Cartherics is pleased to announce that Mathew Tiedemann has officially completed his PhD, a major milestone in an already impressive scientific journey! His thesis titled, ‘Developing a Clinically Translatable iPSC-derived Immunotherapy’ focused on designing clinically relevant methods to create billions of gene-edited blood cells from stem cells to better detect and destroy ovarian cancer.

Mat’s key discoveries pave the way for more consistent gene editing, new strategies to generate immune cells from stem cells, and improved immune function through genetic engineering. This work lays the foundation for creating widely compatible, off-the-shelf cellular therapies – a game-changer for cancer patients. Mat’s findings especially highlight the promise of gamma-delta T cells in advancing treatment for solid tumours.

When asked about his future plans, he said, “I plan to stay at the cutting edge of stem cell science, regenerative medicine, and cell therapies, with a clear focus on turning breakthrough research into real-world patient outcomes.”

Mat’s primary supervisor was Cartherics’ CEO, Prof. Alan Trounson AO with co-supervisors Drs Richard Boyd, Vera Evtimov and Nicholas Boyd – or as Mat affectionately puts it, “the yin and yang that are Alan and Richard.”

Throughout his PhD, Mat notes that the biggest challenge he experienced was balancing the academic requirements with a hands-on biotech role. Writing the thesis was, in his words, “a necessary evil” but one that earned him that all-important piece of paper.

When asked about his favourite quote from his time studying, he said, “Must be an artefact, Matty.” Attributed to Richard Boyd, Mat says this insight was ‘the least helpful, but most supportive comment I needed to hear’.

A massive congratulations, Dr Mathew Tiedemann we’re excited to see what the future holds and looking forward to you contributing to a future of new discoveries and better outcomes for patients everywhere!

Cartherics CEO, Prof. Alan Trounson AO said: “Having PhD students in the company and in the lab is a privilege and a benefit – they challenge the environment to be critical and innovative and provides the engine for advancement that makes a difference. Well done, Mat, there will many new challenges to test your capacity to come – I am confident you will succeed.”