Annual Meeting 2025
In an era of rapid scientific advancement and unprecedented information exchange, trust in health and medical science has never been more critical; it underpins every aspect of healthcare and research.
Join us in Canberra on Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 October for our 2025 Annual Meeting as we dissect the role of trust in health and medicine.
We will explore the position of health within the contemporary political landscape, and scrutinise strategies to protect public policy, combat misinformation, and strengthen confidence in health and medical expertise.
Held over two days, the program includes a gala dinner, the induction of the Academy’s new Fellows, celebration of our prestigious honorific award winners, and a diverse scientific program. We hope to see you there.
Program
Tuesday 28 October 2025
Mentorship Workshop
Associate Members and their mentors are invited to the complimentary Mentorship Workshop on Tuesday 28 October 2025. Join us to connect with fellow mentees and learn from a wide range of speakers on theme of ‘Growing as a research leader’. Separate registration is essential – more information on the workshop is available here.
Welcome Reception
Guests arriving in Canberra on the Tuesday afternoon are invited to join an informal welcome reception in Members’ Dining Room 3 at Old Parliament House from 4pm – 6pm. Please indicate your interest in attending during registration.
Wednesday 29 October 2025 - Day 1
Tea and coffee served in foyer on arrival
Welcome to Country
Welcome by Professor Graham Mann FAHMS, Chair, 2025 Annual Meeting Steering Committee
Opening remarks by Professor Louise Baur AM PresAHMS, President
Join us in welcoming and celebrating our new Fellows.
Professor Joan Leach, Deputy-Vice Chancellor (Academic), The Australian National University
This session will explore what we know about the current state of public trust in health and medicine in Australia. It will review recent findings about the levels of trust that exist within the Australian community and explore the key factors shaping this. The session will help to set the scene for the broader program.
This session will explore how misinformation and disinformation are being used to influence public opinion and undermine trust. The discussion will consider how we might combat misinformation and disinformation, and strategies for fostering a more informed and information resilient community.
- Professor Sharon Friel FASSA FAHMS, Director, Australian Research Centre for Health Equity and The Planetary Health Equity Hothouse, The Australian National University
- Associate Professor Raglan Maddox, Senior Fellow, Yardhura Walani, National Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing Research, National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, The Australian National University
- Mr Liam Mannix, National Science Reporter, The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald
Dr John Byron, Principal Policy Adviser, Queensland University of Technology
This talk will explore how misinformation impacts public perceptions and political decisions, and the challenges policymakers face in this environment. It will consider strategies for effectively navigating and countering misinformation to create more informed and resilient policies.
Speaker to be announced.
Speakers to be announced.
This session will explore the basis for a social licence for academic health and medical research and how strong this is in Australia. It will consider whether the social licence is under threat – the current factors that might influence this, and consider whether we have any blind spots or risks. The discussion will consider the global environment and how Australia should reflect on its own situation in this context.
- Professor Michael Kidd AO FAHMS, Chief Medical Officer
- Dr Doug Hilton AO FAA FTSE FAHMS, Chief Executive, CSIRO
- Others to be announced
Professor Graham Mann FAHMS, Director, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University
Professor Louise Baur AM PresAHMS, President
Guests are free to enjoy their personal time before the gala dinner.
Details about Gala Dinner below.
Thursday 30 October 2025 - Day 2
Start your day with a light networking breakfast hosted by our President, Professor Louise Baur AM PresAHMS. Enjoy the chance to connect and be inspired as our brilliant new Fellows rise to the challenge of introducing themselves and their research in just three minutes.
This closing panel will reflect on the key themes and insights from the meeting, exploring how we can strengthen trust in health and medical science moving forward. This session will explore a vision for a future where transparency, collaboration, and innovation build lasting confidence in research, practice, and policy.
Speakers to be announced.
Professor Graham Mann FAHMS, Chair, 2025 Annual Meeting Steering Committee
Professor Louise Baur AM PresAHMS, President
Open only to Fellows and Associate Members. Those unable to join in person will be sent a link to join the online stream.
Bus leaves for airport at 1:30pm sharp.
Gala Dinner
This year’s gala dinner will be held at The Marion, Barrine Drive, Regatta Point on Wednesday 29 October 2025 from 6:00pm – 10:30pm. Registration is essential.
Fellows, Associate Members and special guests are invited to join us for the gala dinner, which celebrates our new Fellows and honorific award recipients.
Join us from 6:00pm for drinks on the deck, before dinner commences at 7:00pm sharp.
Please note the dress code is cocktail attire.
Speakers
Director, Australian Research Centre for Health Equity and The Planetary Health Equity Hothouse, The Australian National University
Professor Michael Kidd AO FAHMS
Chief Medical Officer
Professor Raina MacIntyre FAHMS
Professor and Head, Biosecurity Program and Founder of EPIWATCH®, Kirby Institute
Senior Fellow, Yardhura Walani, National Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing Research, National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, The Australian National University
Mr Liam Mannix
National Science Reporter, The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald
About the venue
Old Parliament House
The meeting takes place at Old Parliament House, which was at the centre of Australian democracy during its formative years. Significant events, protests, meetings and decisions in Australia’s history unfolded within the walls and grounds of Old Parliament House.
Briefly destined for demolition, today Old Parliament House is valued not just for the events that took place in it, but for its architecture and design. This is the building in which democracy matured in Australia. It was here that the nation was shaped.
The Academy wishes to acknowledge the Ngunnawal, Ngunawal and Ngambri peoples, who are the Traditional Custodians of the region in which Old Parliament House is located. We feel honoured to be able to host our Annual Meeting on their land.
Accommodation
There are several accommodation options available close-by to both the meeting venue and the gala dinner venue. We will continue to update this page with discounted options available for our guests.
- Hyatt Hotel Canberra are offering 10% off their standard rate, using the ‘special offer code’ BQTS (for room only) or BQTB (for bed and breakfast). It is a 10-minute walk to Old Parliament House, or 2 minutes by car.
- QT Hotel Canberra is offering a special rate using the promo code QTCONF. It is located approximately 10 minutes by car from Old Parliament House.
- Ovolo Nishi is offering 20% off their flexible rate using the code EVENTS. It is located approximately 6 minutes by car from Old Parliament House.
- Doma Hotels are offering our guests 15% off using the booking code EVENT when you directly book at any of the below. They are all located approximately 5 minutes by car from Old Parliament House:
Partnership opportunities
The Academy is pleased to invite partner organisations to support the 2025 Annual Meeting. As a valued partner, you’ll gain direct access to leading researchers and decision-makers, showcase your organisation and brand, and build lasting connections with a highly engaged audience. Learn more about partnership opportunities here.
Contact
This website will continue to be updated in the lead up to the Annual Meeting – you can refer to it at any time. For more information, please contact [email protected] or call (07) 3102 7219.