President - Tina Thorpe
Tina began her career as a Registered Nurse in 1996. She has worked in both the UK & Australia in many therapeutic areas. Tina found her home in Research Nursing at the Peter Maccallum Cancer centre in the Surgery Department, where she worked for 15 years. Tina is now one of the RN Managers for the Illingworth Research Group. Tina is passionate about Research Nursing because it has such a lasting impact on our future health options. A fun fact about Tina is that she used to be a belly dancer
Vice President - Malcohm Chung
Malcohm Chung is a Research Nurse at Box Hill Hospital, with a nursing background and experience across clinical research, medical case management, and healthcare practice operations. He has previously managed a dental clinic and has experience in clinical coordination, case management, and supporting the delivery of healthcare services. Malcohm is actively involved in the research nursing community and currently serves as a Committee Member of the Acute Stroke Nurses Education Network (ASNEN), in addition to his involvement with VARN. His work in clinical research reflects a strong interest in advancing patient-centred care, supporting research nurses, and contributing to the ongoing development of clinical research practice. Fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, Malcohm is committed to fostering collaboration, professional development, and high-quality research within the healthcare community.
Co-Secretary- Chris Mazis
Chris started her nursing career in the Haematology and Oncology ward at the Alfred Hospital in 1998. Chris found the
specialty to be deeply rewarding and interesting. In 2009, Chris joined the then small, Haematology Clinical Research Unit at the Alfred, and was part of its growth over the next 12 years. Chris managed trials of all phases, including sponsored and Investigator Initiated multi-Centre trials, Early Phase and Gene Therapy trials. Chris is currently on a career break which is allowing her to pursue volunteer opportunities and to spend more time with her family.
Treasurer - Vanessa Viola
Vanessa Viola has been a credentialed diabetes educator, clinical research coordinator, average downhill skier and disappointed Carlton fan for more than 20 years. Working in endocrine, diabetes and cardiovascular clinical trials, Vanessa has been fortunate to work with many new and exciting studies bringing improved therapies to the market. Vanessa is currently the manager of the Endocrinology research unit at Monash University/Eastern Health (ECRU).
Member - Samantha Bates
Samantha Bates is the Critical Care Research Nurse Manager at Western Health, Melbourne. She is a critical care nurse with over 20 years of clinical research experience. Samantha holds an honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer appointment with the Centre for Integrated Critical Care (CICC), Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne. Samantha is passionate about advocating for clinical research nurses, and together with some like-minded colleagues, collaborated to draft Australia’s inaugural clinical research nurse professional standards document which was endorsed by the Australian College of Nursing in 2022
Member - Claire Buchanan
Claire began her nursing career working in paediatrics at the Royal Children's Hospital. For the past 3 years Claire has worked in clinic research as a Neurology Study Coordinator at Monash University, Eastern Health Clinical School. Claire’s drive to work in research is driven by her passion about working towards advancing treatment options and health outcomes for patients both now and into the future. Claire enjoys being able to support patients and their families in what is often a traumatic time in their lives
Member - Sonia Maleki
Sonia Maleki is a research nurse with over a decade of experience in healthcare and more than six years in clinical trials. She completed her Bachelor of Nursing at Australian Catholic University and holds a Master of Public Health from Monash University, where she developed a strong interest in clinical research and improving patient outcomes. Her background spans a range of clinical settings, shaping her patient-centred approach and strengthening her commitment to evidence-based practice. Through her work in research, Sonia has developed a deep appreciation for collaboration, education, and innovation in advancing healthcare. She is passionate about supporting the research community and values opportunities to foster connection and contribute to meaningful, impactful initiatives.