Dr Vicki Maltby, PhD, is the research lead of the Newcastle Neuroimmunology Research team. She is employed by the John Hunter Hospital and is a Conjoint Senior Lecturer in the School of Medicine and Public Health at the University of Newcastle. She is an established research leader in translational epigenetics and multi-centre clinical trials in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Dr Maltby completed her BSc and PhD at the University of British Columbia, where she investigated histone modifications in S. cerevisiae, advancing understanding of gene regulation. Since relocating to Newcastle in 2012, her research has focused on epigenetic mechanisms in autoimmune disease, particularly DNA methylation as a biomarker of treatment response in MS.

She currently leads three national multicentre clinical trials (CLOBAS, ARTiMS, and an International Progressive MS Alliance study), each involving multiple sites and large collaborative teams. As Lead Investigator, she oversees all aspects of trial delivery, including design, governance, data integrity, and translation.

Dr Maltby has published articles in high-impact journals such as PNAS and JAMA Neurology. Her work has directly influenced clinical guidance and national policy discussions. She has secured over $7M in research funding and has leadership roles locally, nationally, and internationally, including being appointed the deputy-chair of ANZGene and leading the iWiMS Genetics and Genomics Focus Group.

She is committed to mentoring, having supervised 14 postgraduate and undergraduate students. She actively contributes to public education by presenting at forums such as World MS Day, and MS Australia webinars, where she translates complex research into clear, practical information for people living with MS, their families, and carers. These activities promote health literacy, particularly around treatment options, emerging research, and lifestyle factors, helping people living with MS make informed decisions.