Our people

The University of Sydney Vietnam Institute's team brings multidisciplinary experts and dedicated staff together to deliver research and partnerships.

Professor Thu-Anh Nguyen leads the University of Sydney Vietnam Institute as the inaugural Institute Director.

An infectious diseases and public health researcher with more than 25 years’ research experience, Professer Nguyen's research areas include tuberculosis and other lung diseases, antimicrobial resistance, human behaviours, and mobile health applications (mHealth).

The University of Sydney Vietnam Institute Members' Council is the highest decision-making body of the organisation and is responsible for determining the Institute's overall strategy and business direction. The Institute's Members' Council members are:

• Mr Kevin Hobgood-Brown AM (Chair)
• Professor Robyn Ward AM
• Professor Kathy Belov

The Academic Advisory Group provides academic guidance to senior executives of the University of Sydney Vietnam Institute. It advises on research ethics and integrity, developing trends in research, and integrating the capabilities of the University of Sydney with the Institute. The Advisory Group's inaugural Chair is Professor Greg Fox - Interim Director of Sydney Southeast Asia Centre. 
And members: 

- Prof David Guest - Chair in Horticulture, Sydney Institute of Agriculture, School of Life and Environmental Sciences

- Assoc Prof Cao Hung Pham - Director of Space, Health and Safety

- Prof Deanna D’Alessandro - Director of Net Zero Institute

- Assoc Prof Jane Gavan - Visual Art and Creativity, Sydney College of the Arts

- Assoc Prof Minh-Ngoc Tran - Discipline of Business Analytics, Sydney of Business School

- Prof Alex Broom - Director of Sydney Centre for Healthy Societies

- Prof Ken-Tye Yong - Associate Dean (External Engagement), Faculty of Engineering

- Prof Meg Jardine - Director, NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health

- Prof Kate Jolliffe - Associate Dean (Research), Faculty of Science

- Prof Chinmay Pattnaik - Program Director of Bachelor Commerce, Sydney of Business School

Elis has held senior positions in various international organizations over the last 18 years. He’s an experienced polymath and has worked across five continents in areas such as company establishment, business development, corporate strategic advisory, and economic diplomacy. As such, his deep understanding of operational efficiency, strategic planning, and team management will be invaluable as we continue to drive our mission forward. Elis oversees our day-to-day operations, focusing on optimizing processes, enhancing productivity, and ensuring that we keep delivering exceptional results for the Institute and its stakeholders.

Yen Pham has nearly 20 years of experience working as a researcher and in research project management positions for international NGOs before joining the University of Sydney Vietnam Institute. Her comprehensive skills and rich experience in management of healthcare programs and complex clinical trials has seen her promoted to the role of Director of Clinical Trials Unit. She leads the operation of clinical trials and drives innovation and progress in advancing clinical research across the Institute.

Hoa Vu is a certified professional and a proud member of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM). Hoa Vu's passion for HR and dedication to fostering a harmonious workplace culture is infectious. Her wealth of experience in driving HR operations for international organisations across for-profit and non-profit sectors, comprehensive and strategic approach to HR functions, and commitment to enhancing organisational efficiency make her a crucial part of the team.

With over 15 years of experience in Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals within the corporate sector, Ly is dedicated to optimising operational efficiency and enhancing overall performance. Her track record showcases a commitment to driving excellence and making significant contributions to organisational success.

A global health expert with over 14 years of experience managing TB, HIV, Hep C, and AMR programs, Dr. Giang has led numerous TB and HIV projects, driving policy, implementing guidelines, and overseeing execution. He has also contributed to WHO initiatives and lectured at Hanoi Open University and Da Nang University.

With a doctorate in public health and 25 years of experience in a ministerial-level health authority, Mai-An Nguyen brings expertise in health system, overseeing complex health programs and projects, and collaborating with government agencies and international organizations. She focuses on fostering strategic partnerships and ensuring the effective delivery of initiatives that drive SVI’s mission of becoming a high-impact research organization for Vietnam.

A data management veteran, Cuong Pham boasts over two decades of experience aiding international NGOs. At the University of Sydney Vietnam Institute, his proficiency in crafting research data platforms, especially for clinical trials, has been a driving force behind their global prominence. Cuong Pham stands out as a data manager by pioneering IT solutions for research studies, encompassing data collection, patient monitoring, and adherence to treatment plans.

Thuy Ma is a dedicated professional with over 15 years' experience providing technical support and implementing healthcare projects, including clinical trials. Her background in research coordination and her profound understanding of healthcare systems and regulations position her to drive impactful changes in medical research implementation. Thuy Ma is a Regulatory Specialist and Trial Manager of the FLIRT trial: a Research Clinical Trial aiming to improve treatment for isoniazid-resistant tuberculosis patients.

Tram Nguyen has over eight years of experience working in several aspects of clinical trials including regulatory submission, site initiation, site monitoring, project management and site coordination. Previous experience includes as a Study Coordinator for the V-SMART study in 2023, where she led the team to the successful completion of participants enrolment. With extensive experience in coordinating multi-center, randomised controlled trials, she is currently a Trial Manager for TBTC trials.  

Duy Nguyen has over 10 years of experience in the healthcare field. He has worked with Global Pharmaceutical Companies on various public-private partnership projects involving hospitals, medical associations, and the Ministry of Health, while connecting Vietnam’s healthcare system with regional countries. Currently, he is steering the implementation of the PHOENIX MDR-TB project, funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), and managing a team to ensure the highest quality in conducting clinical trials.