Our 2026 Committee
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Dr Richard Wilson is a Senior Research Fellow in the field of proteomics and manager of the UTAS proteomics facility. He is a biochemist that specializes in extracellular matrix biology, with a long-standing interest in cartilage biology and pathology, including the development and application of novel proteomics techniques to study musculoskeletal diseases. Richard has been an invited speaker at the International Cartilage Repair Society meeting and has given oral presentations at eight annual meetings the Matrix Biology Society of Australia and New Zealand, two Pan Pacific Connective Tissues Societies symposia and four symposia of the Federation of the European Connective Tissues Societies.
He has 20+ years of experience in the application of proteomics in a wide range of biological contexts, including the use of mass spectrometry-based proteomics for the analysis of extracellular vesicles.
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Dr Ye Zhang is an early career researcher at the University of Technology Sydney. Her
research focuses on the development of extracellular vesicle -based therapeutics, particularly
mesenchymal stem cell-derived EVs (MSC-EVs) for musculoskeletal diseases.
Her work involves EV production, characterisation, and functional evaluation in disease
models, with the aim of improving therapeutic efficacy and supporting translation. She has
multidisciplinary expertise in microfluidics, organ-on-a-chip systems, biofabrication, tissue
engineering, and nanomedicine development, enabling her to approach complex biomedical challenges from both engineering and biological perspectives.
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Dr Yinghong Zhou is a Senior Lecturer in Oral Biosciences at The University of Queensland and leads the Immunoengineering for Regenerative Dentistry research team. She is an internationally recognised researcher in biomaterials and regenerative medicine, ranked in the top 1% globally for bone tissue engineering.
With extensive experience in international collaboration, research leadership, and mentoring, Dr Zhou has led over 40 research projects and secured more than AUD$8 million in competitive funding. She is actively engaged in fostering collaborative research communities and supporting early-career researchers through leadership roles in professional societies and conference initiatives.
As a member of the local organising committee, Dr Zhou contributes her expertise in interdisciplinary research, global engagement, and scientific leadership to support the delivery of a high-quality and impactful conference.
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Stephanie Rutter is a Senior Graduate Researcher within the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science in the Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry at La Trobe University. She is currently under the mentorship of Professor Ivan Poon in the Apoptotic Cell Disassembly and Clearance Laboratory at LIMS, and Dr Georgia Atkin-Smith from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. Stephanie completed her Masters by Research in 2022, with a focus on apoptotic cell disassembly. During her Masters research, she uncovered a novel step in the dismantling of adherent cells, coined "the footprint of death", which became a key research focus for her PhD, which Stephanie started in 2023. Stephanie's research into "the footprint of death" also led to the discovery of a previously undescribed type of extracellular vesicle, known as "F-ApoEVs", and identified a novel mechanism for the transfer of virus to healthy cells through apoptotic vesicles. Stephanie's current research explores the regulation of apoptotic disassembly and its role in a range of inflammatory conditions, including Influenza A viral infection, peritonitis, and autoimmunity. Stephanie has been successful in receiving several awards, including the Australasian Cell Death Society Outstanding ECR Award, 2026, the Australia and New Zealand Society for Extracellular Vesicles Emerging Scientist Award, 2024, and the David Walsh Student Prize in 2022.
Dr Richard Lobb co-chair
