Marine Bioproducts has three research programs which are linked.

At its simplest, our research team is dedicated to growing marine resources (Program 1), developing new processes that utilise those resources (Program 2) and finally creating new marine bioproducts that are market-ready (Program 3).

We have a fourth program called CET (‘Connect Educate Train’), which works across all three programs.  The CET program is designed to incubate new talent, put graduates into research programs and increase the pool of skills in this fledgling sector – skills that Australia will come to rely on. Visit this page for information about research opportunities.

At any one time we have a number of people working on these programs in laboratories and research centres across Australia and also overseas. The suite of research programs is overseen by our Research Director, Dr Mike Patane.

The MBCRC Research Strategy 2021-2026 Infographic outlines how Marine Bioproducts CRC will deliver high-quality, collaborative and industry-focused research outputs; our strategic research objectives; how research success will be measured; and seven key impacts on industry.

MBCRC Researcher Capability Map

  • Who are we?
  • Where are we?
  • What are our capabilities?
  • How can we help?

View the map here.

Program 1: Sustainable Marine Resources

Growing marine bioproducts

Research Program Leader: Associate Professor Catriona MacLeod

  • Biocultivation decision support system
  • Breeding and hatchery/nursery program
  • Optimised production systems for each of microalgae/microbes, macroalgae and marine animals.

Program 2: Innovative Bioprocessing Technologies

Making marine bioproducts

Research Program Leader: Professor Colin Barrow

  • Biobusiness toolbox – manufacturing
  • Biorefinery for total resource utilisation
  • Process automation
  • Plug and play modular biomanufacturing
  • Circular biorefinery scaleup and demonstration.

Program 3: Australian Marine Bioproducts

Delivering marine bioproducts

Research Program Leader: Professor Rob Capon

  • New marine bioproducts
  • Products with enhanced functionality
  • Products with substantiated properties
  • Products with premium formulations
  • Biobusiness toolbox – products.

Program 4: Connect, Educate and Train (CET)

Growing the marine bioproducts sector

Education and Training Manager: Dr Kirsten Heimann

  • Global leadership
  • Upskilled workforce
  • Global industry linkages
  • Regional export oriented focus
  • Biobusiness toolbox.