Associate Professor Ingrid Winkler

Associate Professor Ingrid Winkler is a Senior Research Fellow of National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and head of the Stem Cells and Cancer Research Group at Mater Research – University of Queensland in Brisbane. Dr Winkler’s basic research program was recognised as among ‘Ten of the best research projects in Australia’ by NHMRC (2013) and seeks to understand how normal and malignant Haematopoietic Stem Cells are regulated by their local microenvironments (niches) in the bone marrow.

Dr Winkler’s innovative research has led to the discovery of novel strategies to protect Haematopoietic Stem Cells from acquired bone marrow failure following chemotherapy or radiation damage, as well as strategies to improve the success of leukaemia therapy by blocking access to protective niches in the bone marrow and are the basis for current clinical trials in progress.

Dr Winkler brings to this position expertise in facilitating the interactions between strong basic research, research funding success and clinical trials. Dr Winkler is also passionate about training the next generation of leaders and has initiated a highly successful mentorship program.