International Speakers

A/Prof Michael Peluso

the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), USA

I am an infectious disease physician and researcher at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). In March 2020, I launched the UCSF Long-term Impact of Infection with Novel Coronavirus (LIINC, pronounced “link”) research program—one of the first post-COVID initiatives globally. LIINC has supported over 75 collaborations investigating the causes of Long COVID and includes an observational cohort, tissue biopsy program, and imaging studies.

I also lead the Long COVID Trials Unit at UCSF, where we conduct a range of clinical trials evaluating potential therapeutics for Long COVID. In addition, I oversee the UCSF sites for the national RECOVER program and co-direct the Long COVID Clinic at San Francisco General Hospital.

@MichaelPelusoMD
Photo Credit Noah Berger, UCSF

A/Prof David Strain

UNIVERSITY OF EXETER, UK

I’m an Associate Professor in Cardiometabolic Health at the University of Exeter Medical School, with a focus on microvascular structure and function. Clinically, I lead a community service for older adults with diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and I also support the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Service in East Devon as an in-patient consultant. Since April 2020, I’ve been the clinical lead for COVID services in South West England. I’ve contributed to the national Long COVID taskforce and helped drive research into its causes and potential treatments, particularly exploring its overlap with ME/CFS. I’ve worked with the BMA and government to advocate for patients—especially healthcare workers—affected by Long COVID, and I’ve helped shape national education on ME/CFS through the NHS Task Force.

In September 2024, I was appointed the inaugural UK Parliamentary Thematic Research Lead for Health with the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology. In this role, I help ensure that parliamentarians are informed by the latest medical research when shaping policy and scrutinising government actions.

@DocStrain