Doctor Iva Nikolic is a functional genomics expert with extensive experience in different technologies enabling high-throughput interrogation of gene function. After obtaining her PhD from Goethe University in Frankfurt, Germany, Iva moved to the Garvan Institute in Sydney where she developed a keen interest in genomics and large-scale functional screening. During this time, she established a comprehensive functional genomics platform  for mapping the role of microRNA in cancer chemoresistance. Following her postdoctoral training, Iva joined Victorian Centre for Functional Genomics (VCFG) as a 2IC where she led drug screening campaigns utilising diverse technologies for novel target discovery. There she developed a fully automated, high-throughput CRISPR screening approach coupled with high-content microscopy and advanced image analysis. Iva is currently the Chief Technology Officer at oNKo-Innate and holds an adjunct appointment at Monash University. She leads a functional genomics platform spanning projects from early target discovery and novel screening approaches to supporting internal drug discovery programs.