The Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences (AAHMS) welcomes 17 new mentees to the AAHMS Mentorship Program, recognising their potential as emerging leaders in health and medical research.
Chosen from a competitive national pool of applicants, the new mentees will join the Academy as Associate Members for three years and work closely with experienced Fellows as their mentors.
AAHMS Mentorship Program Chair and Fellow, Professor Gail Risbridger AM FAHMS said she was delighted by the large number of applicants this year, which shows the strong reputation of the program within the sector and its growing impact.
Since the program was established in 2015, the Academy has accepted more than 100 mentees to complete the program, with many alumni winning awards, achieving career promotions or taking on leadership roles as mentors themselves.
“This program is an incredible opportunity to learn from some of the top leaders in health and medical research,” said Professor Risbridger. “Mentors provide independent advice and support in career development, succession planning and leadership advancement. The mentees also get the chance to contribute to the Academy’s work, including our policy outputs, while they participate in the program – providing important perspectives.”
The program includes an annual workshop and access to support and networking opportunities.
Applications for the 2026 mentorship program open later this year and applicants can register their interest now by emailing [email protected].
Meet the Academy’s newest mentees below:
Professor Ilana Ackerman, Monash University
Professor Yvonne Anderson, Curtin University
Associate Professor Laura Diamond, Griffiths University
Associate Professor Kylie Dunning, University of Adelaide
Associate Professor Katherine Gibney, The Doherty Institute
Associate Professor Amanda Gwee, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute
Professor Joost Lesterhuis, The Kids Research Institute Australia
Associate Professor Gustavo Machado, The University of Sydney
Professor Zachary Munn, University of Adelaide
Professor Nicola Newton, The University of Sydney
Associate Professor Mark Plummer, University of Adelaide
Associate Professor Kim van Schooten, Neuroscience Research Australia
Associate Professor Sonia Shah, The University of Queensland
Associate Professor Janet Sluggett, The University of South Australia
Associate Professor Lexine Stapinski, The University of Sydney
Associate Professor Phoebe Williams, The University of Sydney
Professor Kaylene Young, The University of Tasmania
Academy media contact: Khaled Chakli | [email protected] | 0423 099 568