1329th OGM and Open Lecture

“Inspired by Nature, Designed by Science”

Distinguished Professor Ian Paulsen FRSN FAA FASM
Director, ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology
Macquarie University

Date: Wednesday, 5 February 2025, 6.30 pm AEST
Venue: Metcalfe Theatre, State Library of NSW, Macquarie Street, Sydney  
Registration: Register link to follow
Entry: Members, $20; Non-members, $30; Students, $0
All are welcome

Summary: To follow

Distinguished Professor Ian Paulsen is a world-leading researcher in microbiology and a pioneer in microbial genomics and synthetic biology. He has developed the infrastructure and capabilities to harness the potential of synthetic biology, positioning Australia as a global leader in this transformative field.

As Founder and Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, Ian aims to catalyse a bioeconomy based on alternatives to fossil fuel-derived products. The Centre develops microbes that convert agricultural biomass into high-value plastics, chemicals, fertilisers and fuels. In just three years, it has spun out nine companies, raising over $180 million in venture capital and producing innovations such as a methane emission-reducing cattle feed supplement.

Ian co-founded and directs the Australian Genome Foundry, a world-class facility for automated microbe construction and testing. He also co-directs Australia’s node of Yeast 2.0, an international consortium building the world’s first complex synthetic organism.

His work addresses critical global challenges such as food security, waste management, water quality and decarbonisation, with significant implications for NSW. Ian’s research has the potential to create new economic opportunities by leveraging the state’s rich biomass resources. His commitment to training future synthetic biology researchers fosters a skilled workforce driving innovation and growth across NSW.

Ian is a fellow of the Royal Society of NSW and the Australian Academy of Science and a former ARC Laureate Fellow. His research has secured over $100 million in funding and he has published over 380 journal articles, attracting over 100,000 citations with an h-index of 132. 

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