National Speakers

Karlie Flannigan

Lived experience participant, VIC – session CELLULAR MECHANISMS OF LONG COVID 

I was infected with COVID-19 in July 2020 and spent time in a COVID ICU ward. During 56 days in isolation, I developed a range of Long COVID symptoms, some requiring follow-up surgery. I’ve lived with severe asthma for over 40 years and psoriatic arthritis treated with methotrexate. Long-term steroid use led to hearing loss—until COVID unexpectedly restored my hearing. I worked in home and disability support as a mentor, trainer, and HR manager, but had to stop due to ongoing health issues. My family and I have proudly contributed to WEHI’s COVID Profile research to support better understanding and care.

Dr Marcel Doerflinger

Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI), VIC

I am Dr Marcel Doerflinger, Laboratory Head at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI), where I lead the PC3 facility within the Infection and Global Health Division. My research focuses on programmed cell death and its role in immune responses to infection. I completed my PhD at La Trobe University and have held postdoctoral positions at WEHI, building national and international collaborations. As the 2024 Bellberry-Viertel Fellow, my work focusses on understanding disease pathogenesis of high-impact infectious diseases, with the goal to develop new treatments that leverage immune modulation rather than traditional antibiotics.

Leonie Cavill

lived experience participant, VIC – session neurological aspect of long covid 

After contracting Covid in March 2020, I’ve struggled with Long Covid’s debilitating effects. I feel like Long Covid has stolen the past five years of my life due to persistent brain fog, crushing fatigue, migraines and other symptoms. Before Covid, I was active, working, and running my own website. Now, daily life can sometimes be overwhelming.  With medication and learning to pace myself I’m working to rebuild and adapt, but it’s a challenging journey.

A/Prof Lucette Cysique

the kirby institute, usnw, nsw

I am Associate Professor Lucette Cysique, a cross-disciplinary neuropsychologist and Senior Research Fellow at the Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney. My research focuses on the neurocognitive impacts of chronic infectious diseases, particularly HIV and COVID-19, using advanced neuroimaging and neuropsychological methods. I lead and co-lead national and international NeuroHIV and NeuroCOVID studies and founded the NeuroCOVID Special Interest Group of the International Neuropsychological Society in 2020. My work also explores brain ageing, cardiovascular comorbidities, and cross-cultural neuropsychology. Since 2023, I am involved with the Department of Health and Aged Care-funded APPRISE Long COVID Initiative. I have led over 40 cohort studies globally, advancing understanding of brain-immune interactions in infectious disease.

Dr Nirupama Wijesuriya

the george institute for Global Health, nsw

I am Dr Niru Wijesuriya, an experienced clinical research professional with a background in Neuroscience and expertise in designing and implementing large scale clinical trials. In my current role as a senior project manager at the George Institute for Global Health, I lead operational delivery of large-scale clinical trials across several therapeutic areas. I am passionate about conducting impactful clinical research and delivering high quality, robust clinical trials and how we can maximise the impact and translation through early engagement of stakeholders.

Kylie Trounson

LIVEd experience participant, VIC – session respiratory 

Biography in progress

Prof Mark Howard

Institute for Breathing and Sleep, Austin Health, VIC

I am a Clinician Researcher, Director of the Victorian Respiratory Support Service at Austin Health and specialist in respiratory and sleep medicine. My clinical and research program has addressed acute and long-term ventilation for patients with respiratory failure and the impact of sleep disorders on driving and occupational health and safety. I hold academic appointments at The University of Melbourne and Monash University, and Chair the WHO/World Sleep Society,  Sleep and Traffic Safety Task Force. My work integrates clinical care, research, and policy to improve respiratory health and safety outcomes across diverse populations.

Prof Louis Irving

Royal Melbourne Hospital, Director of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, VIC

I’m Professor Louis Irving, former Director of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, and current Director of Clinical Training at the Royal Melbourne Hospital. I’m also Head of the Lung Tumour Stream at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. My career spans clinical care, teaching, and research in lung cancer, COPD, and advanced bronchoscopy. I’ve published over 290 scientific papers and serve on national advisory committees. I’m passionate about improving respiratory health, and have led research and advocacy into Long COVID, including establishing Victorias first public Long Covid clinic and Australia’s first stratified survey on persistent COVID symptoms.

Charlotte McIntyre

LIVEd experience participant, NSW – session cardiovascular 

I caught COVID19 for the first time in June of 2023 and later that year was diagnosed with Long COVID. It completely shattered my life. I was 16 and enjoyed hanging out with my friends and teaching at my dance studio. I became completely bedbound, spending most of my time in a dark, quiet room unable to see family and friends. I devoted all my energy to graduating Year 12, despite not being able to attend a single class. I want to use this difficult experience to advocate for better understanding and support for other young people living with Long COVID.

Dr Marie-Claire Seeley

CEO, The Australian POTS Foundation, sa

I’m Dr Marie-Claire Seeley, CEO of the Australian POTS Foundation and a clinical nurse and research fellow at the University of Adelaide. My work centres on understanding autonomic dysfunction in Long COVID, particularly postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), and improving diagnosis, treatment, and health policy for these often-overlooked conditions. I’m a member of the NHMRC Clinical Guidelines Committee for ME/CFS and Long COVID and lead lived experience–informed research to drive better outcomes for patients and clinicians alike.

A/Prof Erin Howden

Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, VIC

I’m Dr Erin Howden, head of the Cardiometabolic Health and Exercise Physiology Lab at the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute. I hold honorary senior research fellow roles at the University of Melbourne and Monash University. After receiving my PhD from the University of Queensland in 2012, I completed postdoctoral training at the Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine. In 2020, I was awarded a Heart Foundation Future Leader Fellowship and the Sir Laurence Muir Prize as an Emerging Leader. My research seeks to understand the pathophysiology of long COVID and determine whether exercise is an effective therapy in selected individuals.

Karen Dickinson

Lived experience participant, VIC – session on REHABILITATION & RECOVERY  

I’m Karen Dickinson, a former Senior Environmental Policy Advisor for the Victorian Government. I caught COVID-19 in January 2022, and since then, Long COVID has reshaped every part of my life—physically, emotionally, and financially. Before illness, I lived an active, outdoor-focused life with my family and friends, proud to have re-established my career after parental leave. Now medically retired, I manage my condition through medication, meditation, and pacing. I’ve worked through the grief and adjustment of living with a different body and brain. I’m especially grateful to share my experiences with practitioners and others navigating Long COVID.

Prof Steven Faux

St Vincent’s Public Hospital, NSW

I’m Professor Steven Faux, a senior staff specialist and  Director of the department of pain medicine at St Vincent’s Hospital,   Sydney. I’m a Conjoint Professor at UNSW and Adjunct Professor at the University of Notre Dame. I established the Rehabilitation Unit in 2000 and co-lead  Australia’s longest running  multidisciplinary long COVID services. My clinical focus includes chronic pain, stroke, trauma and neuro rehabilitation. I’ve authored over 100 journal articles and received the Ko Awatea International Excellence Award for patient safety. My research spans spasticity, trauma, refugee health, and stroke recovery, with a commitment to advancing rehabilitation medicine in Australia.

Leigh Seidel-Marks 

project lead & dietitian, austin health, VIC

I’m Leigh Seidel Marks, Senior Dietitian and Clinical Lead of the ReCOVery Long COVID Service at Austin Health in Melbourne. I lead a multidisciplinary team supporting patients experiencing persistent symptoms following COVID-19, including fatigue, sleep disturbances, and respiratory issues. Since the clinic’s launch, we’ve helped hundreds of individuals regain function and improve quality of life through tailored symptom management strategies. My work focuses on validating patient experiences and delivering evidence-based care. I’m passionate about raising awareness of long COVID and expanding access to care through GP referrals and staff support initiatives within the Austin Health network.

Ashleigh Power

Lived experience participant, VIC – session MODELS OF CARE   

A few years ago, I was a robotics student, programmer, adventurer, and relentless problem-solver—always moving, always building. Today, I live with Long COVID, POTS, and suspected MCAS.
Basic tasks now leave me breathless, confused, or bedridden. After years of misdiagnosis and dismissal, I’ve learned firsthand how invisible illness can devastate a life—and how often it’s misunderstood.
I’m here to share my story not as an expert, but as someone living through it. I speak in the hope that being seen, heard, and believed becomes the standard—not the exception—for people like me. 

Dr Jenny Huang

banksia medical centre, Geelong Long COVID Clinic, VIC

I’m Dr Jenny Huang, a UK-trained General Practitioner who chose this specialty because I genuinely enjoyed every field I encountered during my training. I’m passionate about building meaningful relationships with my patients—understanding what matters most to them and supporting their physical, mental, and social wellbeing. For me, being a GP is about whole-person care. Since moving to Geelong a year ago, I’ve felt a strong connection to the community and lifestyle—it reminds me of my roots in New Zealand. I’m committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care and helping people live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

A/Prof Nathan Butler

active health clinic, VIC

I’m Nathan, an Accredited Exercise Physiologist and founder of Active Health Clinic. With over 25 years’ experience, I specialise in complex fatigue and dysautonomia-related conditions like ME/CFS and Long COVID, alongside cardiopulmonary, orthopaedic, and neurological rehab. I’ve led programs at Austin Hospital (Melbourne) and the Royal Free Hospital (London), and lecture Master’s students at La Trobe University. I’m involved in MRFF-funded Long COVID research and collaborate widely to advance the evidence base. Living with an invisible illness myself, I bring both clinical expertise and lived insight to our compassionate, science-based care for people with invisible illnesses.

Dr Emma Tippett

Clinic Nineteen Director, Burnet Institute Clinical Research Fellow, VIC

I am Dr Emma Tippett, a medical doctor and infectious diseases specialist with a PhD from the Burnet Institute. Since completing my medical degree in 2012, I have focused on infectious disease research and clinical care in Melbourne. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was deeply involved in response efforts and established one of Victoria’s first long COVID telehealth clinics in 2020. My work integrates clinical practice, research, and public health innovation, with a strong commitment to improving outcomes for patients with complex infectious conditions, including post-viral syndromes and emerging diseases.

Michael Wai

RPA Virtual Hospital, Long COVID Program, NSW

I’m Michael Wai, a Clinical Psychologist at RPA Virtual Hospital in Sydney, where I co-lead the Long COVID Management Program. I previously worked with the RPA and Royal North Shore Long COVID Clinics, providing psychological therapy until their closures. Understanding the ongoing and urgent needs of this vulnerable population, we developed a virtual, multidisciplinary program to support patients in managing the physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges of long COVID. With over 10 years’ experience across public mental health, private hospitals, and Headspace, I’m passionate about holistic, patient-centred care and committed to reducing stigma and improving access to mental health support, especially for underserved communities journey.

Miss Megan Airey

PhD student, the university of queensland, qld
Lived experience participant session PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS   

I am a first-year PhD student at the University of Queensland’s School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, supervised by Prof. Kirsty Short. My research investigates innate immune training in post-viral disease, with a focus on Long-COVID and post-influenza sequelae. Previously, I completed a BSc(Hons) researching highly pathogenic avian influenza virus evolution and tropism in poultry and contributed to research on SARS-CoV-2 humoral immunity. As an individual with a lived experience of Long-COVID, I’m deeply driven to understand the immunological mechanisms behind this disease and to shed more light on it impacts on daily life.

Prof Kirsty Short

The University of Queensland, QLD

I am an NHMRC Fellow at the University of Queensland, specialising in pandemic preparedness for respiratory viruses, particularly influenza and SARS-CoV-2. My research spans a broad spectrum—from long COVID and viral diagnostics to avian influenza—aiming to enhance our understanding and response to current and emerging viral threats. 

@K_RenfreeShort

Prof Brendan Crabb

burnet institute, vic

I am an Australian scientist specialising in infectious disease research. Since 2008, I have led Burnet Institute as Director and CEO and guided its focus on equity as a critical pathway to better health. I played a key role in research, policy, and communication efforts aimed at responding to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic; and have promoted collaboration, funding, and evidence-based approaches to managing future pandemics. I am a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science and the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences. I currently serve as Chair of the Australian Global Health Alliance.

@CrabbBrendan