Stephen Bradford

Stephen Bradford is the Senior Manager, Industry Engagement at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), bringing more than two decades of experience across scientific research, commercialisation, and governance. His expertise spans due diligence, strategic oversight, and building high-performing teams.

Appointed to the Brisbane Montessori School Board in 2022, Stephen serves on the Excellence and GRAS Committees. His connection to Montessori education extends back more than 15 years and began through his mother-in-law, a Montessori teacher and Principal with over four decades of experience. His family’s own journey through several Montessori schools in Sydney, including ISMS and Cameragal, has given him a broad understanding of Montessori practice and a strong network within the sector.

Beyond his involvement with Brisbane Montessori School, Stephen represents QUT on the Stryker R&D Lab Steering Committee. He serves on the Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health Steering Committee, and the Centre for Biomedical Technologies Leadership Team. He is also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He holds a PhD in Molecular Bioscience from the University of Queensland, as well as degrees in science, psychology, and economics from Macquarie University.

Stephen began his career as a research scientist, working from 2003 to 2018 across leading institutions including the University of Queensland, INSERM (France), CSIRO, and the Garvan Institute for Medical Research. From 2017 to 2026, his work in commercialisation spanned UniQuest, the Federal Government’s Accelerating Commercialisation program, and QUT, where he focused on translating research into real-world impact. In 2023, he also served as Chief Operating Officer of DSB Co Pty Ltd, further strengthening his operational leadership and governance expertise.

As a dedicated member of the Brisbane Montessori School community and an active parent of two children - one an alum and the other currently in Upper Primary, Stephen is deeply committed to Montessori philosophy. He is passionate about the role of the prepared environment in supporting each child’s potential and believes that teachers are the school’s greatest asset.

On the Board of Directors, Stephen’s focus is on strengthening the school’s capacity to attract, support, and retain exceptional educators, while ensuring Brisbane Montessori School continues to thrive as a high-quality, authentic Montessori community.