Dr Colin Scott
Pronouns: he,him,his
Senior Principal Research Scientist
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Contact details:
CANBERRA ACT 2601 AUSTRALIA
Biography
Dr. Colin Scott is a passionate and dedicated 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.
Professional Areas
Current Roles
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Senior Principal Research Scientist
Developing biotechnologies for industry and the environment
Academic Qualifications
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2000
PhD in Molecular Microbioogy
University of Sheffield -
1996
BSc (Hon) in Genetics
University of Aberystwyth
Professional Experiences
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2021-2022
Synthetic Biology Future Science Platform Director
CSIRO -
2017-2022
Research Team Leader
CSIRO -
2017-2021
Synthetic Biology Future Science Platform Executive
CSIRO -
2016-2017
Future Science Platform Director (interim)
CSIRO -
2012-2017
Research Group Leader
CSIRO -
2008-2012
Research Team Leader
CSIRO -
2004-2008
Post-doctoral Research Fellow
CSIRO -
2000-2004
Post-doctoral Research Fellow
University of Sheffield
Achievements and Awards
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2010-2013
Julius Award
CSIRO
Other highlights
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2020-Present
Adjunct Professor - Queensland University of Technology
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2010-Present
Editor - Biodegradation (Spinger)
Related links
ORCID 0000-0001-6110-6982
We have publications by Dr Colin Scott