Herman Marks

“When I was looking for different programmes to extend my qualifications, I wanted an interdisciplinary programme that brought together science and business. I had already spent four years studying biology and wanted to expand.

“My research topic is broad and fluid at the moment but generally will explore clinical trials in New Zealand. Clinical trials are a key regulatory and commercial step for product development in many bioscience businesses. Trials are very costly and time intensive, and puts strain on start-ups to design the trial correctly, within budget and on time. 

“I like how interdisciplinary the programme is and the broad commercial skill sets it instils. My colleagues come from backgrounds across the life sciences so everyone has a different view on a problem. It helps take you out of your own box and see things in a different way.

“I hope my qualification leads me to a role that helps build NZ as the next biotech hub. The best ways to do that include evaluating the clinical trial process, fortifying local start-ups and facilitating access to global knowledge and resources.”