Professor Ron Grunstein heads a large mutidisciplinary sleep research group at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research in Sydney. He has an international reputation in sleep research and a strong track record of both investigator driven and industry-sponsored research. He has a particular research interest in the links between sleep apnea, obesity and cardiovascular disease, and in outcomes measurement in sleep disorders. In 2007 he will co-chair the World Congress of Sleep Research Societies in Cairns, Queensland.

Professor Doug McEvoy leads a strong and growing research team at the Adelaide Institute for Sleep Health, which has had continuous NHMRC funding since 1994. He has particularly strong experience in clinical sleep research and multicentre trials. His interests range from respiratory/sleep physiology to trials of new diagnostic, treatment and management methods for sleep apnea, to sleep deprivation/alcohol interactions and effects on driving.

Professor Lyle Palmer heads the Laboratory for Genetic Epidemiology at the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research, and is an internationally recognised expert in the genetics of complex respiratory diseases. His particular interests are methodological research in statistical genetics and bioinformatics and applied research in the genetic epidemiology of diseases including respiratory disease and sleep apnea.

Associate Professor Naomi Rogers is an internationally recognised expert in chronobiology, sleep loss and melatonin with involvement in national and international sleep and circadian research bodies. She heads the Sleep & Circadian Research Group at the Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney. Naomi has expertise in clinical trials evaluating countermeasures for fatigue and sleepiness, and potential pharmacological treatments for insomnia, with a track record of Australian and US federal, and pharmaceutical funding.

Professor Rob Pierce heads the largest sleep research group in Victoria at the Institute for Breathing and Sleep, and has developed strong national and international collaborative links. He has conducted key trials in the management of mild sleep apnea with CPAP and dental devices, the impact of sleep disorders on road safety and nocturnal oxygen therapy. Rob has worked with industry to develop new diagnostic technology and therapies for sleep disorders, and with government agencies in translating research findings into industry health screening programs.

Professor Guy Marks is a clinical epidemiologist with expertise in respiratory epidemiology. He heads the Australian Centre for Asthma Monitoring, and the epidemiology group at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research. He is experienced in working with research groups to develop clinical trial protocols for sleep disorder interventions.

In addition to the permanent Chief Investigator members, one or more additional sleep researchers are appointed to the Executive for 12 month periods. Dr James Douglas, Director of the Sleep Disorders Centre at the Prince Charles Hospital in Brisbane, is now contributing a second year as a member of the Executive Committee. James's interests in sleep medicine research include non-invasive ventilation, factors influencing adherence to CPAP, and effects of sleep deprivation in the workplace. James is keen to hear from researchers in Queensland and elsewhere who want to become involved in the Network and he can be contacted by email or by phone on (07) 3139 5786.

Also joining the Executive for a 12 month period is Dr Shantha Rajaratnam. Shantha is Senior Lecturer in the School of Psychology, Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine at Monash University. He also retains positions as Lecturer in Medicine at Harvard Medical School (USA) and Associate Neuroscientist at Brigham and Women's Hospital (USA). Shantha's research interests include circadian rhythms and the effects of melatonin and light, evaluation of fatigue management programs for shift workers, consequences of sleep loss and sleep disruption, and legal issues relating to sleep loss and fatigue.