Biomedical Sciences Delivered

PROMOTING SCIENCE TO THE COMMUNITY

The Convergence Science Network plays a fundamental role in communicating science and making scientists accessible to the community. This engagement assists in promoting an awareness and understanding of advances in science and technology, how they  are impacting our lives and how they make a valuable contribution  to society.

 

The Network shares the knowledge, expertise, aspirations, problems and ideas of convergence science among our community of researchers, academics, businesses, government officials, teachers, students and the wider public.

 

 

 

 

​MORE ABOUT US

OUR PEOPLE

 

PROFESSOR SUZANNE CORY - PATRON

Professor Suzanne Cory AC PhD FAA FRS is one of Australia's most distinguished molecular biologists.  She was born in Melbourne, Australia and graduated in biochemistry from The University of Melbourne.  She gained her PhD from the University of Cambridge, England and then continued studies at the University of Geneva before returning to Melbourne in 1971, to a research position at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research.  From 1996 to 2009 she was Director of The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute and Professor of Medical Biology of The University of Melbourne.  She is currently an Honorary Distinguished Professorial Fellow at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute.  Her research has had a major impact in the fields of immunology and cancer and her scientific achievements have attracted numerous honours and awards.  She was President of the Australian Academy of Science from 2010 to 2014 and serves on a number of councils and boards in Australia and overseas.  Read more here.

 

 

 

LUAN ISMAHIL - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Luan established the Convergence Science Network and the Graeme Clark Oration in 2008 following lengthy service in the Commonwealth and Victorian governments in economic research, economic policy and industry development roles.  Luan has been responsible for attracting sponsor funds to make these two events possible, securing speakers and growing the community’s interest in how the convergence of the sciences is stimulating biomedical research.

CHRISTINA GANGEMI

Science Communication Officer

Christina Gangemi is currently a research assistant at the Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute, Monash University. Her work involves utilising synthetic biology principles to control tissue regeneration and cell signalling. In addition to her scientific training, she has strong experience in digital literacy and social media.

She is currently Social Media Ambassador for her institute, where she works to promote the fascination and importance of regenerative medicine and stem cell science with the broader community. Moreover, she has previously interned with The Social Science, and recently ran the social media campaign for the 2018 Pint of Science Festival in Melbourne. Christina is also a passionate mentor with the New York Academy of Sciences, where she virtually mentors young women in STEM.

 

 

ROSIE ARNOLD

Science Communication Officer

Rosie’s career in science began when she attended the Convergence Science Network’s 2012 Graeme Clark Oration in her final year of high school and was inspired by the possibilities of a career in science. She has just completed her Master of Biomedical Science in 2019, where she researched the Placebo Effect in the treatment of depression.

She is Social Media Manager for the Science Communication team at The University of Melbourne, where she promotes the work students produce in their science communication subjects. Rosie is passionate about science communication and she thoroughly enjoys writing, particularly about science, and especially when her cat Norbert is on her lap.

SONIA KULKARNI

Schools Reporter

Sonia is currently doing year twelve at Glen Waverley Secondary and an extension subject at the University of Melbourne. Her love of science and languages has led to an interest in science journalism.

 

Consequently, she completed work experience at Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute and was a member of the CETEC science club. She has competed successfully in public speaking and writing competitions and is the editor of and a contributor to the school yearbook. Sonia regularly attends science and humanitarian events, and she has organised several for her school and the community.

 

 

ROSIE SUE LYN YAP

Science Communication Officer

Sue Lyn Yap is a Biomedical Engineering honours student at RMIT University. As part of The Gelmi group, she is currently working on her capstone thesis on designing and manufacturing a custom electrical stimulation device aiming to direct human mesenchymal stem cell fate.

Sue is passionate about humanitarian causes and has been an avid volunteer for several welfare projects. As a compassionate biomedical engineer in training, she is always excited to discuss the impacts that STEMM can have on the health of individuals, families, and communities. Most recently, she received a scholarship from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science for her work in producing protocols and materials that introduce biofabrication within a higher education setting.

 

 

CATRIONA NGUYEN-ROBERTSON

Science Communication Officer

Catriona Nguyen-Robertson is a PhD candidate at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, researching the immune response to Mycobacterium Tuberculosis and related bacteria. She is also a science demonstrator for both the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at The University of Melbourne and the Gene Technology Access Centre.

Catriona is the vice president of Women in Science and Engineering at The University of Melbourne, and is passionate about encouraging diversity in STEM fields, including engaging more females in science.

 

 

CAMERON MCKNIGHT

Science Communication Officer

Cameron McKnight is a PhD candidate at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, studying  mitochondrial disorders by generating gene knockout models in human embryonic stem cells. He is also president of the Melbourne Children’s Campus Research Student Association (RSA) and works after hours at MCRI as a tissue bank scientist, storing and cataloguing samples for future clinical trials.

Cameron moved from Canada to Parkville’s ‘Biotech Valley’ to learn from the best in the world. He is an active science communicator who uses social media and his role in the RSA to encourage collaboration and networking between scientists and the public. He aims to improve the public perception of science and its researchers by creating opportunities for open and honest communication.

 

 

HOW CONVERGENCE WILL CHANGE OUR FUTURE

Hear what Australian science luminaries have to say about convergence science and how it is being used by researchers to make a difference to people’s health.

WHAT THE SCIENTIFIC COMMUNITY AND PUBLIC  ARE SAYING ABOUT OUR EVENTS

We engage with the community to share developments in convergence science, the next innovation revolution.  We encourage the research community, start-ups, existing businesses, government agencies and schools to take advantage of the wide-ranging opportunities offered by convergence science.  We create an environment and opportunities for new ideas, knowledge and resources across different science disciplines co-operate to address pressing health issues.

JOIN THE NETWORK

We invite scientists to share their ideas and demonstrate how convergence is advancing the biomedical sciences.  We host events, communicate ideas and profile our young, emerging and prominent scientists.  We inspire the next generation of scientists and promote diversity in science.

 

Convergence Science Network Ltd

384-388 Albert Street

East Melbourne Victoria 3002

Australia

ACN 658 479 479

 

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