“If we don’t tackle this challenge head on by bringing all disciplines, industries and policies together, AMR will have a devastating impact on our health, our production capacity, and our environment.”

John Merakovsky is a Director of SAAFE CRC, trained molecular biologist, and seasoned technology executive. Passionate about combining his scientific training and commercial expertise to build a better future through sustainable investment in science and technology, he brings a unique lens and broad suite of experience to our board.

John understands antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a priority issue for our country and for all Australians. In fact, he first became interested in AMR in 1995, after reading Laurie Garrett's ‘The Coming Plague’. Having trained as a biologist, the book terrified him.

As a purpose-driven tech entrepreneur with more than 25 years’ experience commercialising technologies and building successful global companies, John is a highly adept strategic advisor.

His senior leadership experience spans Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Flybuys (2019-2022), CEO and Managing Director of ASX-listed company Integrated Research (2017-2019), and General Manager of Seek Learning (2016-2017). In addition to his commercial successes, John is an Adjunct Research Fellow at the University of Queensland’s Centre for Psychology and Evolution.

As a member of SAAFE’s Audit Finance and Risk Committee, John is focused on supporting our team to make wise investment decisions and successfully manage AMR projects for the benefit of Australian agribusiness and the broader community.

John’s other relevant board positions include, Advisory Board Member of Drop Bio (2019-present), Chair of Experimenta (2022-present), Chair of Orijun Plus (2022-present), and Director of OpenLearning Ltd (2022-2023).