Plenary Speakers

Head of Discipline, Physiotherapy | University of Sydney

Associate Professor Elizabeth (Liz) Dylke is the Head of Discipline of Physiotherapy at the University of Sydney, where she leads teaching and research in muscoskeletal physiotherapy, oncology rehabilitation, and sports physiotherapy. With a strong clinical and academic background, Liz’s work centres on cancer rehabilitation and lymphatic disorders, particularly the assessment and management of lymphoedema. Her current research explores a range of topics, including upper and lower limb lymphoedema in adults and children, fatigue and physical activity in paediatric oncology patients, and lipoedema.

Liz is deeply committed to improving outcomes for people living with lymphatic health conditions through both research and education. She has been instrumental in developing student mobility and clinical placement programs, helping to build future generations of physiotherapists with expertise in lymphatic care.

As former President of the ALA, Liz continues to contribute to the profession through her leadership, mentorship, and advocacy for evidence-based, patient-centred care.

Consultant in Lymphoedema, Derby Lymphoedema Service Honorary Professor, University of Nottingham Medical School

Professor Vaughan Keeley is a Consultant Physician who specialises in lymphoedema. He leads the lymphoedema service in Derby, Nottingham and Mansfield, which sees people with all types of lymphoedema/chronic oedema and Lipoedema in adults and children. In 2020, the service was designated as a ‘Comprehensive Centre of Excellence for Lymphatic Diseases’ by LE&RN (the Lymphatic Education and Research Network).

His research interests include developing quality of life assessment tools in lymphoedema and Lipoedema, and he is an Honorary Professor at the University of Nottingham Medical School.

Emeritus Professor of Appearance Psychology | University of the West of England

Professor Nichola Rumsey is an internationally recognised expert in the psychology of appearance and adjustment to disfigurement. As Emeritus Professor at the University of the West of England, she founded and co-directed the Centre for Appearance Research (CAR), the world’s largest research group focused on body image and appearance psychology. Her research has informed national and international policy, healthcare practice, and public understanding of body image and visible difference.

In recent years, Nichola has championed the benefits of providing health professionals and patient groups with the knowledge and skills to enhance the psychosocial wellbeing of people living with conditions affecting appearance and self-esteem.

Research Fellow, Griffith University

Dr Melanie Plinsinga is a Cancer Council Queensland Next Generation Research Fellow at Griffith University. As a trained exercise scientist with a PhD in chronic pain, she leads a collaborative research program focused on cancer survivorship with a particular emphasis on chronic survivorship conditions such as lymphoedema, and the identification, prevention, and management of symptoms following cancer treatment.

Dr Plinsinga’s research has resulted in the publication of 40 peer-reviewed scientific papers and has attracted over $1.2 million in competitive grant and fellowship funding. She has received 16 national and international research awards and was named the 2024 Young Lymphologist by the European Society of Lymphology.

Director of National Clinical Services at Accelerate CIC, Lymphoedema ANP and British Lymphology Society Trustee

Rebecca has worked in lymphoedema for over 25 years, in community, cancer/palliative care and hospital settings. Prior to joining Accelerate she was Lymphoedema Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Team Leader at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (2003 – 2024).

As previous chair of the British Lymphology Society, Rebecca remains a Trustee, member of the BLS Scientific Committee and organises their annual conference. She is a founder member of the BLS Children with Lymphoedema Special Interest Group

She regularly publishes and is on the editorial board of the Journal of Lymphoedema and the British Journal of Community Nursing’s Chronic Oedema supplement.