Professor James Ward is a Pitjantjatjara and Narungga man, infectious diseases and public health researcher, and Director of the Poche Centre for Indigenous Health at The University of Queensland. With almost 40 years' experience advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, his work is grounded in self-determination, health equity, and Indigenous leadership. He has led nationally significant efforts to improve STI and blood-borne virus (BBV) outcomes, strengthen HIV prevention, support Australia's COVID-19 response, and advance Indigenous health research. Partnering with more than 100 communities across Australia, Professor Ward has secured over $30 million in research funding, published nearly 200 papers, and received numerous national research honours.