Adam Macken
Developer
“What makes the work meaningful to me is knowing that it plays a part in something with real-world value. The systems we build help enable research that can support better care for people well beyond our immediate team.”
Our team: Development
The Development Team designs, builds, and maintains the technology that powers Spiral's clinical trial infrastructure. Working closely with Product Owners, testers, and clients, they turn complex trial requirements into secure, reliable platforms that support researchers around the world.
Who is Adam?
I’m a developer at Spiral, working across new functionality, usability and the behind-the-scenes work that keeps things running reliably. I’ve always been a natural problem-solver, and software development felt like a good fit because it brings together logic, creativity and the opportunity to keep learning.
What I enjoy most is building useful things that contribute to something bigger. As a new father, my work on the Platipus and Whakamoeariki trials has particular meaning, with both focused on improving outcomes for parents and babies. Knowing the systems I help build enable research that can lead to better care gives the work a real-world purpose beyond the technology itself.
I’m based abroad, which means I can also help keep Spiral ticking across time zones, sometimes getting things moving while the rest of the team sleeps.
What's filling Adam’s brain space right now?
Lenny’s Podcast
Lenny Rachitsky
The Perfect Predator
Steffanie Strathdee and Thomas Patterson
A Bit of Optimism
Simon Sinek
What trials I’m working on
Whakamoeariki is a Māori-led, kaupapa Māori-aligned randomised study centred on Māori women and their whānau. The study provides intervention resources (audio, video, and written content) to pregnant women and infant caregivers, with a focus on cultural safety, accessibility, and equity.
What trials I’m working on
PLATIPUS is an innovative adaptive platform trial designed to assess medicines and therapies in pregnancies at risk of preterm birth (birth before 37 weeks' gestation) and in babies born preterm.
Beyond Spiral you’ll find me
Away from my screen, I like to get outside for running, hiking, swimming, camping and sport. I’m particularly fond of parkrun and training towards an event; I like having a goal to work towards and seeing steady progress over time. When the weather drives me indoors, I swap software for painting miniatures for tabletop gaming, equal parts creativity, problem-solving and catching up with friends.