• The University of Western Australia (M310), 35 Stirling Highway,

    6009 Perth

    Australia

Personal profile

Biography

Dr. Colin Scott is an experienced microbial biochemist and synthetic biologist whose career has been driven by a desire to solve real-world problems through scientific discovery. With a strong foundation in genetics, Dr. Scott earned his BSc from Aberystwyth University in Wales in 1996, followed by a PhD from Sheffield University’s Krebs Institute in 2000. His early research focused on microbial biochemistry, leading him to join the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in 2004, where he embarked on a project to engineer enzymes capable of breaking down pesticide contaminants. This work earned a DuPont Innovation Award in 2006, marking the beginning of an impactful career focused on practical solutions for environmental sustainability.

Dr. Scott’s research is rooted in the extraordinary biochemical diversity of microbes, which he taps into to address complex challenges such as pollution, resource scarcity, and sustainable manufacturing. His projects span the development of enzymes and microbes for purposes as varied as environmental cleanup, chemical production, and mining critical metals. He has published in leading scientific journals, including Nature, and his innovations are recognized worldwide. His patented technologies have been widely adopted, contributing to advancements across multiple industries.

In addition to his research, Dr. Scott has held senior leadership roles within CSIRO, such as director of the Synthetic Biology Future Science Platform, Advanced Engineering Biology Future Science Platform, and the CSIRO BioFoundry. These roles have allowed him to shape national scientific initiatives and mentor the next generation of scientists. He is committed to fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and supportive environment for early-career researchers, students, and postdoctoral fellows.

With a career that bridges scientific rigor and real-world application, Dr. Scott remains motivated by the promise of biotechnology to drive positive change for society, the environment, and industry. His work reflects a vision of science as a powerful tool for social and environmental impact.

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  • SDG 2 - Zero Hunger
  • SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
  • SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation
  • SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy
  • SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • SDG 13 - Climate Action

External positions

Senior Principle Research Scientist , CSIRO Environment

1 Aug 2004 → …

Research expertise keywords

  • synthetic biology
  • engineering biology
  • bacterial genetics
  • bacterial physiology
  • enzyme engineering
  • enzyme evolution

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