Clara Gaff

Professor Clara Gaff is the Executive Director of Melbourne Genomics. Clara has been at the forefront of introducing genetic innovation into health services since the beginning of her career. She leads a diverse portfolio of change initiatives, accelerating the use of evidence-based genomics in the health system.

Under her leadership, Melbourne Genomics provided the first real-time evidence for genomics in patient care, informed state and federal funding for genomic tests, produced internationally-adopted education resources, and commercialised a world-leading clinical genomic data management platform.

An experienced genetic counsellor, Clara has contributed internationally to ethical and responsible policy, practice and public engagement. She has served on national and international advisory committees on health translation, ethics and genomics, for bodies such as the National Health and Medical Research Council, Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH) and Genome Canada.

Clara has a PhD in molecular genetics and postgraduate qualifications in health service research and evaluation from the University of Melbourne. She is a registered Genetic Counsellor. Her leadership has been recognised by international and local organisations.