz joins an esteemed group of previous Hall of Fame inductees: Emeritus Professor Maree Smith (2015), former LSQ CEO Mario Pennisi (2018), and Professor Ian Frazer (2021).
Life Sciences Queensland is the peak industry body for advancing Queensland’s life sciences sector, supporting health, biotech, and medtech innovation. The organisation connects key stakeholders across industry, government, and academia, fostering collaboration to strengthen Queensland’s role as a leader in the life sciences industry both nationally and globally.
Media contact:
Sally Dillon: 0425-751900; sdillon@lsq.com.au
Hall of Fame Citation – Dr Iris Depaz
Dr Iris Depaz was a visionary leader who played a pivotal role in shaping Australia’s life sciences sector, driving efforts to position the nation as a global biotechnology investment hub.
Her leadership was instrumental in establishing Sanofi’s Translational Science Hub (TSH) in Queensland. This groundbreaking initiative attracted significant investment, advanced scientific research, and fostered collaboration between the private sector, research institutions, and government. Iris’s vision brought to life a first-of-its-kind global scientific community focused on mRNA technology and translational science, linking Queensland’s world-class researchers with Sanofi scientists in France and the US. This achievement has cemented Queensland’s position at the forefront of global vaccine development and biomedical innovation.
A passionate advocate for integrating digital technology in healthcare, Iris championed innovative approaches to improving patient outcomes and service delivery. Her entrepreneurial spirit shone in her previous role as Director of a blockchain and AI start-up, where she empowered patients through data ownership and technological innovation.
Iris’s dedication to fostering future leaders was evident in her mentorship of emerging female scientists through universities and non-profit organisations. Her unwavering commitment ensured Australia retains its brightest talents and remains a leader in scientific innovation and investment. She took particular pride in seeing women rise to senior leadership positions at Sanofi, embodying her belief in gender equity.
Dr Iris Depaz passed away from cancer earlier this year.She leaves a legacy of scientific excellence, innovation, and inspiration and is deeply missed by all who knew her.
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