Dr Ebony Monson is an NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow (EL1) at the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Sciences within the Department of Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology at La Trobe University. Under the mentorship of Professor Karla Helbig, her research investigates fundamental mechanisms of host antiviral immunity, with a particular focus on the role of lipid droplets in cellular responses to viral infection and their potential as novel therapeutic targets.

Dr Monson completed her Bachelor of Biological Sciences with First Class Honours at La Trobe University in 2016 before earning her PhD in Virology in 2021. Since completing her doctorate, she has established an internationally recognised research program investigating how lipid droplets contribute to antiviral defence and intercellular communication. Her work has resulted in more than 20 publications, including papers in Cell, Nature Communications, ACS Nano and FEMS Microbiology Reviews, and has attracted over 1,000 citations. She has secured more than $950,000 in competitive research funding, including an NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellowship, with over $830,000 awarded as Lead Chief Investigator.

Her research excellence has been recognised through numerous national awards, including the 2026 Victorian Premier's Award for Health and Medical Research (Basic Science), the 2022 Australasian Virology Society Rising Star Award, and multiple awards for research excellence, scientific presentations and leadership. She currently serves as Vice-President of The Lipid Network and as the Early Career Researcher Representative for the Australasian Virology Society.

Beyond her research, Dr Monson is the Outreach Program Lead at the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Sciences and is a passionate advocate for science communication and public engagement. She regularly communicates science through podcasts, radio, public lectures, social media and community events, and has been invited to speak nationally and internationally on both her research and scientific communication. She is also the director of Nerd Nite Melbourne, a not-for-profit organisation that brings researchers and the public together through accessible science events that attract hundreds of attendees throughout the year. Dr Monson is committed to mentoring the next generation of scientists and currently supervises Honours, PhD and undergraduate research students while contributing to numerous mentoring programs aimed at supporting emerging researchers and increasing participation in STEM.