PROGRAMME COMMITTEE

Dist. Prof. David Murdoch
University of Otago & ESR

Professor Murdoch is a Distinguished Professor at the University of Otago’s Christchurch campus and Chief Science Advisor for the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR). Previously, he was co-director of One Health Aotearoa and a clinical microbiologist at Canterbury Health Laboratories for over 20 years, including four years as Medical Director. Professor Murdoch has also served as Dean of the Christchurch campus and as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Otago. Professor Murdoch has also advised the Government and government agencies during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr Alice Eruera
University of Otago. Kia Niwha Leader Fellow

Dr Alice-Roza Eruera (Ngāpuhi-nui-tonu, Ngāti Ruanui) is a cryo-electron microscopist who specializes in modelling the 3D structures of viruses and their proteins. These 3D structural models are built computationally using data collected in high-end electron microscopes. These atomic models can inform how viruses' function, infect the host cell, and evolve over time. Dr Eruera has now turned her attention to native viruses from Aotearoa New Zealand which she seeks to solve structures for. These structures should be highly informative about these native viruses, which have evolved in complete isolation for a very long time and are highly distinct and unique to this whenua.

Dr Chris Puli'uvea
Auckland University of Technology

Dr Puli’uvea is a Pacific Immunologist and lecturer in biomedicine and medical diagnostics at Auckland University of Technology. He is interested in better understanding how the immune system responds to various illnesses such as infectious diseases. Dr Puli’uvea is especially interested in the link between variations in immune response and host genetics and how this may influence health outcomes for Māori and Pacific people. His research in immuno-genetics aims to incorporate aspects of precision medicine to improve health outcomes for these population groups.

Dr Fiona Callaghan
Ministry of Health

Dr Fiona Callaghan is the Chief Advisor (Epidemiology) for the Intelligence, Surveillance and Knowledge group in Aotearoa’s Public Health Agency. Fiona gained her PhD at the University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, and began her career at the FDA and in research at the NIH in the US, before moving into the biotechnology industry. Fiona joined Aotearoa’s COVID-19 response in 2020, stepping into her current role in July 2023. Fiona has conducted epidemiological research using large healthcare databases, meta-analyses, and clinical trials, publishing 30+ peer-reviewed articles and governmental reports.

Prof Michael Plank
University of Canterbury

Michael Plank is a Professor in the School of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Canterbury, a Fellow of the New Zealand Mathematical Society, and an Investigator at Te Pūnaha Matatini, New Zealand's Centre of Research Excellence in Complex Systems and Data Analytics. Professor Plank's research interests are in mathematical biology and mathematical epidemiology. His work aims to use mathematical techniques and modelling to help answer research questions in application areas and to support policymaking. His research is interdisciplinary and he has worked in a range of application areas including ecological and social networks, population dynamics, infectious diseases, marine ecosystems and fisheries, collective cell behaviour, and intracellular dynamics.

Dr Richard Jaine
Deputy Director Public Health

Dr Richard Jaine is Deputy Director of Public Health in Aotearoa New Zealand’s Public Health Agency. Richard is a public health physician who has worked in a variety of roles within both academia and central government agencies. He has been in his current role for a number of years and was heavily involved with the COVID-19 response, and now continues to support strategic and policy development in a variety of areas across public health.

Dr Ricky Bell
Te Rau Ora

Dr Bell’s research and professional focus is centred on advancing equity, with a strong commitment to realising the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in every aspect of his work. His research delves into the integration of Indigenous knowledge systems to address public health challenges, as well as exploring how tertiary institutions can form more effective partnerships with Indigenous communities for mutual success. With a strong clinical background, he was honoured to become the first Māori to earn a PhD from the School of Physiotherapy at the University of Otago in 2018. Dr Bell currently serves as the Director of Education and Training at Te Rau Ora.

Dr Stephen Ritchie
University of Auckland

Dr Ritchie is Associate Professor of Molecular Medicine and Pathology at the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences at the University of Auckland, where he teaches medical, nursing and pharmacy students. As an academic infectious disease physician Dr Ritchie works part-time at Auckland City Hospital. Dr Ritchie’s research interest involves how best to use antibiotics to ensure this precious resource lasts long into the future.