Early Career Researcher Conference

Speakers

We are proud to present an exceptional lineup of distinguished speakers who are leaders and innovators in their fields. Each brings unique insights and expertise to our conference, promising thought-provoking discussions and inspiring ideas.

Health, Social, Emotional and Cultural Wellbeing

Dr Darren Saunders

NSW Deputy Chief Scientist & Engineer
Darren is a Eureka Prize-winning scientist with 20+ years in cancer biology and neuroscience. As NSW Deputy Chief Scientist & Engineer, he leads RNA initiatives and scientific reviews. A senior advisor with EB&Co, he also contributes to workplace culture and discrimination reviews. He's an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Sydney, a regular media commentator, and a committed thalassophile.

Professor Martina Sanderson-Smith

Director, Molecular Horizons Research Institute
Professor Martina Sanderson-Smith is a molecular bacteriologist at the University of Wollongong, specialising in Streptococcus pyogenes (Strep A). She earned her PhD at UOW and held an Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship in Germany. In 2024, she was part of a team awarded the Eureka Prize for Infectious Disease Research. Martina directs UOW’s Molecular Horizons Research Institute, leads work on antimicrobial resistance, and champions equity, diversi

Future Industries, Education and Governance for Tomorrow's World

Distinguished Professor Willy Susilo

Director, Institute of Cybersecurity and Cryptology
Willy Susilo is a Distinguished Professor at the University of Wollongong and Director of its Institute of Cybersecurity and Cryptology. A leading researcher in cryptography and network security, he holds an ARC Laureate Fellowship and received the 2024 NSW Premier's Prize for Science and Engineering. He is an IEEE, IET, ACS, AAIA, and AIIA Fellow, with 500+ publications. He also serves as Editor-in-Chief and associate editor for several intern

Another exciting speaker will be announced soon!

Planet Health, Environment and Sustainability

Distinguished Professor Sharon Robinson AM

Deputy Director Science Implementation, ARC SAEF Program
Sharon Robinson researches how Antarctic plants respond to climate change, using radiocarbon to date mosses and track environmental shifts. Dean of Researcher Development at UOW and a 2024 ARC Laureate Fellow, she's a UNEP lead author, Co-Chair of SCAR ANTOS, and has joined 14 Antarctic expeditions, passionately conserving biodiversity.

Another exciting speaker will be announced soon!