Dr Lara Herrero is a medical doctor, Associate Professor, and Research Leader at Griffith University’s Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, dedicated to developing treatments for mosquito-borne viruses that impact thousands of Australians each year. She is at the forefront of research into Ross River virus (RRV) and chikungunya virus, which cause long-term joint pain and suffering.
Her passion for this field is deeply personal. Having experienced Ross River virus herself, Dr Herrero understands first-hand the need for better treatments. Her research has already translated from the lab to real-world impact, leading to a patented treatment strategy for viral arthritis, which has successfully completed phase II clinical trials.
In recognition of her ground breaking contributions, Dr Herrero was awarded the Prize for New Innovators in the 2023 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science, acknowledging her pioneering work in viral disease research and commitment to improving global health outcomes.
Beyond her research, Dr Herrero is passionate about mentoring the next generation of scientists, working with medical students, PhD researchers, and postdoctoral scientists to foster innovation and encourage more women to pursue careers in STEM. When asked what message she has for women pursuing careers in STEM, Dr Herrero shared:
“STEM provides more than a career of endless opportunity—it empowers us to break barriers, build bridges, innovate boldly, and question fearlessly. STEM allows us to shape the future and drive real change in the world.”
She is also one of Griffith University’s leading contributors to The Conversation, with 23 articles and over 5.4 million reads, making complex medical research accessible to the public.
Her work not only strengthens Griffith University’s reputation in medical research but also contributes to the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct’s role as a hub for world-class research, industry collaboration and healthcare innovation.
Dr Herrero’s journey is a testament to the power of research in improving lives, driving medical breakthroughs and creating real change in global health.