Julianne Holt-Lunstad, PhD, is a professor of psychology and neuroscience, director of the Social Connection & Health Lab at Brigham Young University and a pioneering leader in the science of social connection. She is also the founding scientific chair and board member for the U.S. Foundation for Social Connection and the Global Initiative on Loneliness and Connection.

Professor Holt-Lunstad’s research has transformed the global understanding of social relationships as a public health priority. Her landmark meta-analyses were the first to identify social connection as a protective factor and social isolation and loneliness as significant risk factors for mortality, on par with smoking and obesity, reshaping national and international health agendas.

Her expertise spans the individual and population health effects, biological mechanisms and strategies to mitigate risk and promote protection associated with social connection.

As a trusted advisor across sectors, she served as lead scientific editor of the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory and National Strategy on social connection and is a technical advisor to the World Health Organization. She has provided expert testimony to the U.S. Senate and contributed to high-impact initiatives with the National Academy of Sciences, United Nations, CDC, UK government, European Joint Research Council, Gravity Project and Commit-2-Connect.

Professor Holt-Lunstad is widely recognised for advancing science-informed solutions to pressing social challenges. She regularly engages with major media outlets to raise public awareness. Her body of work exemplifies the integration of rigorous science, strategic leadership and a deep commitment to societal impact.

SOPHIE SCOTT OAM is an international speaker, award-winning broadcast journalist, educator, Adjunct Professor, author, TEDx speaker and a TopVoice on LinkedIn. Sophie understands public health and how to communicate it effectively. She has been a leading voice on Australian TV, radio and online in health and science for more than two decades.

She's won numerous awards for her ground-breaking health journalism and has a strong reputation for integrity and balance. She was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for services to Australian broadcasting and community health. Her professional expertise is health journalism, patient safety investigations and advocacy for health prevention.

She was awarded an Australian Museum Eureka Award for excellence in medical reporting in 2004. She is a skilful communicator, with a strong history as a keynote speaker at leading medical conferences, a TEDx speaker and is now in demand as a presentation and storytelling coach for experts. She teaches the neuroscience of habits to prevent burnout and reclaim your energy.

Sophie has degrees in history, a Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology and has written three science-based health books. Her newsletter is read by thousands of people around the world.

https://www.sophiescott.com.au

Vedran is the CEO of Hansen Little Foundation since October 2024 and has previously served as CEO of the Gandel Foundation for nearly 13 years. His background includes experience across philanthropy, corporate and NFP sectors in areas as diverse as communications, marketing and fundraising, advocacy, and community relations.

Vedran is a staunch advocate and ambassador for mental wellbeing and social inclusion and has been at the forefront of supporting organisations in this field, including ELT. He brings a wealth of experience in strategic, deep-engagement and consultative philanthropy, having led two of Australia’s most influential private foundations. Vedran’s accomplished and multifaceted personal and work life will offer powerful insights into how targeted support can help us unlock potential and drive lasting positive change through community-driven solutions.

Ged Kearney is the Assistant Minister for Social Services, Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence and the Federal Member for Cooper in the Albanese Labor Government.

She has served in the parliament since March 2018, when she was first elected in a by-election. Ged has previously served as the Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health, and the Shadow Assistant Minister for Skills.

Before politics, Ged worked as a nurse for two decades until becoming the Federal Secretary of the Australian Nursing Federation in the early 2000s. She later became the President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) – the peak body of the Australian union movement. At the ACTU she led campaigns for better pay and conditions for workers, including the campaign for 10 days paid family and domestic violence leave.

From nursing to the union movement to parliament, Ged’s life has centred around caring for others and fighting for progressive politics. She is a strong voice for social justice, workers’ rights, women’s rights, LGBTQIA+ protections, support for refugees and environmental protections inside Labor and the Parliament.

Ged was the second youngest of nine children, born and raised in a working-class family in Melbourne. She has lived in Cooper for over 25 years, raising her four children there and now has six much-loved grandchildren.