The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has welcomed three outstanding executives to lead its new science branches – Dr Ed Cram, executive director of agricultural chemicals; Lee Metcalf, executive director of veterinary medicine; and Dr Maria Trainer, executive director of science and assurance.
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Together they have decades of experience in agricultural chemicals, the veterinary sector, and science, spanning government, industry, policy, and regulation.
Maria has been with the APVMA in an executive role for more than seven years. She has an outstanding global reputation for her expertise in multiple areas of focus for the APVMA, with high-level experience in partner agencies in the UK and Canada prior to her move to Australia.
Maria is currently chair of the OECD’s working party on pesticides and her transition into this role marks a shift in focus – from overseeing the pre-market registration of agricultural and veterinary chemical products at the APVMA to leading its post-market activities.
Lee Metcalf
Dr Maria Trainer (centre in black and white)
She will be leading international engagement efforts, shaping operational policy, and drafting contemporary guidance to support regulatory clarity and scientific integrity.
“It’s a privilege to step into a space where evidence, transparency, and global collaboration are at the heart of everything we do,” Maria says.
“I’m energised by the opportunity to help strengthen trust in our systems and deliver meaningful outcomes that promote the integrity of our regulatory system now and into the future,” she says.
Ed has extensive experience in chemical regulation and is rejoining the APVMA after a stint in 2016–17.
He has a strong connection to proportionate and evidence-based pesticide risk assessment, with more than 15 years in leading health and ecotoxicology risk analysis.
Ed recently led the establishment of the national Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS). In other roles, he has driven international collaboration on chemical risk management through the OECD and led negotiations on international pesticide risk management at UN review committees.
“I’m excited to be back at the APVMA, and looking forward to bringing strong science together with regulatory expertise to support APVMA’s aspiration to be a global leader in agvet chemicals regulation,” he says.
Lee has more than 26 years in the pharmaceutical industry, including 18 in the animal health sector.
She brings a well-rounded background in regulatory affairs, scientific assessment, quality assurance, and leadership across both commercial and research settings and has held roles in regulatory affairs and as chief scientific officer for animal health companies.
Lee also has a deep understanding of veterinary medicine research, development and regulation and supports a pragmatic, risk-based approach to scientific decision-making and has been involved in new product development including as an applicant for product registrations through the APVMA.
She has contributed to broader veterinary medicines regulatory settings through roles on the board of the Veterinary Manufacturers and Distributors Association and on technical working groups with Animal Medicines Australia.
Currently completing a PhD at the University of Sydney on novel pain relief mitigation strategies in livestock, Lee is driven by a strong interest in research and innovation around animal welfare. Lee also lectures and tutors within the University of Sydney veterinary school.
“Stepping into the regulator space marks a new chapter, filled with learning, collaboration and the opportunity to contribute to veterinary registration in Australia from a different vantage point,” Lee explains.
“Being ‘on the other side’ offers a fresh perspective, and I’m genuinely excited to help shape outcomes that support animal health, safety, and innovation,” she says
