Richard Lester

Dr. Richard Lester is an Associate Professor at the University of British Columbia, affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine and the Division of Infectious Diseases. He leads the UBC mHealth Research Group, focusing on mobile health (mHealth) interventions for infectious diseases, precision public health, and patient-centered care across Canada, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and the USA.

• Director, Infectious Disease Research
• Director, Neglected Global Diseases Initiative
• Consultant, BC Centre for Disease Control

His research spans HIV/TB care, global health equity, and AI applications in conversational health data. He has conducted landmark trials like WelTel Kenya1 and Tushirikiane-4-MH, with publications in Lancet and other top journals. He collaborates with international bodies like WHO and PEPFAR.

Notable Achievements:

• Grand Challenges Canada phase I & II awards
• CIHR Foundation Scheme recipient
• Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research Scholar