Emeritus Professor Julie Byles AO BMed PhD FAAHMS, is an Honorary Professor at the University of Newcastle, and the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI).
She served as an academic at the University of Newcastle, in teaching, research and leadership roles since 1997. She also served on the HMRI Research Council as the co-lead of the then Public Health Program.

Emeritus Professor Byles has held local, national, and international roles in the International Clinical Epidemiology Network, the International Gerontology and Geriatrics Association (currently Chair of Social Planning and Policy for Asia Oceania), the International Longevity Centres Global Alliance (currently co-President), and has worked with the World Health Organization in various advisory roles. She is a Focal Point for the WHO Global Network of Age Friendly Cities and Communities ILC Affiliate.

Emeritus Professor Byles is a Fellow and Life Member of the Australian Association of Gerontology, and was National President from 2011-2013. She is also a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Science.

As a clinical epidemiologist, Emeritus Professor Byles’ interests are in risk determination, health assessment, other health care evaluation, and measurement of health outcomes. As a Gerontologist her interests in ageing include the role of health and long term care services, preventive activities, and treatments in maintaining quality of life for older people. She is currently a Senior Advisor with the Sax Institute assisting with the 45 and UP study, and including extension of the study to more recent generations.
She is currently serving on the Lancet Commission for Long-term Care.

In her “retirement” Emeritus Professor Byles wanted to increase her engagement with the local Newcastle community, so she took on the lead of the Hunter Ageing Alliance. She was named the City of Newcastle’s Senior Citizen of the Year for 2024, and she serves on the Newcastle Liveable Cities Advisory Committee for 2025.