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 – 8.00 pm AEDT
Venue: Metcalfe Theatre, State Library of NSW, Macquarie Street, Sydney  
Registration: Please register before 2.00 pm, Tuesday, 4 February.  Onsite payment by credit card will be available prior to the meeting.
Entry: Members, $20; Non-members, $30; Students, $0
Video presentation:  YouTube video
All are welcome

Please click here to register

Business of the Meeting

The Agenda for the Ordinary General Meeting is now online and available on the Meetings page of the website.

Open Lecture

Summary:  Synthetic biology is a rapidly advancing field that treats genes and DNA as “Lego pieces” that can be used to construct novel biological systems. Developing novel synthetic microbes for the sustainable production of biochemical, biofuels and bioplastics is critical for the emergence of a new global bioeconomy. Ian Paulsen is the Director of the $50 million ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, a consortium across nine Australian universities and twenty industry partners, that seeks to build synthetic microbes that can convert agricultural biomass or waste streams into high-value chemicals. His synthetic biology research program includes fundamental science, such as building the world’s first synthetic yeast as part of the Yeast 2.0 consortium. Professor Paulsen also leads applied industrial projects, including engineering microbial strains to grow on waste, to recycle plastics, and, to produce flavour and aroma molecules.

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. 

Share link:

Share link: