Seana Gall
Professor Seana Gall
Associate Professor – Menzies Institute for Medical Research | Epidemiologist
Nearly 20 years ago, Seana Gall attended her first research conference in Hobart. In 2025, as an accomplished epidemiologist and Business Events Tasmania (BET) Visionary, she worked to bring that very conference back to Lutruwita/Tasmania. Its return after two decades is more than a milestone – this full-circle journey speaks volumes about Seana’s passion and determination for showcasing her home.
In 2023, Seana approached the BET team with the idea to host the Australia & New Zealand Stroke Organisation’s Annual Scientific Meeting in Hobart. Recognizing Lutruwita/Tasmania’s unique strengths, she knew that delegates here – surrounded by natural beauty and a close-knit community – would gain fresh perspectives. Our island state naturally inspires deep contemplation and a change in pace; delegates leave recharged, with greater clarity and new ideas. As Conference Chair for 2025, Seana is ensured the event showcased not only groundbreaking science but also Lutruwita/Tasmania’s story of resilience and innovation. Her leadership exemplifies what it means to be a BET Visionary – a local leader in her field driving growth and opportunity for her industry and Lutruwita/Tasmania.
Beyond the conference, Seana’s life work is dedicated to preventing stroke and improving heart health. With stroke a leading cause of death in the state, she has made it her mission to change that. She currently leads STOPstroke, Australia’s first research program focused on stroke prevention, important work with studies showing that up to 80% of strokes can be prevented by managing risk factors. As an Associate Professor at the Menzies Institute for Medical Research, Seana finds Lutruwita/Tasmania the perfect place for this research – our island population is ideal for long-term studies, and our community readily partners in research efforts.
“We’re all connected here, so we can do things that wouldn’t be possible in bigger centres,” — Brand Tasmania
Key Roles & Contributions:
- Associate Professor, Menzies Institute for Medical Research (University of Tasmania): Epidemiologist specializing in stroke prevention and population health.
- Conference Chair, ANZSO Annual Scientific Meeting 2025: Brought this international stroke conference to Hobart, showcasing Tasmania on the world stage.
- Lead Investigator, STOPstroke Program: Heading Australia’s first dedicated stroke prevention research initiative.
- Chair, Tasmanian Tobacco Control Coalition: Leading a state-wide initiative to reduce tobacco-related harm.
- Chair, Stroke Foundation’s Stroke Prevention Advisory Committee: Guiding national strategies for stroke prevention.
- Member, AIHW Cardiovascular Disease Expert Group: Advising on nationwide cardiovascular health priorities.
From championing life-saving research to putting Lutruwita/Tasmania in the spotlight, Seana Gall embodies the spirit of a BET Visionary. Her story is one of persistence, innovation, and community – showing how one person’s passion can spark extraordinary outcomes for an entire island.
“What I really love about Tasmania is that every time I walk to work, I get to see beautiful things along the way. I can see the river, I can see the mountain—and I know that’s not something people all around Australia, or even the world, get to do.”
– Seana Gall