Lei Zhang

Lei Zhang is a Professor (Research) and Head of the Artificial Intelligence and Modelling in Epidemiology Program at the School of Translational Medicine, Monash University, Australia. He holds adjunct roles at institutions like Tsinghua University and is a consultant to the WHO Western Pacific Region. His expertise spans HIV/STI epidemiology, mathematical modelling, and AI-driven healthcare solutions.

Education:

• Bachelor of Advanced Science in Mathematics (University of Sydney, 2001)
• Master of Science in Applied Mathematics (University of Sydney, 2003)
• PhD in Medicine (UNSW, 2006)
• Master of Public Health (Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, 2009)

Research Interests:

Prof. Zhang focuses on cross-disciplinary research in HIV/STI epidemiology, AI applications for disease modeling and diagnostics, health economics, and global health policy. His work integrates mathematical models with clinical data to optimize interventions and inform policy.

Key Projects:

• HOPE: Optimizing HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in East Asia
• WHO Collaborations: Supporting global STI programs and policy development
• China-Australia Joint Research Center for Infectious Diseases

Awards:

• 2021 ASRHA Innovation Award for HIV/STI research contributions

Advising & Grants:

Supervised 21 students (6 PhD, 15 MSc) and currently co-supervises 24 students (11 PhD, 13 MSc). Leader of 5+ major research grants, including NHMRC-funded projects on STI control and diabetes research.

Labs/Teams:

Leads the AI & Modelling in Epidemiology Program and collaborates with global networks like UNAIDS, the World Bank, and ministries of health across the Western Pacific region.