IMB International Women’s Day Panel: Supporting Women and Research into Women’s Health

International Women’s Day (IWD) has been recognised for more than a century as a global movement celebrating women’s achievements, raising awareness of discrimination, and taking action to advance gender equality. In 2026, the theme #GiveToGain highlights the power of collective action — encouraging communities to give support, visibility, and resources to accelerate progress for women.

To mark this important day, IMB is hosting a panel discussion exploring research into women’s health and how we can better support women to succeed in science. Bringing together researchers from across disciplines, the conversation will highlight scientific advances, career experiences, and the importance of continued investment in research that improves health outcomes for women.

This event celebrates achievement, raises awareness, and fosters meaningful discussion about how institutions, leaders, and communities can help drive gender equity in science and research.

Panel Speakers:

Associate Professor Sonia Shah (IMB)

Dr Sonia Shah is a bioinformatician and cardiovascular genetics researcher who uses genetic data to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease, while also championing equity in healthcare and mentoring the next generation of women in STEM.

Dr Lena Oestreich (CAI/AIBN)

Lena is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Psychology and a Group Leader at the Centre for Advanced Imaging. Her primary research interest lies at the intersection of clinical neuroimaging and computational psychiatry. Lena is particularly interested in studying mental illness using big data and advanced, multimodal neuroimaging methods. 

Professor Brett Collins (IMB)

Dr Brett Collins is an NHMRC Career Development Fellow and Head of the Molecular Trafficking Lab at UQ’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience, where his research focuses on uncovering how protein–lipid interactions regulate membrane trafficking and signalling in human cells.

Anjali Henders (IMB)

Anjali is a senior research manager at UQ’s Institute for Molecular Bioscience, overseeing the day-to-day operations, research coordination, and governance of the Program in Complex Traits Genomics, with more than 15 years’ experience managing large-scale, interdisciplinary research programs.

Caroline Brito Nunes (IMB)

Caroline Brito Nunes is a PhD student in the Evans group at IMB, working in genetic epidemiology. Her research focuses on the genetic and causal determinants of women’s reproductive and cardiometabolic health