This presentation describes how WiSPP's approach and strategies to reducing inequities in medical research have evolved over time. It includes an explicit focus on intersectional groups and addresses vital knowledge gaps about the experience of underrepresented minorities in the sector.

Priyanka and Emma will also facilitate a panel to discuss:
• The need for interventions that move beyond the individuals and towards organisational-level strategies and systems level change
• The need for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives to move beyond a singular focus on gender and consider the ways in which additional identities interconnect to impact on career opportunity and trajectory

Priyanka Pillai
The University of Melbourne / Women in Science Parkville Precinct

Health informatics is an area of interdisciplinary research focussing on solving biomedical problems using computational methods. Priyanka is a health informatics and research data specialist at the University of Melbourne working on preparedness research to strengthen Australia’s response to infectious disease emergencies and other data-intensive research projects.

Dr Emma Burrows
The Florey Institute / Women in Science Parkville Precinct

Dr Emma Burrows is a research fellow at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health. Emma's team are using innovative technologies to better understand how the genetics of brain diseases manifest in subtle changes in the behaviour of mice. Emma's vision is to use these findings and ‘up-scale’ the technologies for use in the early diagnosis and treatment of disorders that impact cognition in humans, from autism spectrum disorder to dementia.