Professor Kathy Belov is Pro-Vice Chancellor (Global Engagement) and Professor of Comparative Genomics in the School of Life and Environmental Sciences.

She manages the development and execution of the University’s global engagement strategy, including the development of international research collaborations and promotion of the University’s position in the academic and research community.

Her research expertise is in the area of comparative genomics and immunogenetics of Australian wildlife, including Tasmanian devils and koalas, two iconic species that are threatened by disease processes.

Professor Rick Shine's research concerns the interface between evolution and ecology, particularly in reptiles (snakes and lizards).

In recent years, his work has shifted to focus on major issues in conservation, especially the biology, impact and control of invasive species such as the cane toad.

He is interested in the interplay between different aspects of organismal biology, and how we can translate the results of research into effective conservation.

Professor Jennie Brand-Miller has been at the University of Sydney for over 35 years, and attributes her longevity with her passion for all things nutrition and the desire to make a difference.

An acclaimed pioneer in glycaemic index (GI) research, she is very proud to have been part of a team which "took the research out of the ivory tower and translated it into something that the average person on the street could understand and use".

Her team co-authored bestselling popular books (3.5 million copies in print in 12 languages) about the GI, developed a commercial GI testing and research service for the food industry and set up a not-for-profit spin-off company to run the GI Food Symbol program.

Today, her focus is on carbohydrates during human evolution and the potential for different diets to match individual differences.