Centre sponsors Australia’s first TERPNET conference

The ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology was proud to sponsor the 16th biannual TERPNET conference last week in Brisbane, an event dedicated to advancing the science of terpenes and isoprenoids – natural compounds with vital roles in biology, health, agriculture and industry.

For the first time in its 33-year history, TERPNET was held in Australia, and chaired by Centre members Professor Claudia Vickers (Queenland University of Technology) and Dr Jordi Perez-Gil (Macquarie University).

The five-day event welcomed 163 delegates from 21 countries, with 12 scientific sessions spanning fundamental research to innovative applications. Reflecting the growing impact of synthetic biology in revolutionising terpene research, TERPNET2025 featured two sessions on Synthetic Biology and Metabolic Engineering. These showcased how synthetic biology is revolutionising sustainable, high-value terpene production for pharmaceuticals, fragrances, flavours, and advanced materials – replacing extraction from rare plants or fossil fuels. This aligns closely with the Centre’s mission to use synthetic biology for a more sustainable future.

‘Hosting the TERPNET Conference in Australia for the first time welcoming scientists from all over the world was an added responsibility, but a rewarding opportunity to demonstrate the quality of the science developed in Australia. Plus, we could showcase our country to the world,’ says Dr Perez-Gil, Research Fellow at Macquarie University.

‘The conference spotlighted the most recent advances to the field, with great talks, lively poster sessions, and an unparalleled sense of community. It was great to learn from our colleagues and engage with the most prestigious researchers on the field worldwide.’