Dr Ahmed Elagali is a senior principal in Epidemiology and Data Science at Minderoo Foundation, where he leads cutting-edge projects at the intersection of plastics exposure and human health. With a PhD in Physics from the University of Western Australia and a strong background in computational and statistical modelling, Dr Elagali brings a unique multidisciplinary approach to global health and environmental epidemiology.

Dr Elagali has led and contributed to high-impact research across infectious and non-communicable diseases, including malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, measles, COVID-19, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and neurodevelopmental disorders. He specialises in advanced spatiotemporal and Bayesian modelling, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, with extensive experience using Python and R in high-performance computing environments.

His current work focuses on understanding the health impacts of plastic exposure, with a particular interest in neurodevelopment, brain health, and data-driven decision-making. He is a lead on several epidemiological studies, responsible for developing novel analytical frameworks, web-based data tools, and dashboards that integrate environmental exposure data with health outcomes.

Dr Elagali’s contributions extend beyond research. He is passionate about science communication, mentorship, and equity, having served on inclusion and diversity committees, delivered outreach programs, and mentored students and early-career researchers. His achievements include the co-discovery of the rare ring galaxy R5519, published in Nature Astronomy, and securing multiple prestigious academic awards across Australia, South Africa, and Sudan.