Southern RNA's scientific and technological advancements owe much to the leadership of Romain Tropée, the Head of Science and Technology. His approach and pursuit of excellence have propelled the company forward in the field of RNA-based research and manufacturing development. This profile explores Romain's journey, his contributions to Southern RNA, and his vision for the future.

Romain Tropée's interest in biotechnology began with a desire to positively impact healthcare. With a strong academic background and extensive experience in the sector, Tropée has developed expertise in translational capabilities, manufacturing platforms, and analytical methods. Introducing himself, Tropée explains, "I support the design, establishment, and setup of manufacturing platforms for mRNA drugs, including plasmid DNA and other vital components. This work is crucial to the company's mission of advancing RNA-based therapeutics."

When Tropée joined Southern RNA, he was driven by the opportunity to develop translational capabilities and build a supportive industry ecosystem for drug development. He was particularly excited about the potential of mRNA technology. His prior experience in building capabilities supporting research and engaging with researchers laid a solid foundation for his work at Southern RNA. Tropée reflects, "For me, the motivation was the chance to contribute to establishing new industry capabilities, particularly in the Australian context, where manufacturing infrastructure for advanced therapeutics was limited."

Quality control is central to Southern RNA's operations, and Tropée's expertise has been vital in this area. He notes, "The shift towards outsourcing and specialised research necessitates a strong focus on quality control and analytics. We've built robust analytical platforms to support our manufacturing processes, ensuring high standards of quality." Tropée has been key in encouraging the company to build its nucleic acid analytics platform as a strength and point of difference. "There's no point in producing material without the analytics to demonstrate its quality and safety", emphasising the importance of thorough quality control.

Beyond the laboratory, Tropée represents Southern RNA at global biotech conferences. "I will be attending BIO 2024 in San Diego next week, the largest biotech conference in the world, as part of the Australian delegation," he shares. This event is important for presenting advancements of Australian Biotech and attracting potential clients and collaborators. Tropée highlights Australia's streamlined access to clinical trials and generous R&D tax incentives as significant advantages, making it an attractive destination for pharmaceutical development.

Southern RNA's focus on end-to-end manufacturing capabilities for RNA-based products is part of its ambitious growth plans in both domestic and international markets. Tropée explains, "Part of my role is to influence the company's direction and ensure we scale appropriately. Our goal is to build infrastructure that meets current market needs while laying the groundwork for future expansion." He emphasises the importance of finding a balance in scaling operations to ensure long-term success and market relevance.

As Southern RNA’s head of Science and Technology, Tropée's daily responsibilities involve client interactions, team collaboration, and innovation. "On a daily basis, I design projects, update clients, and draft agreements," he describes. "It's a dynamic environment that requires balancing administrative tasks with problem-solving." A significant part of his role involves streamlining processes and finding efficient solutions. His scientific background enables him to anticipate industry developments and keep Southern RNA at the forefront of innovation.

Tropée's dedication to advancing personalised medicine is deeply personal. "Both my parents passed away from cancer, and their struggle with first-line treatments motivated me to find better ways," he shares. "I'm proud of our work in developing platforms for personalised medicine, which I believe, represents the future of cancer treatment." His creative approach and scientific expertise have significantly impacted Southern RNA's growth. "I'm able to formulate visions and share them with our team to execute them effectively," he states, highlighting his ability to bridge the gap between research and practical application.

The biotech industry is rapidly evolving, and Southern RNA is adapting to these changes. "We've seen significant growth in the industry sector, particularly in Queensland," Tropée observes. Southern RNA's adaptability and strategic positioning are key to navigating these changes. Looking ahead, Tropée envisions Southern RNA as a leader in custom scale RNA-based drug manufacturing. "I see us being recognised for the quality of our work and our capabilities," he predicts. His commitment to building a strong team and fostering innovation will continue to drive the company's success.

The biotech industry is rapidly evolving, and Southern RNA is adapting to these changes. "We've seen significant growth in the industry sector, particularly in Queensland," Tropée observes. Southern RNA's adaptability and strategic positioning are key to navigating these changes. Looking ahead, Tropée envisions Southern RNA as a leader in custom scale RNA-based drug manufacturing. "I see us being recognised for the quality of our work and our capabilities," he predicts. His commitment to building a strong team and fostering innovation will continue to drive the company's success.

Southern RNA's work culture is characterised by collaboration and passion. "I ensure that team members' work aligns with their passions and motivations," Tropée explains. This approach enhances productivity and fosters a positive work environment.

Romain Tropée's leadership at Southern RNA exemplifies the importance of innovation, dedication, and strategic vision. His contributions have advanced the company's technological capabilities and positioned it as a key player in the biotech landscape. As Southern RNA continues to grow, Tropée's influence will shape its future, as well as continuing to help propel the wider Australian Biotech industry to prominence on the world stage.