Our Scientific Board
Our Scientific Board represents a highly talented and qualified group of professionals, with a diverse range of expertise across medical/ biosciences, pharmaceutical sciences, nutrition, medicine and integrative therapies. We are inspired by nature, but backed by science.
ND, RT, NU, Fellow of ANTATom van Wunnik
Technical Director, Max Biocare Group
Tom has been involved in Research and Development of natural formulations since Max Biocare began in 2000. Tom is also a qualified Naturopath with over 50 years’ experience in the natural health industry and is one of the first members of the Australian Natural Therapist Association (ANTA), since 1968. Tom combines traditional medicine with evidence-based, scientific research, providing comprehensive patient education during his consultations, and has actively contributed to clinical trials of many of Max Biocare’s products.
BSc, MRepSc, PhDGeorge A. Thouas
Head of Research & Innovation, Max Biocare Group
George is a biological and medical scientist with nearly two decades of experience as a lab researcher and educator in the fields of reproductive medicine, stem cell biology and bioengineering. George has worked in academic research groups and affiliated institutes across Monash University and The University of Melbourne. He is a listed author on over 50 publications, including one textbook, several book chapters, peer-reviewed journal articles, conference proceedings and patents. George currently manages and participates in all Max Biocare Group’s R&D projects and operations.
BSc (Hons), PhDChristopher Halkias
R&I Project Manager, Max Biocare Group
A biomedical scientist who has worked as researcher and lecturer at RMIT University since 2018, with interests in pharmacology, pathology, immunology and the use of natural products for therapeutic benefit. Christopher has published multiple peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts, led scientific research within significant commercial projects and is an award-winning academic teacher. Chris currently has oversight and organizational management of Max Biocare Research Park’s projects, contributes a variety of R&D projects and makes regular contributions to the Institute’s educational activities.
BBiomedSci, BSc (Hons), PhDMark T. Waddingham
Research Fellow
Mark Waddingham is an experienced research scientist who is working on understanding the mechanisms that drive the evolution of heart failure. After completion of his PhD at the University of Melbourne in 2016, Mark has held international research positions in Europe and Japan. Throughout his research career, Mark has attracted competitive research funding (totaling ~$150,000) and has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications in international journals. Mark continues his work as an active researcher as well as making contributions to Max Biocare Group’s product development activities and educational activities.
BNut&Diet (Hons)Ben H. Parmenter
Natural Products Researcher
Benjamin is a nutrition scientist, who has worked exclusively in research and development across Industry and Academic settings within the medical and health sciences. He has expertise in translational projects and specializes in natural products and lifestyle medicine. Ben is currently completing a PhD in Perth, investigating the roles of plant polyphenols in human health and is an author of several peer-reviewed publications and conference proceedings. Ben is passionate about all aspects of the research process and has been instrumental in Max Biocare Group’s product research and publications.
BHSc (Nutr. Med), MNutr. Diana Newman
Nutritionist
Diana is a registered nutritionist with close to 10 years’ experience as a clinical nutritionist. She completed her undergraduate and post-graduate qualifications through Deakin University, is a member of the Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA) and the Nutrition Society of Australia (NSA). Diana’s areas of expertise include digestive disorders, cardio-metabolic conditions, fertility, pregnancy and infant nutrition. As well as being a Max Biocare Clinic practitioner, Diana regularly contributes to the Max Biocare Group’s educational resources, including seminars, articles and health blogs.
BHSc, MDietJustine Gal
Consulting Dietitian
Justine holds qualifications in health sciences and dietetics. She has an intrinsic and evidence-based understanding of the positive impact that good nutrition can have on health and wellbeing, from infancy to adulthood. Justine applies her specialized background in nutrition and functional foods, working closely with the research & development and marketing teams at Max Biocare Group to provide technical marketing and educational support.
BHSc, MDietJustine Gal
Consulting Dietitian
Justine holds qualifications in health sciences and dietetics. She has an intrinsic and evidence-based understanding of the positive impact that good nutrition can have on health and wellbeing, from infancy to adulthood. Justine applies her specialized background in nutrition and functional foods, working closely with the research & development and marketing teams at Max Biocare group to provide technical marketing and educational support.
PhD (mycology)John C. Holliday
Senior consultant
John is a world authority and one of the most highly regarded experts in the propagation of medicinal mushrooms. He was the founder and was the Scientific Director of Aloha Medicinals Inc., the world’s largest cultivator of medicinal mushrooms and is president of the International Society for Medicinal Mushrooms. John first started growing mushrooms in 1976, pioneering the cold sterilization process that is now used globally in mushroom propagation. During his 46-year career in mycology, John has established over 100 mushroom growing facilities across 30 countries.
At the heart of everything we do, we are committed to our promise – Evidenced Based, Natural, and Trust.
MBc Research Park
MBc Clinic
Max Biocare group acknowledges the Boonwurrung people of the Kulin nation, and the Braiakaulung people of the Gunnaikurnai Nation, on whose lands our business is conducted. We respectfully acknowledge their Ancestors and Elders, past, present and emerging.
Max Biocare Group acknowledges the Wurrunjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong peoples of the East Kulin nation, and the Braiakaulung people of the Gunnaikurnai Nation, on whose lands our business is conducted. We respectfully acknowledge their Ancestors and Elders, past, present and emerging.