The ANU SynBio Initiative covers an umbrella of activities that support the university to maximise its potential in the diverse fields of synthetic biology. It runs events and manages a network to coordinate a variety of activities, including major bids, infrastructure and equipment purchasing and access, and making visible the expertise and capabilities across the university. The Initiative launched in September 2022 (see our news article). 

The Initiative manages an inclusive network of over a hundred ANU staff and students, including professional, academic and technical staff, postgraduate and undergraduate students, as well as start-ups and businesses based on campus.

Joining the network is an easy. Simply email Sarah Andrew at synbio@anu.edu.au with your name and email address. She will add you to the mailing list and keep you updated with activities, funding opportunities, student projects, news and events. Once you are on the mailing list, you are automatically considered a member of the SynBio Initiative and can fully participate in events and opportunities.

About the SynBio Initiative

The SynBio Initiative is managed by a small team who organise events, circulate funding opportunities and support university staff and students to reach their full potential. The management team works with Node Leaders from across the university to ensure the Initiative is working effectively across colleges. Overseeing these activities is the Steering Committee. 

Management team

Colin Jackson, Director

Adam Perriman, Deputy Director

Sarah Andrew, Project Manager

Julieanne Dougherty, Business Development Manager

Node leaders

Thomas Huber, Research School of Chemistry

Caitlin Byrt, Research School of Biology

Giuseppe Barca, School of Computing

Joan Leach and Sujatha Raman, Centre for the Public Awareness of Science

Tamas Fischer, John Curtin School of Medical Research

Catherine Waldby, Research School of Social Sciences

Dirk van der Kley, National Security College

Steering committee

Ute Roessner, Chair, Director of Research Initiatives and Infrastructure

Craig Moritz, Director of the Research School of Biology

Penny Brothers, Director of the Research School of Chemistry

Ross Hannan, Deputy Dean for Research at the College of Health and Medicine

Catherine Waldby, Director of the Research School of Social Science

Enquiries? Please contact Sarah Andrew, Project Manager, at synbio@anu.edu.au