About us

Founded in 2010 and headquartered in Australia, Southern Star Research is a full-service clinical research organisation (CRO) helping sponsors to navigate the complexities of bringing new medical products to market. Since commencing operations in Sydney, we have grown to become an international team of specialists, managing studies across the globe.

With a focus on the biotechnology and medical device industries, we offer flexible and bespoke solutions that meet the unique needs of each project. While we have experience across all study phases, we are early phase specialists (Phase 1 and 2) with particular expertise in designing and managing clinical trials that ensure your asset is ready for larger Phase 3 and 4 studies, licensing, partnering and acquisition.

We believe a customer-first approach, transparent relationships and a proactive team of experts are the best path to achieving successful commercial outcomes for our clients.

Get in touch now to discuss how our agile and dedicated team can help you run a successful clinical trial.

Our Leadership team

Dr David Lloyd

Managing Director

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 Tracey Frear

Director, Clinical Operations

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

Peter Fursdon

Director of Biometrics

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.

Amanda Jubb

Projects Director

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

Dr Joanne Marjason

Medical Monitor

35+ years of hospital and community-based medicine
20+ years of clinical research experience
Principal Investigator on 200+ early phase clinical trials
Member of multiple DSMBs / SRCs
Extensive experience as GP, Medical Monitor and PI

Chris Stellatos

Director, Corporate Development

Extensive corporate experience across the R&D, ICT, Medical & Clinical Research sectors
Business Partnering and Advisory background working with fast growing SMEs
Experience in biotech, pharma, consultancy and CROs
Regional exposure across Australia, SEA, UK and US

Our Partnerships

We are members of the following organisations:

ACRP - Association of Clinical Research Professionals

Mission

Our mission is to help sponsors bring safe and effective medicines and products to market in an efficient and streamlined way. We believe in:

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

Values

Our people are what sets us apart from other CROs, which is why all our team embody our company values. When you partner with us, you can depend on our:

Our work in the community

As a company, we’re passionate about contributing to the wider medical industry and community. We donate to and volunteer for a number of charities, including UNICEF, BeyondBlue, Kids Research Institute, Meals on Wheels, and Starlight Children’s Foundation.

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“What a stellar job you’re doing with the SAD study – so calm, confident and professional. In my 30+ years training and managing project managers you stand out by far as one of the best I have seen. I am proud to have you as part of our team.”

Phase 1 study, local Biotech company

“Thank you, your professional attitude and constant support are much appreciated.”

CEO, Australian Medical Device Company

“Their expertise is second to none, they are on the ground working with sites intimitely with close attention to detail to ensure that the job gets done. With Southern Star you dont feel like you’re dealing with big organisation – you get a face to face personal approach.”

Director of Regulatory Affairs

“SSR take time to find out how we work and are solutions focused suggesting things that might help our business. They invest in great outcomes and are willing to think about the long term relationship and how they might work better with their partners.”

Head of Trial Management & Monitoring

“Working with Southern Star Research gives us a level of security, you know your trial will be delivered as expected without surprises. Communication is easy and they are flexible, we talk through issues and adapt continuously to fine tune and tailor to what we need.”

Clinical Trials Program Manager