Līga Kukša is a researcher specializing in clinical medicine and tuberculosis treatment. Her work focuses on drug-resistant tuberculosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pharmacological interventions in Latvia. She collaborates with European institutions like the Tuberculosis Network European Trials group (TBnet) and contributes to global health initiatives.
Francis Drobniewski is the Chair in Global Health and Tuberculosis at Imperial College London's Faculty of Medicine, Department of Infectious Disease. He holds honorary professorships at Queen Mary University of London, King's College London, and Bournemouth University. His roles include leadership in the NHS, WHO, and global health initiatives. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology and ESCMID, and has served on multiple international committees addressing AMR and TB/HIV. Education: MA (Trinity College Dublin), MB BS (St Bartholomew's Medical College), PhD (University of Cambridge), MSc/DTM&H (London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine). Certifications include Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and leadership training. Research focuses on tuberculosis diagnostics, AMR mechanisms, and public health strategies for respiratory diseases. Key interests include TB/HIV co-infection dynamics, drug resistance evolution, and vaccine hesitancy mitigation. He leads projects funded by EU Horizon programs, NIHR, and Wellcome Trust. His work on the VAROT Study and EuCARE consortium addresses ototoxicity from aminoglycosides and SARS-CoV-2 variant impacts. He pioneered the UK National Mycobacterium Reference Laboratory and chairs WHO's European Lab Initiative. Awards: Fellowships in microbiology and ESCMID membership. Recognized for contributions to TB diagnostics and global health policy. Advising/Grants: Principal Investigator for EU-funded projects. Collaborates with industry on diagnostic development. Leads training programs in Eastern Europe and Ukraine. Directs Health Sciences Research Ltd, supporting early-career scientists. Labs: Former Director of UK's National TB Reference Lab (1996–2015). Currently advises NHS Dorset as a part-time Consultant Microbiologist. Research integrates clinical, social, and genetic data from longitudinal cohorts in Europe and LMICs.
Elizabeth Whittaker is a Professor of Practice in Paediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology at Imperial College London's Faculty of Medicine, with clinical roles as a Consultant in Paediatric Infectious Diseases at St Mary's Hospital. She leads research and clinical initiatives in high-consequence infectious diseases (HCIDs), paediatric TB, and post-COVID-19 conditions. Key roles include National Clinical Lead for HCIDs in children (NHSE), Director of Research at West London Children's Healthcare (WLCH), and co-lead for HCID at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. Affiliations: Centre for Paediatrics and Child Health (PaeCH), Vaccine Research Network, British Paediatric Allergy Infection and Immunity Group (BPAIIG), and PTBNET. Educations: MB BAO BCH (Trinity College Dublin, 2002), PhD in Immune responses to mycobacteria (Imperial College London, 2013), DTM&H (Gorgas Course, 2009). Her research focuses on infant immune development, TB susceptibility, and vaccine hesitancy, with emphasis on global collaboration. She leads projects like the Teen TB cohort study and contributes to WHO guidelines on paediatric TB. Her work addresses viral co-infections, genetic predisposition to severe infections, and long-term outcomes of emerging diseases like monkeypox and MIS-C. Publications highlight her expertise in post-COVID-19 syndrome, HCID management, and vaccination policy. Awards include the Bruno Orsi Medal for research excellence. She chairs national committees on TB, HCIDs, and vaccine hesitancy, advocating for integrated clinical-research pathways in child health. Grants & Funding: Wellcome Trust (PhD), multiple NHS research grants, and international collaborations through the IMPRINT and INVAR networks. Labs/Teams: Leads the Imperial College Paediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group and collaborates with SATVI (South Africa) on TB research.
PhDr. Lukáš Kober PhD., MPH is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Catholic University in Ružomberok. He also serves as Director of the Slovak Chamber of Nurses and Midwives (SKSaPA) Office since 2020 and is a member of SKSaPA's Council and Presidium. His career spans nursing practice, academic roles, and public health advocacy. Education: Holds a PhD in Nursing, MPH in Public Health Management, and multiple specialized certifications from institutions like Trnava University and Slovak Medical University. Employment History: Over 15 years of experience including roles as Advanced Practice Registered Nurse at the National Institute of Tuberculosis (2004–2020), professional representative for Home Nursing Agencies, and lecturer in nursing education. Research interests focus on tuberculosis epidemiology, public health policy, infection control, and ethical aspects of nursing practice. He has led projects developing textbooks on infection prevention and rehabilitation procedures post-surgery. His work emphasizes healthcare workforce well-being and pandemic preparedness. Notable publications include studies on tuberculosis trends in Slovakia, nurse workload management during the pandemic, and ethical frameworks in palliative care. Awards include the prestigious 'White Heart' recognition for nursing excellence in 2016 and 2018. Current projects involve advancing nursing education standards and advocating for policies addressing healthcare worker mental health. He is actively involved in editorial roles for nursing journals and national health working groups.
Professor Gail Matthews is a leading Infectious Diseases Physician at The Kirby Institute , University of New South Wales, and Head of Infectious Diseases at St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney . As a UNSW Scientia Fellow and NHMRC Career Development Fellow, her work focuses on HIV/viral hepatitis co-infection and long-term sequelae of COVID-19 . Research Interests : HIV, hepatitis B/C, antiviral resistance, clinical trials, immunology Awards : NHMRC Career Development Fellowships (Level 1, 2013; Level 2, 2019), UNSW Scientia Fellow (2019) Publications : Over 326 journal articles on topics including HCV reinfection , HIV/HBV coinfection , long-term SARS-CoV-2 outcomes , and infections in people who inject drugs . Email : gmatthews@kirby.unsw.edu.au
Dr. Win Min Han is an infectious disease researcher at the University of New South Wales' Kirby Institute, with additional affiliations as an Investigator with the AIDS Clinical Trial Group Network and Affiliated Researcher at Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. He holds MD, MSc, and PhD qualifications with specialized training in clinical epidemiology and virology. His research focuses on HIV-related comorbidities in aging populations, viral hepatitis co-infections, and epidemiological patterns of infectious diseases in vulnerable groups. Primary interests include: Pathophysiology of aging with HIV Clinical trial design for co-infections Cancer epidemiology in immunocompromised patients Metabolic complications of long-term ART Public health interventions for key populations Publication analysis reveals consistent focus on longitudinal outcomes of HIV management, with recent work emphasizing geriatric syndromes, metabolic complications, and innovative treatment monitoring approaches. His 60+ publications demonstrate methodological expertise in cohort studies, clinical trials, and predictive modeling. Awards & Honors: 2024: IAS/ANRS Lange/van Tongeren Prize, CROI New Investigator Scholarship 2023: ACTG's International HIV Investigator Mentorship, CROI Scholarship 2021: APACC Young Investigator Scholarship 2020: AIDS 2020 International Scholarship 2019: Scientia PhD Scholarship (2019-2023) 2018: Multiple conference scholarships including CROI and International AIDS Conference 2017: Triple scholarships from International AIDS Society As an active member of the AIDS Clinical Trial Group Network, he contributes to multicenter studies on HIV comorbidities. His international collaborations span Thailand, Australia, and global research consortia.
Benjamin Hegarty is a Senior Research Fellow in the Asia and Pacific Health Program at the Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, and a Research Affiliate at the School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography, University of Oxford. He holds a PhD from the Australian National University (ANU), an MA from Monash University, and a BA from Griffith University. His research bridges medical anthropology, transgender studies, and queer theory, focusing on health inequities and gender norms, particularly in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. He leads projects on transgender rights, HIV/AIDS policy, and the intersection of health and human rights for marginalized populations. Key research interests include the anthropology of technology, gender citizenship, and the globalization of transgender knowledge. Notable achievements include authoring The Made-Up State: Technology, Trans Femininity, and Citizenship in Indonesia (2022), which won the 2023 Anne Bolin and Gilbert Herdt Book Prize. He has also received the 2018 Australian Anthropological Society PhD Thesis Prize and ANU Gender Institute recognition. Current projects include a French Institutes for Advanced Studies Fellowship (2024–2025) exploring viral symbiosis and multispecies anthropology. Hegarty’s work appears in journals like Medical Anthropology , American Ethnologist , and Global Public Health . He is affiliated with initiatives such as the Australian Human Rights Institute and the Center for HIV AIDS Research at Atma Jaya Catholic University.
Professor Guy Marks is a Conjoint Professor in the School of Clinical Medicine within the Faculty of Medicine & Health at the University of New South Wales. A distinguished respiratory physician, epidemiologist, and public health physician, he has led the Respiratory and Environmental Epidemiology group at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research since 1997. His work bridges clinical practice, epidemiological research, and public health policy with a focus on improving lung health globally. Professor Marks' educational background includes: Bachelor of Medical Science and Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (BMedSc MB BS) from the University of New South Wales PhD from the University of Sydney Membership in the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP) Fellowship of the Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine (FAFPHM) Fellowship of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences (FAHMS) Professor Marks' research program centers on lung health with specific emphasis on airways diseases, air pollution, and tuberculosis. His work spans epidemiological studies, clinical trials, and public health interventions aimed at improving respiratory health outcomes. He has a strong commitment to capacity building for lung health research, particularly in resource-limited settings. His research has significantly contributed to understanding the impact of environmental factors on respiratory diseases and developing effective strategies for tuberculosis control. Analysis of Professor Marks' recent publications (2023-2025) reveals a continued strong focus on tuberculosis epidemiology and control, air pollution health effects, and respiratory disease management. His work increasingly incorporates advanced methodologies including machine learning applications for tuberculosis detection, detailed air pollution modeling, and economic evaluations of public health interventions. Much of his research maintains a strong international perspective with significant collaborations across the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in Vietnam. Professor Marks is an active member of several professional societies: International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand Australasian Epidemiological Association While specific details about his advising activities and grant funding are not provided in the available information, Professor Marks' extensive publication record and leadership of the Respiratory and Environmental Epidemiology group at the Woolcock Institute suggest substantial experience mentoring students and securing research funding. His work on tuberculosis prevention trials and air pollution health effects likely involves significant grant support. Professor Marks leads the Respiratory and Environmental Epidemiology group at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, which has been active since 1997. This research team focuses on population-level studies of respiratory diseases with particular expertise in tuberculosis epidemiology, air pollution health effects, and asthma/COPD management. The group maintains strong international collaborations, especially with researchers in Vietnam and other Asia-Pacific countries, reflecting Professor Marks' commitment to global lung health research and capacity building.
Christopher C. Whalen is a Professor in the Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics at the University of Georgia's College of Public Health , with affiliations to the Global Health Institute. He holds the Karen and Jim Holbrook Distinguished Professorship in Global Health and is a UGA Distinguished Research Professor. His research focuses on reducing mortality from infectious diseases, particularly tuberculosis (TB) and HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa, with emphasis on Uganda. He leads studies on TB control methods, HIV-TB coinfection mechanisms, and clinical care improvements. Since 1993, he has secured continuous federal grant funding for projects including household contacts studies, social network analyses, cohort studies, and clinical trials in Africa. Key Achievements: Trained over 100 graduate students via the AIDS Training and Research Program in Uganda since 1992. Developed capacity in immunology, microbiology, and data sciences in Africa. Expert in study design, causal inference, and analysis of large datasets. Advising & Grants: Serves as Principal Investigator (PI) for long-term training and research programs. Office hours: Tuesdays 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. or by appointment.
Dr. Mukhlesur Rahman is an Associate Professor in Pharmaceutical and Natural Product Chemistry at the University of East London (UEL), leading the Medicines Research Group since 2020. He is also the Subject Area Lead for Drug and Chemical Sciences. He developed the BSc and MSc Pharmaceutical Science programs at UEL between 2012-2019. Education: BPharm (Hons) with First Class, MPharm with First Class, PhD. Research Interests: Bioassay-guided isolation of anti-infective compounds from plants and microbes, synthesis of bioactive natural products, NMR spectroscopy in drug discovery, ethnopharmacology, and applications of HPLC/LCMS for herbal medicine quality control. Publications: Over 30 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and editorials focusing on antimicrobial natural products, drug discovery, and computational phytochemistry. Recent work includes studies on anti-MRSA compounds from Citrus grandis and Ruta chalepensis, as well as synthetic drug candidates for tuberculosis and leprosy. Labs/Teams: Leads the Medicines Research Group, collaborating on drug discovery projects involving plant-derived compounds and synthetic drug design.
Yeon Soo Baik, PhD is an Assistant Scientist in the Department of International Health at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, specializing in epidemiology with a focus on tuberculosis and HIV research. Their work spans multiple international settings including Uganda, South Africa, Botswana, and Bangladesh, addressing critical questions in infectious disease control and public health implementation. Dr. Baik completed their PhD at the University of California Los Angeles in 2019, with subsequent postdoctoral training in epidemiology. Their research expertise encompasses epidemiologic methods, translational epidemiology, molecular epidemiology, transmission and prediction modeling, longitudinal cohort analysis, and health economics specifically applied to TB/HIV research. Dr. Baik's research program demonstrates strong focus on implementation science, with numerous projects examining tuberculosis self-testing strategies in Peru, diagnostic accuracy of GeneXpert Ultra testing in South Africa, validation of clinical risk scores for early TB management in Uganda, and evaluation of short-course tuberculosis preventive therapy delivery options. They have also investigated Korea's contribution to global tuberculosis eradication efforts. Analysis of their recent publications reveals consistent focus on tuberculosis prevention and treatment among people living with HIV, with particular attention to implementation barriers, cost considerations, and patient preferences in resource-limited settings. Their work increasingly incorporates methodological approaches from health economics and behavioral science to address implementation challenges. Dr. Baik actively collaborates with researchers across multiple institutions and countries, with research output showing steady growth from 2018 to 2025. Their work has been cited in various contexts, including news outlets and social media, indicating broader impact beyond academic circles. Through their research, Dr. Baik has established expertise in quantitative epidemiology that extends beyond TB/HIV to include Chagas disease, respiratory and neurological diseases, and sexually transmitted infections, demonstrating methodological versatility in addressing diverse public health challenges.
Samyra Cox, PhD, MPH is an Assistant Scientist at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, affiliated with the Department of International Health in the Global Disease Epidemiology and Control division. She is an infectious disease epidemiologist with fifteen years of global health experience, primarily in tuberculosis (TB) programs and research. Education: PhD, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (2024) MPH, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health (2017) Dr. Cox's research focuses on using epidemiologic and implementation research methods to answer policy-relevant questions about optimizing interventions for TB. She has been collaborating with Indian researchers on prospective cohort studies and trials focused on TB since 2017, including several studies under the Regional Prospective Observational Research for TB (RePORT) consortium. Her work spans multiple areas including TB detection, treatment outcomes, post-TB sequelae, and implementation of TB control strategies in India and Central Asia. Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on TB epidemiology in India and Uganda, with particular attention to case detection methods, treatment outcomes, and the intersection of TB with other health conditions like HIV and undernutrition. Her research combines observational studies with implementation science approaches to generate evidence that can directly inform TB control policies. Scientific Awards: 2024 Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awardee (F31AI183564), National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases 2024 Arthur M. Dannenberg Jr. Research Award, Johns Hopkins Center for TB Research 2024 Abe Lilienfeld Scholarship Fund, Epidemiology, BSPH 2023 David and Elinor Bodian Scholarship, BSPH 2021-2023 Epidemiology Chairs Fellowship, BSPH 2017 Delta Omega Public Health Honor Society, BSPH 2016 MPH Field Experience Fund Award Recipient (Tajikistan), BSPH 2016 Reed-Frost and Bernstein Scholarship Recipient, BSPH 2010 Department of State Title VIII Grant Recipient, American Councils (Persian language study in Tajikistan) Dr. Cox is actively involved in multiple research projects including the TB Aftermath hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial which assesses the comparative effectiveness of home-based vs. phone screening for TB in the post-treatment period in India, and the TB Free Schools Initiative in India, a cohort study that assesses the yield of active case finding for TB among school children. She also has interests in identifying and testing novel strategies to help close the case detection gap for TB in Tajikistan and other Central Asian countries. Her research is conducted through collaborations with the Johns Hopkins Center for TB Research and the RePORT consortium, focusing on generating evidence to optimize TB control strategies in resource-limited settings.
Annie Luetkemeyer, MD is a Professor in the School of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), with affiliations at San Francisco General Hospital (SFGH). Her work focuses on HIV therapeutics, viral hepatitis treatment, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and tuberculosis (TB) in the context of HIV coinfection. She has extensive experience in clinical trials, particularly regarding hepatitis C elimination strategies, post-exposure prophylaxis (DoxyPEP), and novel antiviral therapies. Education & Training: MD - Harvard Medical School (1999) AB in American Studies - Stanford University (1994) Infectious Diseases Fellowship - UCSF (2007) Advanced Training in Clinical Research - UCSF (2006) Internal Medicine Residency - UCSF (2003) Research Interests: Dr. Luetkemeyer's research addresses critical gaps in managing HIV and coinfections. Her work emphasizes: Optimizing antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens Developing hepatitis C elimination strategies using direct-acting antivirals Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for STIs like gonorrhea and syphilis Understanding immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) in TB/HIV coinfection Evaluating digital health tools to improve treatment adherence Key Contributions: Her studies include: Leading the DoxyPEP trial evaluating doxycycline for STI prevention Pioneering community-based hepatitis C treatment models Meta-analyses of convalescent plasma for severe COVID-19 Investigating drug resistance patterns in Treponema pallidum Awards & Recognition: While no specific awards are listed, her extensive publication record and leadership in high-impact trials reflect significant contributions to infectious disease research. Labs & Collaborations: Based at UCSF/SFGH, she collaborates with global networks like the AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) and the Tuberculosis Trials Consortium (TBTC).
Dr. Carina Marquez is an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital (ZSFG). She holds an MD from UCSF (2008), an MPH from UC Berkeley (2001), and completed her Internal Medicine Residency and Infectious Diseases Fellowship at UCSF. Her research focuses on TB transmission dynamics in East Africa and reducing health disparities in Latino communities in the US, particularly regarding HIV and respiratory viruses. She co-founded Unidos en Salud and leads the SALUD clinic, dedicated to multidisciplinary care for Latino HIV patients. Her notable awards include the Hellman Family Award (2017–2019) and the 2021 Distinguished Citizen Award from the Commonwealth Club. She has led NIH-funded initiatives like the RADx-UP program to increase Latino community access to COVID-19 testing. Her work spans clinical care, global health equity, and implementation science, emphasizing community-academic partnerships. Key grants include a NIH R01 for socio-spatial networks in TB infection (2020–2025) and a CDC-funded study on RSV vaccine uptake among Latino older adults (2024–2029). Her research highlights include reducing TB transmission via universal HIV testing in Uganda and addressing disparities in Latino healthcare access.
Charles Kemmler, MD, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Emergency Medicine at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, and a Medical Officer in the U.S. National Disaster Medical System. He is an Associate Scholar at the Center for Global Health, with extensive experience in global health initiatives in Pakistan, Botswana, and South Africa. His work focuses on emergency and disaster medicine education, clinical care, and medical education research. His research interests center on Emergency Medicine , Disaster Preparedness , and Medical Education , with a strong emphasis on building clinical and educational capacity in underserved regions. Dr. Kemmler has contributed to emergency medicine training programs in low-resource settings, particularly through curriculum development, bedside teaching, simulation-based training, and program evaluation. The available publication highlights his work evaluating a one-year emergency medicine training program in Karachi, Pakistan, reflecting broader trends in global emergency care development, educational assessment, and health systems strengthening in resource-limited environments. Fellow of the American College of Emergency Physicians (FACEP) Dr. Kemmler has mentored medical students, residents, and international scholars through global health programs and visiting faculty roles. He has contributed to grant-funded and institutional initiatives, including the Certification Program in Emergency Medicine at Indus Hospital and Health Network and the Botswana-UPenn partnership. He co-directed a course on Contemporary Pandemics, integrating clinical training with social and policy considerations in HIV and tuberculosis care. He has been actively involved in disaster response operations, serving as Chief Medical Officer for South Carolina-1 Disaster Medical Assistance Team during Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, where he led provider education and operational decision-making.