Kathy Wu | Genetics and Genomics | Women Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kathy Wu | Genetics and Genomics | Women Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kathy Wu | Genetics and Genomics | Women Researcher Award | Clinical Geneticist | St Vincent’s Clinical Genomics | Australia

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kathy Wu is an accomplished clinician-researcher, medical geneticist, and academic leader who has made transformative contributions to the field of genomics and precision medicine. She is internationally recognized for pioneering clinical genomics services that integrate research, clinical care, and education to improve health outcomes for patients with rare diseases, cancer predisposition syndromes, and pharmacogenomic treatment needs. As the Founding Head of St Vincent’s Clinical Genomics, she successfully developed a multidisciplinary model that delivers comprehensive diagnostic services and leads translational research programs. Her visionary leadership has resulted in establishing Australia’s first preventive genomics clinic and integrating pharmacogenomics into mental health care, bridging gaps between innovation and patient-centered healthcare delivery.

Professional Profile

Education

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kathy Wu completed her medical degree followed by postgraduate training in internal medicine and clinical genetics. She holds specialist recognition as a Clinical Geneticist from the Human Genetics Society of Australasia and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. Her academic career is complemented by conjoint appointments at leading universities where she contributes to curriculum development, supervises medical students and trainees, and lectures on precision medicine, ethical genomics implementation, and translational research strategies.

Experience

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kathy Wu has extensive clinical and academic experience spanning hospital-based genetic services, research institutions, and collaborative national initiatives. She founded St Vincent’s Clinical Genomics and led its integration with hospital, research, and policy frameworks, achieving full accreditation and recognition as a center of excellence in neurogenomics care. She has worked with interdisciplinary teams to develop novel diagnostic pipelines, deliver whole genome sequencing for patients with undiagnosed conditions, and establish value-based care models in genomics. In addition to her clinical responsibilities, she is actively engaged as a principal investigator in large-scale research projects, securing multimillion-dollar competitive funding and partnering with international collaborators to accelerate discovery and implementation of genomic medicine.

Research Interest

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kathy Wu’s research focuses on precision medicine, rare disease diagnostics, neurogenomics, and pharmacogenomics. She is particularly passionate about reducing inequities in access to genomic services and translating research outcomes into actionable clinical solutions. Her work has pioneered pharmacogenomic-guided prescribing for mental illness, established evidence-based preventive genomics programs, and benchmarked models for integrating research into clinical workflows. She is committed to advancing the field through interdisciplinary collaborations, data-sharing frameworks, and capacity building for the next generation of genomic medicine practitioners.

Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kathy Wu has received multiple recognitions for her groundbreaking work, including the designation of her neurogenomics program as an internationally recognized Center of Excellence. Her leadership in developing innovative clinical genomics services has been shortlisted for health innovation and excellence awards, highlighting the impact of her initiatives on patient outcomes and health system transformation. She has been honored for her contributions to the implementation of genomic medicine, reflecting her dedication to bridging the gap between research and practice and delivering tangible benefits to society.

Selected Publication

“Implementation of Whole Genome Sequencing in Clinical Diagnostics” (2022, 85 Citations),

“Pharmacogenomics-Guided Mental Health Treatment: A Translational Model” (2021, 64 Citations),

“Integrating Research and Clinical Genomics: A Value-Based Care Approach” (2020, 47 Citations),

“Preventive Genomics: The Future of Personalized Healthcare Delivery” (2023, 53 Citations).

Conclusion

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kathy Wu stands out as a leader in clinical genomics, a field that demands both scientific expertise and compassionate patient care. Her innovative programs have transformed rare disease diagnostics, mental health pharmacogenomics, and preventive genomic services, benefiting thousands of patients and shaping health policy. She has successfully combined academic excellence, clinical leadership, and research innovation to create sustainable models that can be adopted globally. With her strong track record of securing research funding, mentoring future leaders, and driving health system change, she is exceptionally deserving of recognition. Her ongoing work promises to further advance the global impact of genomics and inspire continued innovation in precision medicine.

 

 

Quang Huynh Hong | Genetics and Genomics | Excellence in Research Award

Prof. Dr. Quang Huynh Hong | Genetics and Genomics | Excellence in Research Award

Vice-director and Head | National Institute of Malariology Parasitology and Entomology | Vietnam

Prof. Dr. Quang Huynh Hong is a distinguished scholar and global health leader whose work has significantly advanced the fields of tropical medicine, parasitology, and infectious disease research. Recognized for his expertise in neglected and emerging parasitic diseases, he has played a pivotal role in malaria research, particularly in understanding drug resistance, molecular epidemiology, and treatment outcomes. His career is marked by excellence in research, teaching, and leadership, having guided multiple national and international projects that contribute to improved health systems and disease prevention strategies. As Vice-Director of a leading institute for parasitology and entomology, Prof. Dr. Quang Huynh Hong continues to shape the direction of scientific inquiry and public health advancements in Vietnam and beyond.

Professional Profile 

Education

Prof. Dr. Quang Huynh Hong holds an impressive academic background rooted in medicine and tropical disease specialization. He completed his foundational medical degree in Vietnam, furthering his expertise with advanced studies in tropical medicine in Thailand. His commitment to medical science led him to pursue a Master of Science in Medicine, which provided a strong foundation in clinical and epidemiological research. He later obtained his Doctorate in Medicine, focusing on parasitic diseases and malaria drug resistance, which remains the cornerstone of his scientific contributions. His international training and collaborations reflect his dedication to multidisciplinary learning and his ability to bridge medical knowledge across regions.

Experience

Over the course of his career, Prof. Dr. Quang Huynh Hong has held various leadership positions in research and academia. He currently serves as Vice-Director at the Institute of Malariology, Parasitology, and Entomology Quy Nhon, where he also heads the Clinical Epidemiology Research Unit. He has served as principal investigator and co-investigator in numerous national and international research projects supported by organizations such as the World Health Organization, the Wellcome Trust, and the Global Fund. His international influence is reflected in his joint appointments as a professor at Tokyo University, Taipei Medical University, Oxford University, and other prestigious institutions. In addition to his institutional responsibilities, he actively contributes to policy development, clinical guideline formation, and scientific training for young researchers and healthcare professionals.

Research Interest

Prof. Dr. Quang Huynh Hong’s research interests span a wide range of topics in global health and tropical medicine. His primary focus is on malaria, particularly in the context of drug resistance, molecular markers, and treatment efficacy. He is deeply engaged in parasitic zoonoses, neglected tropical diseases, and emerging infectious diseases that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. His research integrates clinical investigations, laboratory-based molecular studies, and epidemiological analyses to address both local and global health challenges. He has also contributed to developing standard operating procedures for drug efficacy monitoring and diagnostic tools that are widely applied in health institutions across Southeast Asia. Through his “One Health” vision, he emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, ensuring that his work has both scientific depth and societal impact.

Award

Prof. Dr. Quang Huynh Hong has been recognized for his remarkable achievements in research, teaching, and scientific leadership. His contributions to malaria drug resistance research and neglected tropical diseases have earned him recognition from academic and international health communities. He has played a leading role in advancing public health policies in Southeast Asia and has been invited as a visiting professor and speaker at several renowned global institutions. His dedication to mentoring young scientists, developing innovative research frameworks, and strengthening global partnerships positions him as an outstanding nominee for the International Research Hypothesis Excellence Award.

Selected Publication

  • “Molecular markers of antimalarial drug resistance in Plasmodium falciparum in Vietnam” (Published 2017, 125 Citations)

  • “Epidemiological profiling of neglected tropical diseases in Central Vietnam” (Published 2018, 94 Citations)

  • “Efficacy of artemisinin-based combination therapies for Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum malaria” (Published 2019, 141 Citations)

  • “Zoonotic helminth infections and One Health perspectives in Southeast Asia” (Published 2020, 87 Citations)

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Quang Huynh Hong stands out as a world-class researcher and academic leader whose lifelong dedication to parasitology, malaria research, and global health has made a profound impact. His academic achievements, leadership in international collaborations, and strong publication record reflect his excellence as both a scientist and a mentor. With his innovative approach to solving complex health challenges and his commitment to advancing medical science for the benefit of humanity, he represents the highest standard of academic and societal contribution. Prof. Dr. Quang Huynh Hong is an exceptional candidate whose career achievements and future potential fully justify his nomination for the International Research Hypothesis Excellence Award.