Mackenzie L. Kwak is an Australian parasitologist based at Hokkaido University in Japan, where his research focuses on the ecology and conservation of parasites, systematics and species discovery, as well as zoonotic diseases and human health.

He is also co-chair of the IUCN parasite specialist group and leads the Ryukyu Rabbit Tick Conservation Program, the first for a globally threatened parasite.

His research centres on the interplay between global changes, parasites/pathogens, their hosts and environments, aiming to elucidate phenomena including co-extinctions, co-invasions, and zoonotic spillover.

Mackenzie Kwak has a particular passion for ectoparasites, primarily ticks, mites, and fleas. He has published research on topics such as insect extinctions and the conservation of parasite species.

Stephen M Croucher is a Professor of Intercultural Communication and Director of Doctoral Studies in the Department of Communication at the University of Jyväskylä. He researches immigrant cultural adaptation, religion and communication, statistics, and conflict.

He has authored more than 75 journal articles and book chapters, and has given keynote addresses in more than 20 nations.

Dr Leona Gilbert, Adjunct Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology, is the CEO of Te?ted Oy, that has a mission to get the patient tested so that they can recover quicker.

With the vast students and researchers mentored by her, she has led large research initiatives focused on directing research for the benefit of patients with better diagnostic platforms for Borreliosis and tick-borne diseases.

This research led to the development of TICKPLEX – a completed diagnostic platform the identifies over 15 different tick-borne related disease all within a single test. Prior to this, only one disease pathogen was tested out of several different tick-borne disease infections.

Tick-borne Illness Community Network Australia, Inc (TICNA) is a tick and other vector illness support group, as well as a patient education and community ideas group that aims to bring about change in education and support for the tick and vector-borne illness community.

TICNA was established in Melbourne, Australia and became Incorporated in 2018. It comprises vector-borne disease patients and their loved ones.

Driven by President, Peter Owen, TICNA’s aims are to educate the broader community about the dangers of tick and other vector pathogens, tick ecology and how to avoid and manage tick bites (and subsequent illnesses). TICNA’s educational approach aims to bring recognition and help to a wider community.

Lyme Disease Association of Australia is a small yet powerful registered charity and Australia’s peak patient body. The LDAA is committed to achieving universal recognition and equitable treatment for Australian Lyme and associated disease patients.

Ultimately, the LDAA aims to influence the perspective of Australian health authorities to the extent that they commit to urgent and ongoing research into Lyme and other tick-borne diseases.

The LDAA commenced operations in November 2009. Since that time, with the assistance of many dedicated volunteers, we have evolved into a powerful, grassroots organisation.

Elaine is a long-term Lyme patient and dedicated advocate, with a business management background. She is the secretary of Sarcoidosis Australia, a small online charity/support group that also operates as Sarcoidosis Lyme Australia, which pursues advocacy for tick-borne disease patients in tandem with larger advocacy groups such as the Lyme Disease Association of Australia.

Elaine is dedicated to the pursuit of medical equity for tick-borne disease patients and accountability on the part of the government in turning medical care into bureaucracy.