Kathy Belov is a professor of comparative genomics in the School of Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Sydney. Belov’s research expertise is in the area of comparative genomics and immunogenetics of Australian wildlife, including Tasmanian devils and koalas, two iconic species that are threatened by disease processes. Belov’s research team has participated in the opossum, platypus and wallaby genome projects where they have gained insights into genes involved in immunity and defense, including platypus venom genes and novel antimicrobial peptides in the pouch. Belov has published more than 130 peer-reviewed papers, including papers in Nature, Proceedings of the National Academy of Science and PLoS Biology. Belov has received two Eureka awards, the Crozier medal and the Fenner medal from the Australian Academy of Science for her research. She is currently the president of the Genetics Society of Australasia.

Belov is also the pro-vice chancellor of global engagement at the University of Sydney. In this role, she takes responsibility for managing the development and execution of the university’s global engagement strategy. Key priorities are the development of the capacity of academic and professional staff to support international student learning and international research collaborations, and to achieve educational excellence in the international arena. She also promotes the university’s position in the international academic and research community, and identifies and enables strategic opportunities for partnership and collaboration in research and education.