ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology

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Should scientists take more risks to fight climate change?
22, Oct 2026

Should scientists take more risks to fight climate change?

A new study says many already think so Climate scientists have a tricky balancing act: try new, powerful technologies that could help remove carbon from the atmosphere – but which...

New yeast engineering tool could accelerate the bioeconomy
24, Sep 2026

New yeast engineering tool could accelerate the bioeconomy

Australian scientists have developed a new genetic engineering tool that may make it much faster and cheaper to modify yeast, the workhorse behind many biomanufactured products.   Yeast is used...

Professor Claudia Vickers named 2026 woman of influence
23, Sep 2026

Professor Claudia Vickers named 2026 woman of influence

Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology research leader Professor Claudia Vickers has won the 2026 Life Sciences Queensland QIMR Berghofer Woman of Influence Award – recognition...

The compelling case for Biomade in Australia
29, Jun 2026

The compelling case for Biomade in Australia

Dr Iniga George, The Hon Julian Hill MP, J-L Heylen, Distinguished Professor Ian Paulsen and Mary O'Malley The ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology brought the case for sovereign...

Exclusive deal to advance therapies for fungal infection
29, Jun 2026

Exclusive deal to advance therapies for fungal infection

Centre researchers whose work showed cannabis-derived compounds can kill dangerous fungal pathogens have secured a commercial partner to take those findings toward clinical use. Australian life sciences company Oz Medicann...

Between Worlds
16, Feb 2026

Between Worlds

How one researcher is translating synthetic biology's promise -- and risks -- for the people who need to govern it By Dr Thom Dixon In 2025, I spent much of...

Engineering ancient silk from evolution to living materials
12, Feb 2026

Engineering ancient silk from evolution to living materials

Two researchers, two different approaches, one revolutionary material Spider silk has long captured the imagination of scientists and engineers. Weight for weight, it’s stronger than steel and tougher than Kevlar....

Programming the future at annual conference
8, Jan 2026

Programming the future at annual conference

From programmable microbes to self-assembling DNA structures, the ARC Centre of Excellence’s fifth annual conference painted an ambitious picture of where the field is headed and what it will take...

Supercharged Crops Could Help Cool the Planet
27, Nov 2025

Supercharged Crops Could Help Cool the Planet

Can we grow our way out of climate change? A new scientific framework suggests it’s certainly possible with an essential mix of biotech, plant agriculture and informed policy. Co-authored by...

Unlocking bacterial secrets to boost biotech and fight superbugs
26, Nov 2025

Unlocking bacterial secrets to boost biotech and fight superbugs

Macquarie University researcher Dr Liping Li has secured a prestigious DECRA grant to investigate how bacteria wake up from dormancy, a discovery that could revolutionise biotechnology and help tackle antimicrobial...

There’s more to risk than numbers
11, Nov 2025

There’s more to risk than numbers

Synthetic biology has many potential benefits across sectors ranging from health to climate change. But we must have the tools to anticipate, assess and manage its potential risks. Traditional risk...

Supercharging photosynthesis in crops 
30, Oct 2025

Supercharging photosynthesis in crops 

Australian researchers have created tiny compartments to help supercharge photosynthesis, potentially boosting wheat and rice yields while slashing water and nitrogen use.   Researchers from Associate Professor Yu Heng Lau’s research group at the University of...