Professor Heidi Smith-Vaughan has researched at Menzies since 1990. She is a microbiologist passionate about growing the next generation of biomedical scientists, and particularly building capability among those with least opportunity.

At Menzies she currently holds several research and administration roles. As Principal Research Fellow with the Child Health Division she works with local, national and international teams generating biological outcomes for clinical trials. She has attracted 35 grants to the value of $23.6 million and published >100 papers. In her role as Associate Director of Research (HDR and ethics) she coordinates ~60 Masters by Research and PhD candidates studying through Menzies and CDU.