Keynote Speaker
Associate Professor Michelle Krahe
Principal Research Fellow | Digital Health Implementation
Program Manager | Northern Australian Regional Digital Health Collaborative (NARDHC)
Co Lead, Workforce Innovation | Care Economy CRC
Bio
Associate Professor Michelle Krahe is a Principal Research Fellow in Digital Health Implementation at James Cook University and Program Manager of the Northern Australian Regional Digital Health Collaborative (NARDHC). She also co-leads the workforce innovation research program of the Care Economy CRC.
As a health systems researcher specialising in digital health, implementation science, and data visualisation, Michelle is committed to translating complex information into actionable insights that strengthen systems of care. Her current research investigates what drives successful health innovation and how these insights can be transformed into strategies that create meaningful, lasting impact — particularly in rural and remote communities.
Location of Event
Brisbane
Date and Time
Wednesday, 4 February 2026
9:15 am – 9:50 am
Panellist
Dr Samantha Robertson, APD, PhD, CHIA
Research Fellow - Queensland Digital Health Centre (QDHeC)
Centre for Health Services Research The University of Queensland
Bio
Samantha is a Research Fellow at the Queensland Digital Health Centre (QDHeC), a Senior Clinical Dietitian (APD) with Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service, and a Certified Health Informatician (CHIA). With 17 years of clinical experience, she combines frontline expertise with research to advance translational outcomes in healthcare. Her work focuses on digital health education and workforce capability, particularly workforce training and the implementation and evaluation of digital interventions. Samantha collaborates on statewide and national projects with government, academia, and industry, supporting the digital upskilling of clinical staff and undergraduate health professionals to improve the quality and safety of healthcare delivery.
Location of Event
Brisbane
Date and Time
Wednesday, 4 February 2026
12:00 pm – 12:45 pm
Panellist
Professor Ross Andrews
Executive Director
Public Health Intelligence Branch
Queensland Health
Bio
Professor Ross Andrews is Executive Director of Public Health Intelligence Branch and an epidemiologist with over 25 years of public health experience. He is a former Chair of the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) and a former Director Master of Applied Epidemiology Program, Australian National University. Ross has obtained 19 NHMRC grants related to public health and has supervised 14 higher degree by research graduands.
The Public Health Intelligence Branch integrates ICT, data management and epidemiology functions for public health. The Branch has oversight of public health information management systems and data, and ensures they are strategically aligned, interoperable and fit for purpose. PHI:
Leads the digital enablement of public health through technological innovation which will drive health workforce capability;
Plays an important state-wide role in surveillance, monitoring and reporting for public health. The intelligence, insights and evidence provided by PHI inform public health strategy, policy and practice to strengthen quality improvement and the monitoring of system-wide performance
Location of Event
Brisbane
Date and Time
Wednesday, 4 February 2026
12:00 pm – 12:45 pm
Panellist
Associate Professor Geoff Spurling, MBBS, DTM and H, MPH, PhD, FRACGP
Southern Queensland Centre of Excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care (Inala Indigenous Health Service)
General Practice Clinical Unit, The University of Queensland
Bio
Associate Professor Spurling works at The University of Queensland General Practice Clinical Unit (GPCU) and at the Southern Queensland Centre of Excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary health care. He has worked in both workplaces for over 20 years. Geoff Spurling’s research interests are in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary care and more recently the role of opioid dependence treatment in general practice.
Location of Event
Brisbane
Date and Time
Wednesday, 4 February 2026
12:00 pm – 12:45 pm