The Biggest and Most Influential Healthcare Exhibition In The Southern Hemisphere

March 11 - 12, 2026  ICC, Sydney
Dr Ann Aerts

Dr Ann Aerts

Head Novartis Foundation

Ann Aerts is Head of the Novartis Foundation, an organization committed to transform the health of low-income populations, by leveraging the power of data, digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to reimagine health and care around the world. As a medical doctor, Ann applies her relentless commitment to pioneering new partnerships, tools and interventions to redesign health systems from being reactive to becoming proactive, predictive and ultimately preventive, so that they become true health systems, keeping people healthy. Ann holds a Degree in Medicine, a Masters in Public Health from the University of Leuven, Belgium, and a Degree in Tropical Medicine from the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, Belgium. Passionate about improving population health through data, digital and AI, Ann applies her relentless commitment to overcoming health inequities to pioneer solutions that can advance health and care globally. Ann chairs the Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development Working Group on Digital and AI in Health and is a member of the Board of the Philips Foundation and the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, Belgium. Ann served as a member of the US National Academies of Science Engineering and Medicine Committee on Improving the Quality of Health Care Globally and on the US National Academies of Medicine Commission on Healthy Longevity. Ann has authored numerous publications on digital health, innovative approaches, technology and multisector partnerships to address global health challenges. Before leading the Novartis Foundation, Ann was Franchise Medical Director Critical Care for Novartis Pharma in Basel and Therapeutic Area Head Cardiovascular and Metabolism for Novartis Pharma Belgium. Prior to joining Novartis, she served as Director of the Lung and Tuberculosis Association in Belgium and as Head of the Health Services Department of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Geneva. She has also worked as Health Coordinator for the ICRC in several countries.

Check out the incredible speaker line-up to see who will be joining Ann.

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