Monash BDI staff recognised in 2026 academic promotions
Fifteen Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI) researchers and educators have been recognised through Monash University's 2026 academic promotions process, reflecting the breadth of excellence across the institute's research, teaching and leadership activities.
Monash BDI promotions in 2026: (L-R top row) Prof Andrew Ellisdon and Prof Wendy Imlach; A/Prof David Gonsalvez, A/Prof Sonja McKeown and A/Prof Georgina Stephens; (middle row) Senior Lecturers Dr Daniel Andrews, Dr Catherine Ryan and Dr Yasith Mathangasinghe, and Senior Research Fellows Dr Wael Awad and Dr Charles Bayly-Jones; (bottom row) Senior Research Fellows Dr Samantha Emery-Corbin, Dr Meiling Han, Dr Jo O'Donnell, Dr Jan Petersen and Dr Praveena Thirunavukkarasu.
The promotions include two Professors, three Associate Professors, three Senior Lecturers and seven Senior Research Fellows.
Professor Dena Lyras, Interim Director of the Monash BDI, congratulated the promoted staff and acknowledged the diverse contributions they make to the institute's research and education mission.
"These promotions recognise outstanding achievement and exceptional talent across multiple areas of academic endeavour, from internationally recognised research leadership and innovation to excellence in teaching, mentoring and service,” Professor Lyras said.
"Our people are at the heart of the institute's success, and it is wonderful to see their contributions recognised through promotion. On behalf of the BDI community, I extend my sincere congratulations to each of these colleagues."
The 2026 promotions reflect the strength of Monash BDI's multidisciplinary community and its commitment to advancing discovery science while fostering the next generation of researchers and health professionals.
We congratulate all promoted staff and look forward to their ongoing contributions to the institute, the University and the global biomedical research community.
Professors (Level E):
Associate Professors (Level D)
- Associate Professor David Gonsalvez
- Associate Professor Sonja McKeown
- Associate Professor Georgina Stephens
Senior Lecturers (Level C)
Senior Research Fellows (Level C)
- Dr Wael Awad
- Dr Charles Bayly-Jones
- Dr Samantha Emery-Corbin
- Dr Meiling Han
- Dr Jo O'Donnell
- Dr Jan Petersen
- Dr Praveena Thirunavukkarasu
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About the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute at Monash University
Committed to making discoveries that will relieve the future burden of disease, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute at Monash University brings together more than 120 internationally renowned research teams. Spanning seven discovery programs across Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, Development and Stem Cells, Infection, Immunity, Metabolism, Diabetes and Obesity, and Neuroscience, Monash BDI is one of the largest biomedical research institutes in Australia. Our researchers are supported by world-class technology and infrastructure, and partner with industry, clinicians and researchers internationally to enhance lives through discovery.