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About us

Our story

Founded in 2020, Clueo Clinical emerged with a bold mission: to solve workforce shortages in clinical research through innovative, real-world solutions. Recognising the critical gap where STEM graduates and aspiring professionals enter the industry unprepared, Dr. Thu (Sue) Nguyen, with her extensive industry experience, set out to bridge the divide between education and industry needs. Our focus is clear—to ensure that every trainee is equipped, confident, and ready to succeed from day one.

Our flagship Industry-Bridging Program (IBP™) goes beyond traditional training by offering hands-on, real-world experience. We prepare aspiring professionals to tackle the challenges of clinical research head-on, providing them with the tools, skills, and confidence they need to thrive in this dynamic industry.

What sets us apart is our unwavering belief in the untapped potential of people from diverse backgrounds. Talent exists everywhere, and we are committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity in clinical research. Whether you’re new to the industry or looking for a fresh start, our IBP™ program provides the personalised support and mentorship to help you succeed. We also collaborate with universities, industry organisations, and government agencies to create opportunities, particularly in underserved regions where access to clinical trials is limited.

Clueo Clinical’s mission extends beyond training—it’s about creating lasting impact. We believe that clinical research and healthcare innovations should be accessible to all, including underserved communities. That’s why we invest into scholarships for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping to make the industry more inclusive and diverse.

As the winner of the Most Innovative Clinical Research Training Enterprise 2024 Australia, we are proud to be recognised for our unique approach and commitment to shaping the future of clinical research. Join us on our mission to transform the clinical research landscape—together, we can build a more inclusive, diverse, and accessible industry.

Our Vision

To drive innovation from lab to patient care by empowering diverse talent to revolutionize clinical research and enhance lives globally.

CLUEO (pronounced /kluːô/) originates from the Latin word meaning PURE, BE REPUTED or RESPECTED.

Our Mission

Our overall mission is to drive progress in clinical trials and health innovations by closing skills gaps and equipping professionals with the knowledge and opportunities they need to excel.

Our focus:

  1. Addressing skills shortages: We harness the potential of STEM-qualified individuals with limited to no prior industry experience through transformative training, turning them into skilled leaders who drive meaningful advancements in clinical research.
  2. Expanding Access to Clinical Trials and Innovations in Underserved Areas: We break through barriers to bring clinical trials and breakthrough health solutions to underserved and remote communities. Our goal is to create new opportunities by empowering local communities, ensuring that everyone, no matter where they are, can access the latest advancements in healthcare.

Join us in shaping a future where every STEM professional thrives and every community benefits from groundbreaking health innovations.

Our Values

  • Innovation: At the heart of our business is a commitment to developing innovative and practical solutions that address real-world challenges in the education and healthcare sectors.
  • Excellence: We are dedicated to delivering top-quality products and services that are specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients.
  • Respect: We believe that strong, successful relationships are built on a foundation of mutual respect.
  • Integrity: Integrity and fairness are the cornerstones of our company, guiding all our actions and decisions.
  • Inspiration: We are driven by the power of positive thinking, inspiring greatness in ourselves and others.
  • Compassion: We deeply care for the people and communities we serve, always striving to make a positive impact.

Our People

Industry Training

Founder and CEO | Dr. Thu (Sue) Nguyen, PhD

Driven by a passion to help others and bridge the gap between academia and the clinical research industry, Dr. Thu (Sue) Nguyen founded Clueo Clinical. With over 17 years of experience in cancer research, R&D, and training, Sue is committed to advancing cancer treatments and mentoring the next generation of clinical researchers.

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Sue’s journey began when she moved to Australia at age 12. After losing her grandmother to breast cancer at 16, she vowed to improve cancer treatments so others could have more time with their loved ones. She holds a PhD and a post-doctoral fellowship in Cancer Genomics, with significant contributions including the SeptiCyte® diagnostic test for sepsis.

In 2020, Sue launched Clueo Clinical to empower STEM graduates and early career researchers with the skills needed to excel in the clinical research industry. Through our Industry-Bridging Program (IBP), she provides comprehensive training and support to help them transition into impactful careers.

Sue is also a dedicated mentor and community advocate. As an ambassador for the European Association for Cancer Research and a member of Female Founders of Advance QLD, she actively supports and inspires emerging talent. She frequently speaks at events for Women in STEM and volunteers with organizations such as the Cancer Council, where she mentors aspiring researchers and engages in community outreach.

Her commitment to fostering diversity and addressing STEM graduate unemployment earned her a nomination as Female Entrepreneur of the Year in APAC in 2021. Sue’s efforts continue to drive meaningful change in the field, empowering individuals and expanding access to clinical research opportunities.

Industry Trainer | Dr. Hayley O’Neill, PhD

Hayley is the co-founder and CEO of Plant Science Pty Ltd. She has over 12 years of combined experience in clinical and pre-clinical research and development, and management.

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As a research manager of a large complex clinical trials she has proven drive and influence successful project and organizational outcomes, and has demonstrate a results focused approach to design, implementation and delivery.

She has a depth of experience in patient management in research, and appropriate ethical conduct, confidentiality and skills in data management.

Hayley’s drive and passion for health and medical research and strong ability to communicate, lead and deliver will guide her future goals to deliver impactful innovative research, improve patient outcomes and reduce disease burden.

Industry Trainer | Olenka Frias

Olenka Frias is a passionate professional with more than 15 years of experience in the health industry. She currently leads a regional team in LatAm for Sponsor dedicated Clinical Operations.

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She combined her sciences and business management background to deliver suitable solutions.

Exposed to different roles, she shares her experience by training internal and external stakeholders,
optimizing their learning curves, ensuring all parties are properly engaged.

Industry Trainer | Dr. Ming (Jason) Ni

Ming (Jason) Ni is a Medical Information Manager with 7 years of experience in Medical Information Industry, 6 years of experience in clinical setting and 5 years of experience in research.

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He specializes in oncology, genetic science, medical information, pharmacovigilance and medical writing.

He is responsible for managing and training other employees on medical information, adverse events, product quality complainant and medical writing.

He is widely considered as a role model in the workplace and uses his positive attitude and tireless energy to help others to work hard and succeed.

Industry Trainer | Dr. Archana Gaikwad, PhD

Dr. Archana Gaikwad is a seasoned clinical researcher with expertise in respiratory chronic illnesses and infectious diseases. With over a decade of experience in leading global companies such as GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, and Becton, Dickinson (BD) Medical, Archana has a rich background in clinical operations and research and development.

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Her expertise spans managing all phases of clinical trials (I-IV) for new therapeutic treatments and diagnostics, ensuring rigorous oversight and successful outcomes. Archana has collaborated with prominent global organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO), FIND-TB, and the Program for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH), as well as various international regulatory agencies.

She holds a postgraduate certificate in Clinical Trial Management from the National University of Singapore and a master’s degree in microbiology from India. Archana’s extensive experience and knowledge drive her commitment to advancing clinical research and improving patient outcomes through innovative solutions.

Career and Leadership Coaching

Career and Leadership Coach | Sarah Yip

Sarah is the CEO of KEASE International. She is driven by desire to see organizations achieve business success by putting people FIRST.

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Over the course of her career, she has built a reputation as an engaging leadership facilitator who is highly regarded amongst peers and sought after as a keynote speaker on inclusion, equity, future of work capabilities. She has been featured in media and sought after as a thought-leader on women in leadership, future of work and emotional intelligence.

She is the recipient of the Multicultural Entrepreneur of the year 2020 for leading KEASE International’s innovative response to the pandemic by creating ‘Leaders Lounge’ in March.

The accredited coaches of KEASE International partner with Clueo Clinical to deliver 6 Pillars of Success to empower our students to reach their full potential and achieve both life and career successes.

Industry Career Success Coach | Dr. Shalini Nag, PhD

Shalini is the president of EvidaSolve LLC. She has been working with entrepreneurs and business leaders to transform their companies into Thriving Talent Magnets and their people into exceptional professionals.

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An expert in transition and professional reinvention, Shalini started her career as a scientist, transformed into a management consultant, and finally an entrepreneur and business author and lecturer.

Prior to establishing EvidaSolve, Shalini was a management consultant with the Boston Consulting Group, a postdoctoral researcher at Yale, and research fellow at A-star Singapore. 

Shalini has worked with over 100 organizations worldwide, including several Fortune 500 companies and the World Economic Forum to create impactful transformations. She combines this real-world knowledge, with her training in evidence-based learning methods to design impactful curricula and engaging learning experiences to power up performance and catalyze success. 

Having overcome the challenges of transitioning between geographies and cultures, and from academia to corporate America to entrepreneurship, Shalini is dedicated to equipping other technical, analytical individuals with the power skills that will transform them into innovative, multipotential leaders in their own lives and careers. 

Shalini partners with Clueo Clinical to coach our students the strategies for successful life and career planning, storytelling for success, negotiate masterfully and assessing cultural fit of their potential future employers.

Personal Brand Strategist & Career Coach | Petra Zink

Petra Zink is a certified Personal Branding & Digital Strategist, Speaker, Coach & Consultant – specialised in the Future of Work. Most recently, Petra launched her first book, the most comprehensive guide how to become the Trusted Authority in your industry.

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Besides, Petra is the Founder of impaCCCt and The360Talent.Co – both companies are designed to future-proof individuals and organisations. Petra helps professionals go from technical expert to trusted authority in their industry by analysing and amplifying their Personal Brands.

Petra believes that Personal Branding is the bridge between career skills and career success, and she recently launched Your Brand. Your Future, a podcast for driven corporate professionals who want to not only survive but thrive in this fast-changing world of work.

HR & Recruitment

Industry Recruitment Specialist| Catherine Murphy CPHR

Catherine is the principle consultant of Life Science Networks. She is a human resource and recruitment professional with 15 years experience spanning talent acquisition, human resources, business management and team leadership within the life sciences industry.

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With leadership capability applied to developing entry level graduates, managing high performing team members and partnering with stakeholders at all levels, key strengths include a flexible communication style and ability to build influential relationships.

With a passion for supporting the training and development of others, Catherine thrives in an environment where she is able to utilise her skills to support leaders and business’ to maximize commercial outcomes. Having been involved in all aspects of the employee lifecycle, Catherine has gained a strong knowledge of how to implement HR practices that drive operational and strategic outcomes across an organization.

Previous experience has seen Catherine develop a diverse HR skillset including writing and interpreting policies and procedures, supporting learning and development initiatives, executing performance management, supporting culture and change projects and managing employees from attraction and selection through to termination.

Catherine partners with Clueo Clinical to coach our students for industry interviews and industry placements.

Business Development

Business Development Manager | Dr. Sara Chiaretti, PhD

Sara is a driven and enthusiastic research scientist with 14 years of experience across industry and academia both in Italy and Australia.

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She holds a PhD and post-doctoral fellowship in Oncology and Experimental Medicine and has worked in different therapeutic areas such as oncology, hematology and metabolic disease. She loves to interact with people, share ideas and establish partnerships and collaboration to help translating ideas into new business opportunities.

STEMM Development Manager | Dr. Trung Thanh Ngo, PhD

Trung has over 10 years of combined experience & unique skillsets in driving successful interdisciplinary collaborations, research impact evaluations and proactively supporting the STEMM innovation ecosystem.

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His work aims to enhance human & social capital — from advancing a Precision Pain Medicine R&D program and supporting STEMM graduates to excel — through to capability analyses that have successfully delivered several major strategic priorities for a wide client base (e.g., individuals, groups, professional networks/associations, multi-institutional national & international strategic partnerships). In particular, he enjoys meeting & connecting people with a shared vision & commitment towards building innovative science & business partnerships that deliver meaningful solutions for the wider community.

Business Development Associate | Dr. Paula Kuo, PhD

Paula is an immunology scientist. She had been a post-doctoral researcher specialising in cancer immunotherapy in Cambridge University UK after getting her PhD at the University of Queensland.

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Her research in Ian Frazer’s lab during her PhD has led to the discovery of an immune cell population that contributes to eradicating cervical cancer tissues.

She enjoys projects that challenge her creativity, such as her long-term passion in dancing. She is inspired to be a scientist who communicates with people from different backgrounds, and she participates in innovative research in the field of immunology.

Industry Advisors

Industry advisor | Associate Professor Tam Nguyen

Associate Professor Tam Nguyen is a Non-Executive Director and Deputy Director of Research with over 15
years of board level experience across not for profit, healthcare and aged care sectors. He has over 22
years of working in the healthcare, health & medical research environment including tertiary teaching
hospitals research institute and community clinics.

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Tam holds senior executive role with strategic and operational responsibilities in research business
development, research innovation and commercialisation and research strategy.

He is a regular invited speaker on a broad range of topics including: Industry Collaboration and Workforce Development both in the Medtech and Pharma Sector; Digital Health, Big Data & Digital Transformation and AI & Machine Learning in healthcare.

He chairs and moderates at numerous national and international conferences.

Industry advisor | Dr. Kim Agnew

Dr. Kim Agnew has over 20 years of experience in leading Animal Health practices and international R&D teams for clinical research studies and life sciences.

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He is a passionate and innovative Animal Health researcher with a demonstrated success in developing, patenting and commercialising New Products. He is well recognised for building trust through understanding perspectives quickly amongst collaborators, which allows rapid resolution of project challenges.  He has a broad technical expertise across food and companion animal therapeutic areas with a recognised ability to “see” product development opportunities.

He is experienced in ANZ Regulatory Affairs and Contract Negotiation. 

He has a demonstrated success track record in building effective execution strategies. He has been acknowledged for building strong effective teams with high levels of staff retention.  

He provides constructive coaching with full support to his team members and ensures that a safe team environment exists to learn that task ownership must be aligned to a behaviour of accountability.

Industry advisor | Dr. Allison Sutherland, PhD

Dr Allison Sutherland is a specialist in experimental and emerging healthcare with 15 years of experience in Clinical Trials, R&D, Medical Diagnostics, and Stem Cell Therapeutics.

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She works collaboratively with industry and tertiary teaching hospitals to develop and translate novel therapeutic and diagnostic solutions into clinical practice.

Her academic and professional expertise has enabled her to work with advanced medical technology and to create STEM BioSurgical Pty Ltd, which is a bio/healthcare company that focuses on regenerative medical solutions.

Operations

Co-founder and COO | Dr. Alberto Nicotra, PhD

Alberto is the Managing Director of Indive Analytics Pty Ltd. He has 11 years of experience delivering market demand, strategy and innovation insights based on quantitative and qualitative analytics for an estimated $5.1 m worth of project portfolio.

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Alberto’s experience spans across sectors including Public Transport, Government, Logistics, FMCG, Agribusiness, Retail, Higher Education, Telecommunications, Resources and Industrial Production, and Fuels.

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