New reimagined identity LifeSciences Australia repositions for sector
In June 2026, ARCS Australia formally became LifeSciences Australia — a name chosen to reflect the role the organisation plays across Australia’s life sciences sector.
Over more than 40 years, ARCS has grown well beyond its origins as a training and education body for regulatory and clinical specialists. Today, the organisation supports professionals across the entire life sciences sector — from early research through regulation, development and commercialisation — through an expanding range of programs and initiatives.
Using human skin hair follicles to treat Alzheimer’s disease
Professor Michael Valenzuela is a science opinion leader, innovator and creative thinker with a career-long commitment to the prevention and treatment of dementia.
Following that he completed graduate medicine and medical training at the Prince of Wales Hospital. In 2012, he established the Regenerative Neuroscience Group at the University of Sydney, and in 2017 became the university’s first Professor of Regenerative Medicine.
Professor Valenzuela’s group discovered a new cell type with potential for regenerative medicine, a rare neural precursor cell found deep within the human hair follicle. He is the main inventor on several related patents and is the Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Skin2Neuron – a biotech company developing the first neurorestorative cell therapy for Alzheimer’s disease based on this work.
Fulfilling clinical, academic & research goals in General Practice
Dr Ramya Raman is a Specialist General Practitioner, medical educator, and health policy leader. Raised in Orange in Central West NSW, where she lived for over 15 years, she brings a deep, lived understanding of rural and community healthcare to her work.
Concerning increases in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and colorectal cancer
Dr Kieran Longley is a Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist committed to providing comprehensive, patient-centred care across a broad spectrum of digestive and liver conditions. He completed his medical degree at the University of Tasmania before undertaking physician training at St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney. Furthering his academic and clinical expertise, he obtained a Master of Science in Internal Medicine from the University of Edinburgh.
From Canadian dental graduate to Australian orthodontic practice
Dr Helen Moon is a Specialist Orthodontist dedicated to delivering evidence-based, patient-centred orthodontic care. She graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours) and began her career as a general dentist, gaining valuable experience over 2.5 years in comprehensive dental practice. This foundation provided her with a broad understanding of oral health before she pursued advanced specialist training in orthodontics.
HEALTH CARE BRIEF: Myopia progression in children
Myopia progression in children – Incidence rates, prevalence, risks, symptoms and treatment options