Professor Sandra Thom-Jones has undertaken numerous research projects in partnership with the autistic community on the experiences of autistic people, and the knowledge and attitudes towards autism in the broader community. Her research won the Autism CRC's 2019 and 2021 awards for research translation and the 2022 award for inclusive research. Thom-Jones worked in leadership roles in the university sector for over two decades, and is an honorary professor at the University of Wollongong. She works as an independent autism researcher and consultant.