ASM 2025 had a terrific International Experts Speaker Line-Up

The NZSG would like to thank our keynote speakers for sharing their knowledge with our ASM Delegates.

Associate Professor Nick Burgess, an interventional endoscopist from Westmead Hospital and the University of Sydney, shared his expertise in colorectal cancer prevention and advanced endoscopic resection. His research spans polyp-cancer prediction models, EMR/ESD techniques, and global quality-improvement initiatives in bowel cancer screening.

Joining him was Associate Professor Britt Christensen, head of the IBD Unit at The Royal Melbourne Hospital. A leading figure in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis care, Christensen brings a strong focus on intestinal ultrasound, complex IBD management, and improving outcomes for women through pregnancy.

Renowned colorectal-cancer screening pioneer Professor Evelien Dekker of Amsterdam UMC presented her latest work shaping the Netherlands’ national colonoscopy and familial-tumour programmes. Her leadership continues to influence international standards for early detection.

From the nursing field, Daniel Lightowler, Clinical Nurse Consultant in IBD at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and President of the Gastroenterological Nurses College of Australia (GENCA), contributed key insights into advanced nursing roles and patient-centred care models. UK-based senior nurse Sharon Powell, with more than three decades of NHS experience, brought a strong professional nursing lens to the event.

The hepatology programme was strengthened by Associate Professor Avik Majumdar, a transplant hepatologist from Austin Health, whose expertise spans cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and portal hypertension. Complementing this was Professor Alex Thompson, Director of Gastroenterology at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne and internationally recognised for his work in liver disease and clinical leadership.

Rounding out the international endoscopy contingent was Dr Vinay Sehgal, Consultant Gastroenterologist at University College London Hospital. His clinical practice focuses on advanced interventional endoscopy and emerging technologies shaping the future of GI procedures.

Finally, Associate Professor Graham Radford-Smith, a widely respected clinician and educator, contributed his deep experience across clinical gastroenterology and research translation.

Together, the GASTRO 2025 speakers represented a powerful cross-section of clinical excellence and thought leadership. Their collective insights will help shape the future direction of gastroenterology practice across Aotearoa New Zealand and the wider region.