Dr Julie Bennett is an Associate Professor in the Department of Public Health at the University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand. Her research focuses on acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and rheumatic heart disease (RHD). AP Bennett has led and co‑led clinical trials, observational studies, and intervention research across a range of settings. Her work is grounded in strong methodological rigour and seeks to deliver practical benefit for individuals and communities affected by ARF and RHD. She is involved in several trans‑disciplinary research programmes and collaborates widely with national and international colleagues. She has led a multiphase clinical trial examining subcutaneous penicillin (SCIP) for the prevention of RHD. She has also contributed to policy and guideline development, including as a member of the World Health Organization ARF and RHD Guideline Development Group and Pū Manawa (the Aotearoa New Zealand ARF Network). She was part of the research team awarded the Health Research Council of New Zealand Liley Medal in recognition of contributions to research on rheumatic fever risk factors and Group A Streptococcal infections.