Professor Bahlo is the Theme Leader of the “Healthy Development and Ageing” theme at The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia, overseeing the scientific strategy for three divisions, including the Population Health and Immunity division which she co-established in 2015. 

A bioinformatician/statistical geneticist with over 20 years’ experience, Professor Bahlo’s research aims to understand the genetic basis of human diseases, with a focus on neurological and retinal disorders including epilepsy, ataxia, macular telangiectasia type 2 (mactel) and age-related macular degeneration.

Leading a statistical genetics laboratory since 2007, Professor Bahlo’s research lab has developed novel analysis methods and software. She leads analysis teams that have discovered new genes and genetic pathways, advancing understanding of disease as well as providing genetic diagnoses of many patients.