We are committed to making the AMI Microbial Solutions for a Changing World Conference accessible to all attendees. Recognising that some potential participants may face financial barriers, we offer a fee waiver programme. This programme is designed to help eligible attendees, including students, early career researchers, and those from economically disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds.
Meet the Organising Committee
The AMI Microbial Solutions for a Changing World Conference is brought to life by a dedicated Organising Committee, comprising leading scientists and thought leaders in microbiology and environmental science. With expertise spanning greenhouse gas mitigation, pathogen control, and ecosystem restoration, these individuals are driving the scientific agenda of this event, ensuring a platform for innovation and collaboration. Their collective experience and commitment to advancing microbiological research create an inspiring environment for participants, from early career researchers to established experts. Below, explore the backgrounds and achievements of the committee members who are shaping this landmark conference.
Professor Chris Greening
Professor Chris Greening is an internationally recognised microbiologist at Monash University in Australia. His pioneering research focuses on microbial metabolism, resilience, and the critical role of microbes in global biogeochemical cycles. Leading the Greening Lab within Monash’s School of Biological Sciences, his team explores how bacteria survive in extreme and low-nutrient environments and how these organisms drive essential processes like carbon cycling and nitrogen fixation.
A key area of Professor Greening's research investigates how bacteria can "breathe" gases like hydrogen and carbon monoxide, enabling survival in nutrient-scarce and oxygen-limited settings such as soil, sediments, and even within the human body. His work has broad implications, from improving climate resilience in ecosystems to advancing our understanding of microbial roles in health. In recognition of his contributions, Professor Greening has received prestigious awards, including an Australian Research Council Future Fellowship and the Prime Minister’s Prize for Science for his impact on environmental and medical microbiology.
As Chair of the Organising Committee, Professor Greening is committed to fostering collaboration and innovative thinking, guiding the conference to showcase the pivotal role of microbiology in addressing global environmental challenges.
Dr Zahra Islam
Dr Zahra F. Islam is a microbial ecologist and Lecturer in Microbial Biotechnology at the University of Melbourne's School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences. Her research focuses on plant-soil-microbiome interactions, aiming to develop high-throughput methods to isolate beneficial microbes for biofertilisers that enhance plant growth. She also investigates the effects of smart fertilisers on microbial communities, employing both culture-dependent and culture-independent techniques to understand symbiotic and pathogenic interactions between soils, plants, and their associated microbes.
Dr Islam completed her PhD at Monash University in 2020, where she studied how bacteria utilise atmospheric trace gases as alternative energy sources. Her work provided experimental validation for the capacity of major bacterial phyla to use atmospheric hydrogen to fuel dormancy or mixotrophic growth. She has published extensively on topics such as the molecular characterisation of hydrogenases and ecosystem surveys on trace gas oxidisers in extreme environments.
Beyond her research, Dr Islam is committed to scientific communication and outreach. She serves on executive committees for organisations including the Australian Society for Microbiology (ASM) Victoria and the Microbial Ecology and Environmental Microbiology (MEEM) group. She has contributed articles to The Microbiologist, The Conversation, and the Monash Lens, highlighting the importance of microbes in environmental sustainability.
Dr Islam’s dedication to advancing our understanding of microbial roles in biogeochemical cycling has been recognised through grants from the University of Melbourne and the Australian Academy of Sciences. Her interdisciplinary approach and commitment to impactful research make her a leading figure in the fields of microbial biotechnology and environmental science.
Dr Jessica Taylor
Dr Jessica Taylor is a leading environmental microbiologist based in Singapore, known for her expertise in microbial ecology and its applications to environmental sustainability. Currently based at the National University of Singapore (NUS), her research centres on understanding the role of microbial communities in urban and natural ecosystems, with a focus on their contributions to water quality, soil health, and ecosystem resilience in tropical environments.
Dr Taylor's work aims to harness microbial processes to tackle environmental issues specific to urban and tropical ecosystems, such as nutrient cycling, pollution mitigation, and climate resilience. By examining how microorganisms interact with their environment, her research supports the development of sustainable solutions for urban planning and resource management, which are increasingly relevant to Singapore’s unique urban landscape.
In addition to her research, Dr Taylor collaborates with local and international stakeholders, including government agencies, industry partners, and environmental NGOs. Her expertise in microbial ecology and commitment to sustainability have made her a sought-after advisor on environmental policy and innovation in Southeast Asia. Through her work, Dr Taylor contributes to Singapore's vision of a greener, more sustainable future.
Dr Angelique Ray
Dr Angelique Ray is a Research Associate at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney, Australia, where she specialises in astrobiology and environmental microbiology. Her research primarily focuses on understanding the survival mechanisms of microorganisms in extreme environments, such as the hyper-arid deserts of Antarctica, which serve as analogues for Martian conditions. Dr Ray’s groundbreaking work has significantly advanced the field of atmospheric chemosynthesis—a process by which certain microbes utilise trace atmospheric gases like hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and methane for energy and carbon fixation. This unique capability allows these organisms to thrive in nutrient-poor soils, such as those found in polar deserts.
Dr Ray has published extensively on microbial adaptations in Antarctic soils, examining how these microbes contribute to primary production and carbon fixation under harsh conditions. Her studies are shedding light on the resilience of microbial communities facing extreme climates and have broader implications for understanding microbial ecosystems across the globe. As a researcher dedicated to bridging knowledge gaps in high-latitude microbiomes, Dr Ray’s work is essential for developing conservation strategies in fragile ecosystems. Her commitment to science communication also drives her to engage with the public, inspiring interest in microbial ecology and astrobiology.
Professor Annie Tan
Dr. G. Y. Annie Tan is a Professor at the Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur. Her research focuses primarily on natural products from Actinobacteria and microbial systematics, specifically within the Actinomycetes and Actinobacteria groups. This area of study is critical for understanding and utilizing microbial biodiversity, particularly in developing new antibiotics and bioactive compounds from soil bacteria. Dr. Tan's expertise contributes significantly to advancing knowledge in microbial taxonomy and the potential applications of microbes in medicine and agriculture. Professor Tan is also committed to education and mentoring, guiding both young scientists and graduate students through their academic and professional journeys
Dr Michael Doane
Dr Michael Doane is a microbial ecologist at Flinders University, Australia, specialising in metagenomics, microbial community dynamics, and the ecology of marine and terrestrial systems. His research examines the role of microbial communities in ecosystem health, resilience, and nutrient cycling, with a focus on extreme and unique environments. Through his work, Dr Doane investigates how microbial diversity and metabolic functions contribute to biogeochemical processes, particularly in ecosystems impacted by human activities.
Dr Doane’s recent projects include studies on microbial community assembly in marine bacterioplankton, metagenomic profiling of gut and soil microbiomes, and microbiome interactions with marine species such as leopard and whale sharks. His work utilises advanced genomic and bioinformatics techniques to reveal the functional potential of microbiomes in shaping ecological processes and influencing host health.
In addition, Dr Doane’s research addresses conservation and environmental monitoring, with a view to applying genomics-based insights to biodiversity protection and ecosystem management. His contributions have been widely published in leading scientific journals, advancing understanding at the intersection of microbial ecology, conservation, and environmental science.
Professor Sukhwan Yoon
Dr Sukhwan Yoon is a distinguished Professor of Environmental Engineering at KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) in South Korea. He is renowned for his pioneering research in environmental microbiology, particularly focusing on microbial processes that help remove contaminants from water and soil. Dr Yoon’s expertise lies in harnessing microbial systems for bioremediation, wastewater treatment, and greenhouse gas mitigation, using advanced biotechnological approaches to develop sustainable solutions to pressing environmental challenges.
In his lab at KAIST, Dr Yoon explores the interactions between microbial communities and pollutants, with a strong emphasis on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying microbial degradation pathways. His research not only advances fundamental knowledge of microbial ecology but also has real-world applications in improving environmental management practices across diverse ecosystems. Dr Yoon collaborates widely with government bodies, industry partners, and international research institutions to drive impactful research that contributes to South Korea's environmental policies and sustainability goals.
Dr Carlo Carere
Dr Carlo Carere is a Senior Research Scientist at the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) in New Zealand, where he specialises in environmental microbiology and water quality research. His work focuses on developing innovative microbial and molecular techniques to monitor and improve water safety, particularly in relation to contaminants and microbial pathogens. Dr Carere’s research plays a crucial role in ensuring the health and sustainability of New Zealand’s unique water ecosystems, from groundwater reserves to surface water systems.
A recognised leader in his field, Dr Carere has contributed to numerous studies that inform national water quality standards and policies. His expertise encompasses molecular microbiology, environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, and the study of microbial communities in response to environmental changes. Beyond his research, Dr Carere actively collaborates with government agencies, industry stakeholders, and Māori communities to develop culturally and ecologically sound approaches to water management. His commitment to safeguarding water resources positions him as an essential figure in New Zealand's environmental research landscape.
Help Spread the Word
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