Workshop

Sponsored by

This workshop brings together researchers, clinicians, policymakers, health economists and public servants, as well as individuals with lived experience of Long COVID to foster collaboration and accelerate discovery. By sharing data, aligning efforts, and identifying gaps, we aim to avoid duplication and maximise impact. Participants will explore synergies across disciplines and co-develop strategic research priorities. The goal is to deliver faster, more effective outcomes for individuals living with Long COVID.

Program of the Workshop

12.30	REGISTRATION OPEN
1.00pm	Workshop opening, *Prof Stephanie Gras (LIMS, VIC), Conference Convenor*
1.10	Session on MRFF projects (5 mins presentation, 5 mins questions) Chairs: Prof Kirsty Short (The University of Queensland, QLD) & Prof Stephanie Gras, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS), La Trobe university, (VIC) Gerard Flannigan, Lived experience participant (VIC) Professor Catherine Itsiopoulos, RMIT University (VIC) – Experience-Based Co-Design: Towards a Consumer-Led, Integrative Model of Care for People with Long-COVID Dr Rhiannon Werder, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (VIC) – Of Mice and Men: Modelling the Cellular and Molecular Basis of Long COVID Prof Kirsty Short, The University of Queensland (QLD) – ALL IN – AI and Laboratory Led IdentificatioN of PASC Dr Marcel Doerflinger, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI), (VIC) – What can mice tell us about long COVID? Dr Chansavath Phetsouphanh, The Kirby Institute, UNSW (NSW) – Biomarker Discovery and Mechanistic Insights into Post-Viral Syndrome Prof Stephanie Gras, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS), La Trobe university, (VIC) – CRISP: Consumer-led Research Initiative on food and drink Sensitivity in PASC Dr Oyuka Byambasuren, Bond University (NSW) – Long COVID Treatments: Finding Common Ground Between Evidence and Experience A/Prof Erin Howden, Baker Institute (VIC) – Rationale and Design of the FRIEND Study (Female bRainstem alterations during strEss in autoNomic Disease States)
3.00pm	AFTERNOON TEA
3.30	Session on Flash talks (5 mins) Chairs: Prof Kirsty Short (The University of Queensland, QLD) & Prof Stephanie Gras, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS), La Trobe university, (VIC) Dr Rose Luo, RMIT University (VIC) – Understanding the impacts of Long COVID: A national longitudinal survey study Dr Paul Gill, Monash University (VIC) – Investigating the immunomodulatory and clinical effects of using dietary fibre intervention to target the gut microbiota in patients with Long COVID Dr Jiahui Qian, National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) (NSW) – Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) Dr Emma Grant, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS), La Trobe University, (VIC) – Beyond Fatigue: Mapping the symptoms of Long COVID Dr Naomi Whyler, Clinic Nineteen (VIC) – Navigating pregnancy with long COVID: a clinical tool for patients and practitioners Dr Sarah Annesley, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS), La Trobe University (VIC) – Overlapping PBMC gene expression profiles in ME/CFS and Long COVID Dr Keng Chew, The University of Queensland (QLD) – SARS-CoV-2 infection produces chronic inflammation in obese mice that can be partially reduced by therapeutic SARS-CoV-2 vaccination Rebecca Law, RMIT University (VIC) – Engaging consumers and experts in the design of an online Qigong program for Long-COVID Dr Ruby Biezen, The University of Melbourne (VIC) – OUTPOST – Outcomes POST COVID Dr Emma Tippett, Clinic Nineteen (VIC) – Burnet Institute’s capacity and plan for Long COVID research
4.00	SHORT BREAK
4.15	SESSION Round table discussion Chairs: Prof Kirsty Short (The University of Queensland, QLD) & Prof Stephanie Gras, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS), La Trobe university, (VIC)
5.30pm	Conclusion of the Workshop