Dr Zhe Li is a Clinical Associate Professor in Surgery at Concord Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney. He holds an MD and PhD from the University of Sydney, where he completed his PhD in 1997 and subsequent postdoctoral research. Dr Li has served as a senior medical scientist at the University of Sydney, Children’s Hospital at Westmead, and St George Hospital, holding senior research positions at Children’s Hospital at Westmead and St George Hospital prior to his current appointment. As chief medical scientist of the Skin Culture Laboratory for the NSW Severe Burn Injury Service at Concord Repatriation General Hospital, he has led laboratory services since 2003, providing cultured living skin grafts for severe burn wound healing to all burns units under the NSW State-wide Severe Burns Service. His expertise encompasses the cultivation of skin stem cells and engineered autologous skin grafts for clinical application in burn treatment. With extensive training in developmental biology, cell biology, molecular biology, medical microbiology, infection, immunity, and animal models, Dr Li contributes significantly to surgical research and clinical practice in burns and reconstructive surgery.

Dr Li's research focuses on skin stem cells, cell and tissue therapy for burn wound healing, skin tissue engineering, and skin regeneration. He has authored 83 publications with over 2,700 citations and 15,000 reads. Key publications include 'Burn injury: challenges and advances in burn wound healing, infection, pain and scarring' (Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 2018; 829 citations), 'Functionalized bacterial cellulose derivatives and nanocomposites' (Carbohydrate Polymers, 2014; 516 citations), 'Tailoring the porosity and pore size of electrospun synthetic human elastin scaffolds for dermal tissue engineering' (Biomaterials, 2011; 402 citations), 'First aid improves clinical outcomes in burn injuries: evidence from a cohort study of 4918 patients' (Burns, 2019; 101 citations), and 'Cell therapy for severe burn wound healing' (Burns & Trauma, 2018). His work has advanced the clinical translation of skin regeneration technologies, improving outcomes for burn patients through innovative therapies and statewide service provision.

Professional Email: zhe.li1@sydney.edu.au