Dr Ananthan Ambikairajah is a Lecturer in the Discipline of Psychology in the Faculty of Health at the University of Canberra (UC) and a core member of the Centre for Ageing Research and Translation (CARAT). He completed his PhD in Neuroscience at the Australian National University in 2022 and, in 2024, received the ACT Minister for Health’s Outstanding New Researcher Highly Commended Award. His research focuses on genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors that influence ageing, brain health and disease, with a particular emphasis on sex-specific determinants and cardiometabolic factors. His recent work investigates potential pathways for dementia risk reduction as well as improving timely and accurate diagnosis. In 2025, Ananthan received the UC Award for Teaching Excellence and the Vice-Chancellor’s Educator of the Year Award. He has also received multiple student-nominated awards and commendations for Excellence in Teaching. Following his undergraduate degree in Neuroscience at the University of New South Wales, he completed a Master’s in Teaching (Secondary) and is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA). In 2023, Ananthan founded and continues to chair the Faculty of Health Generative Artificial Intelligence Community of Practice, leading university-wide efforts to support staff and students with their understanding, use and adoption of GenAI to enhance learning, teaching, research and professional practice. Elected to the University Council in 2026, Ananthan represents the academic voice in university governance and serves as the academic staff representative on both the Academic Board and the Faculty of Health Board. He values integrity, transparency and critical thinking, and believes effective decision-making is grounded in humility, trust, respect and robust discussion. He is passionate about advancing higher education and the opportunities it creates for students, staff and the wider community. His research has been covered by major media outlets including ABC News, Nine News, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian Financial Review, The Australian and ABC Radio. Ananthan also hosts Midnight Conversations, a podcast that communicates research and the principles of scientific thinking to the public in an engaging and accessible way. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and SoundCloud. Beyond academia, Ananthan is an avid runner who has raised over $1,000 for Dementia Australia through events including the Canberra Times and Sydney Marathons. He also enjoys rock climbing, playing chess and tennis.