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About Southern Star Research

Your trusted Australian contract research organization.

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Great Place to Work

Our Journey

Southern Star Research is a full-service contract research organization (CRO) dedicated to guiding sponsors through the complexities of bringing new medical products to market. Our journey began with a small team of three in Sydney, conducting our first clinical trial in the cardiovascular sector.

Since our inception 14 years ago, we have grown into an international team of specialists, managing studies worldwide. 

Today, Southern Star Research continues to lead with innovation and expertise, offering comprehensive solutions for clinical trials across the globe.

Our Board of Directors

Peter Elkhouri

Board Member

Johnny Zhang

Board Member

  • 30 years of research experience in academia, pharma & CROs
  • Advisor to the Australian Government on Clinical Research reforms
  • Prominent industry positions including Co-Chair of the R&D Taskforce
  • Appointed to NSW Dept of Health Early Phase Expert Oversight Committee
  • Previous member of several NHMRC committees overseeing clinical research

 

Dr David Lloyd

Managing Director

  • 25+ years of global clinical research experience based in AU & EU
  • PhD in viral immunology
  • Experience in biotechnology, medical device, pharmaceutical, consultancy and CROs
  • Significant skills in operational and project management

Dr Tracey Frear

Head of Projects

  • 20+ years as an experienced CFO across a range of industries including 10+ years in healthcare
  • 15+ years as a board member for listed, private and not-for-profit organisations serving as Chairman, Director, and Company Secretary
  • Fellow of Institute of Chartered Accountants
  • Bachelor’s degree in science from the University of Oxford and Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors

Rick Taylor

CFO

Our Senior Management

  • 30 years experience in the medical devices, biotechnology, health services, and technology sectors both nationally, and internationally.
  • 20 years of experience in leadership and founding roles in Healthcare innovation
  • Degree in biomechanical engineering
  • Extensive experience and contribution to the evolution and growth of arthroscopy and orthopaedic devices across Asia Pacific

Lloyd Prescott

CEO

  • 30 years of research experience in academia, pharma & CROs
  • Advisor to the Australian Government on Clinical Research reforms
  • Prominent industry positions including Co-Chair of the R&D Taskforce
  • Appointed to NSW Dept of Health Early Phase Expert Oversight Committee
  • Previous member of several NHMRC committees overseeing clinical research

 

Dr David Lloyd

Managing Director

  • 25+ years of global clinical research experience in pharma and CROs
  • 19+ years in Leadership roles
  • Extensive experience in operational efficiencies, change management, and line management

Belinda Fricke

Head of Clinical Operations

  • 28 years’ experience across all biometric functions
  • Leadership of DM and Statistics departments in large global CROs in Australia and the UK
  • Established DM and Statistics departments CROs.
  • Very broad range of experience across a number of eCRF platforms and in SAS programming.

Peter Fursdon

Head of Biometrics

  • 25+ years of global clinical research experience based in AU & EU
  • PhD in viral immunology
  • Experience in biotechnology, medical device, pharmaceutical, consultancy and CROs
  • Significant skills in operational and project management

Dr Tracey Frear

Head of Projects

  • 20+ years as an experienced CFO across a range of industries including 10+ years in healthcare
  • 15+ years as a board member for listed, private and not-for-profit organisations serving as Chairman, Director, and Company Secretary
  • Fellow of Institute of Chartered Accountants
  • Bachelor’s degree in science from the University of Oxford and Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors

Rick Taylor

CFO

  • Pharmacology (pharmacokinetics) qualification
  • 27+ years clinical research experience in CROs and pharma
  • Clinical operations development pathway from CRA through SPM across Asia Pacific and extensive line management experience

Amanda Jubb

Head of Asia

  • 20+ years working in the pharmaceutical development industry
  • Experience managing clinical quality assurance professionals and ensuring staff, client, and vendor compliance
  • Experience in drug development across biotech start-ups, large pharma, testing laboratories, drug manufacturing, pre-clinical studies, and laboratory accreditation

Kellie Lantry

Head of Quality Assurance

We Are:

Agile, proactive and bespoke solutions that help you reach your commercial goals faster

The very best quality at a predictable price - no unexpected add-ons

Transparent, close relationships, with a focus on your unique needs

Simplifying the clinical trial process – we’ll help you navigate each stage with confidence

Awards

Great Place to Work Logo
Great Place to Work

Southern Star Research was honored with the "Great Place to Work" award, recognizing our exceptional workplace culture and commitment to fostering a positive and supportive environment for the team.

Frost and Sullivan Award-Logo
Frost and Sullivan

Southern Star Research was honored with Frost & Sullivan's 2024 Asia-Pacific Competitive Strategy Leadership Award recognizing our innovative approach and strong market position in delivering exceptional value and growth.

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ISO 9001 Quality

Southern Star Research has been assessed and certified by Compass Assurance Services to the ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems standard, recognizing our commitment to excellence, efficiency, and continuous improvement in service delivery.

Our Partnerships

We have close working relationships with the following organisations:
AusBiotech
ARCS Australia
RQA logo
ACRP logo
drug information association
AusBiotech
ARCS Australia
RQA logo
ACRP logo
drug information association
AusBiotech
ARCS Australia
RQA logo
ACRP logo
drug information association
AusBiotech
ARCS Australia
RQA logo
ACRP logo
drug information association
AusBiotech
ARCS Australia
RQA logo
ACRP logo
drug information association
AusBiotech
ARCS Australia
RQA logo
ACRP logo
drug information association

Asia Pacific’s most trusted CRO

High quality clinical trials across the Asia Pacific region

Contact Us
Head Office:
Phone: +61 2 9011 6266

L1, 1 Merriwa Street,

Gordon, NSW, 2072 Australia

E: info@southernstarresearch.com 

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Specialist experience

Each member of our Leadership Team boasts an average of 30 years experience. Our clients have access to an extraordinary group of Clinical Research professionals, whose experience covers Multinational Pharmaceutical companies, Biotechnology, Medical Device, CRO’s, research institutes, Universities, Industry Associations & Government Bodies. Together, we ensure that every aspect of your unique and novel drug study  clinical trial is handled with scientific precision, care, and foresight.

Our team has all of the tools, knowledge and experience to solve almost any issue that may arise during the complex clinical trial process.

We recognize that each study is unique and different and there are nuances that need to be resolved proactively.

Our advisory board of top-tier specialists in multiple therapeutic areas engage in the early stages from protocol design in constructive discussions to anticipate challenges and enhance study efficiency throughout the study.