Ada Cheung

Background

About Ada Cheung

I am an endocrinologist, clinician-scientist, and NHMRC/Dame Kate Campbell Research Fellow at The University of Melbourne. My vision—shaped by my own experiences of discrimination and disadvantage, and seeing firsthand the benefits when hurdles are overcome—is for everyone to have a fair go and live a life without barriers. Everything I do is guided by this purpose: improving the health and well-being of the transgender and gender-diverse community.In 2017, I established the Trans Health Research Group after hearing of trans people being refused care, observing marked health inequity, and recognising the lack of research to guide clinical care. Our work is built on co-creation and collaboration with the trans community, ensuring our research reflects real needs and lived experiences. This commitment was recognised with the GLOBE LGBT Ally of the Year award, which remains one of the most meaningful acknowledgements of my work. Since then, we’ve driven significant change—shaping health policy and programs, establishing new gender clinics, developing national guidelines, and training health professionals to provide affirming care.In 2024, I was honored to be named one of Cosmos Magazine’s most inspirational and remarkable women in Australian science and inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women as a Change Agent for gender equality. These recognitions reflect the collective efforts of many and remind me of the importance of continuing to push for equity and inclusion in every space.Throughout my career, I’ve learned that leadership is about more than delivering outcomes. It’s about advocacy, challenging the status quo, and amplifying the voices of those who need to be heard. I am proud to serve on the US Endocrine Society’s Committee on Diversity and Inclusion and previously on the board of the Endocrine Society of Australia, where I continue to advocate for equity at the highest levels of governance.I’m also passionate about science communication and making complex research accessible to all. Whether engaging with the media or speaking to international federations about trans inclusion in sport, my goal is always to bring evidence-based, compassionate perspectives into public conversations.Ultimately, I believe in the power of research, advocacy, and collaboration to create a fairer, more inclusive world—one where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.