Prof Kirsty Short

The University of Queensland, QLD

Conference Convenor

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 Stephanie Gras

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

Conference Co-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. I also lead the national network for Long COVID called KOALA.

@GrasLab

Prof David Watters

Deakin University, University Hospital Geelong, VIC

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 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.

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

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.

A/Prof Danielle Hitch

Deakin university, VIC

Danielle Hitch is an Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy at Western Health and Deakin University. She leads the Western Health COVID Research Collaborative (WHCOVRE) and is co-editor of the book The Rehabilitation and Management of Long COVID: A handbook for clinical practice. Her research reflects her enduring commitment to social and healthcare justice for disadvantaged communities. 

@DanielleHitch

Dr Vivian Tran

La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS), La Trobe University, VIC 

Dr Vivian Tran is a Heart Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow and NHMRC CRE PAVING Manager whose goal is to advance cardiovascular health through research and strong community engagement. She completed her PhD in 2024, developing a novel mouse model of diet-induced metabolic syndrome and uncovering sex-specific responses to lifestyle interventions with implications for personalised cardiovascular care. In her current role, Vivian’s research interests also extend to cardiovascular outcomes in Long COVID, aligning consumer priorities with clinical and research excellence to address emerging challenges. She is deeply committed to bridging science and the community to improve health literacy and foster dialogue between researchers and the public. 

A/Prof Alex Holmes

The Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, VIC

Alex Holmes is Head of consultation-liaison psychiatry at Royal Melbourne Hospital and an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne. His clinical work and research has focussed on the psychiatric sequelae of physical illness, including serious physical injury, pain, multiple sclerosis and brain tumours.

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 the textbook “Rehabilitation and Management of Long COVID”. I am currently a CI on the MRFF project CONCORD: Co-designing a Novel Care Model for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities.