Scientific Committee

Prof Stephanie Gras

La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (lims), la trobe university, VIC

Conference Convenor

I am a Distinguished Professor of Biochemistry and Deputy Director of the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS), where I lead the Viral & Structural Immunology Laboratory. I am currently supported by an NHMRC Leadership Investigator Grant. I’ve published over 150 papers in top journals (Nature & Science) and received multiple fellowships (ARC FF, NHMRC CDF2, NHMRC SRFA, NHMRC L2 Investigator) and awards, including the Georgina Sweet Award and the ASBMB Shimadzu Medal. My lab focuses on T cell-mediated immunity, particularly antigen recognition, using structural biology to inform the development of new therapeutic strategies. My research program encompasses the study of viral infections—including influenza, HIV, and SARS-CoV-2—and their long-term impacts, such as Long COVID. 

@GrasLab

Prof David Watters

Deakin University, University Hospital Geelong, VIC

Conference Co-Convenor

I’m Alfred Deakin Professor of Surgery at Deakin University, based at the University Hospital Geelong, and Director of Surgery at Safer Care Victoria. I specialise in general, colorectal, and endocrine surgery, Past President of RACS and advocate for global surgery in low- and middle-income countries. My career spans nearly 20 years abroad, including PNG, Zambia, and Hong Kong. I’ve led major perioperative initiatives in Victoria, chaired the VPACS research group, and co-convened Australia’s first Long COVID conference. With over 250 publications and seven books, I’m committed to surgical education, global health, and improving outcomes across the patient journey.

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

A/Prof Bernard Shiu

Clinical Director of Banksia Medical Centre, VIC

I am Associate Professor Bernard Shiu, Clinical Director at Banksia Medical Centre and Geelong Long COVID Clinic. I am also an Affiliate Associate Professor at Deakin University’s School of Medicine. My clinical interests include chronic disease management, mental health, and procedural general practice. I lead a multidisciplinary team committed to delivering comprehensive, patient-centreded care in regional Australia. I actively contribute to medical education as a supervisor and examiner for the RACGP and am involved in training the next generation of GPs. My work integrates clinical leadership, teaching, and advocacy to improve primary healthcare delivery and outcomes across diverse communities.

@drbernardshiu

A/Prof Danielle Hitch

Deakin university, VIC

I’m an Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy, experienced allied health clinician, educator, and researcher with over 25 years as an occupational therapist and 15 years in research. I’ve worked at Deakin University since 2009 and currently hold a joint role with Western Health, leading research in Long COVID, occupational therapy, health systems, and consumer engagement. In 2018, I was appointed the inaugural Allied Health Research and Translation Lead, mentoring clinicians across 11 disciplines and founding the Western Health COVID-19 Recovery Collaborative. My previous work focused on psychosocial rehabilitation and knowledge translation in mental health.

@DanielleHitch

A/Prof Alex Holmes

The Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, VIC

I’m an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Melbourne and Head of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry at The Royal Melbourne Hospital. My clinical and research work focuses on the psychiatric impacts of physical illness, including serious injury, pain, multiple sclerosis, and brain tumours. I work across general hospitals and homeless mental health services, combining clinical care with research, advocacy, and service development. I’m passionate about improving mental health outcomes for people with complex medical conditions and regularly contribute to professional education and public discourse on mental health.

Prof Christine McDonald 

AUstin health, Respiratory and sleep team director, vic

I’m Professor Christine McDonald, Director of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine at Austin Health and a practising respiratory physician. My clinical and research interests focus on chronic lung disease, pulmonary rehabilitation and  oxygen therapy.  I’ve led national efforts in respiratory education and training, receiving the TSANZ 50th Anniversary Medal and becoming a Member of the Order of Australia in 2018. I’m passionate about translating research into practice, mentoring future clinicians, and improving patient outcomes.

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.

Dr Joanne Wrench

austin health, Director of Psychology & Senior Clinical Neuropsychologist, VIC

 I’m Jo Wrench, a clinical neuropsychologist, senior health leader and clinical researcher with over 20 years experience in public health. I’m currently the Director of Psychology at Austin Health and an Honorary Fellow at the University of Melbourne.  I combine my clinical and research expertise with quality improvement science and health service development to enhance access to care and promote innovative models of practice within public health. In 2021 I codeveloped and oversaw an allied health Long COVID rehabilitation service and am the co-editor of an upcoming textbook “Rehabilitation and Management of Long COVID”.

Gerard Flannigan

lived experience participant, VIC

I’m a retired financial crime specialist who first contracted COVID in July 2020 and have lived with Long COVID symptoms ever since. My condition led to early retirement from a career where I was a subject matter expert in a complex money laundering typology, training domestic and international law enforcement and financial institutions. In late 2020, my family and I joined WEHI’s COVID Profile research, and we’ve continued contributing to studies in 2025. I’ve served as a lived experience representative on four Long COVID steering committees, helping shape programs and surveys to better support those affected by this condition.

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.

Dr Chansavath Phetsouphanh 

the Kirby Institute, UNSW, NSW

I am Dr Chansavath Phetsouphanh, Senior Lecturer at the Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, within the Immuno-Virology and Pathogenesis Program. After completing my PhD at UNSW in 2014, I undertook postdoctoral research at the University of Oxford, focusing on MAIT cells and cytotoxic CD4 T cells in HIV infection. My current research explores T-cell responses to viral infections, the immunological mechanisms behind long COVID, and immunopeptidomics for HIV eradication. I am deeply committed to advancing our understanding of immune dysfunction and developing innovative approaches to infectious disease management through translational immunology.

@c_phetsouphanh

Prof Sally Hall Dykgraaf  

australian national university, ACT

am Professor Sally Hall Dykgraaf, Head of the Rural Clinical School at the Australian National University. As a health services researcher and Registered Nurse, my work focuses on rural and remote health, primary care, and health system performance. I specialise in qualitative and mixed methods research, including social network analysis and qualitative comparative analysis. My career spans clinical practice, policy development, and academic leadership. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was seconded to the Commonwealth Department of Health, contributing to policy through rapid reviews and action research. I continue to lead research and education initiatives to strengthen rural healthcare delivery.