Ann Simpson

Prof. Ann Simpson is a Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), affiliated with the School of Life Sciences and the Centre for Health Technologies. She holds leadership roles as Head of the Department of Medical and Molecular Biosciences and Director of the Research Centre for Health Technologies since 2002 and 2006, respectively. Her academic journey includes a BSc (Hons) and PhD in Veterinary Science from the University of Sydney (1986).

Her research focuses on gene therapy for Type 1 diabetes, particularly engineering insulin-producing cells (e.g., Melligen cells) and developing viral vector-based therapies. Collaborations span institutions like Cambridge University and commercial entities like Austrianova Singapore. She has secured funding from NHMRC, ARC, JDRF, and others, leading to over 140 research outputs.

Teaching responsibilities include coordinating Medical and Diagnostic Biochemistry (91344) and Advanced Medical Biochemistry (91193). Prof. Simpson has advised postgraduate students and contributed to grants totaling millions. Her scientific awards include the Australian Diabetes Society Skip Martin Award (2013). Active in professional societies, she is a member of the Australasian Gene Therapy Society and the Australian Diabetes Society.

Her lab includes a Research Fellow, Assistant, and students, with projects on insulin secretion mechanisms, microRNA regulation, and liver cell engineering. Notable achievements include reversing diabetes in animal models and advancing clinical trials for gene therapy applications.