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Prof Michelle Colgrave

Deputy Director (Food)

https://people.csiro.au/c/m/michelle-colgrave

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BIOSCIENCE PREC 306 CARMODY RD
ST. LUCIA QLD 4067 AUSTRALIA

Biography

Professor Michelle Colgrave serves as the Deputy Director (Food) at CSIRO Agriculture and Food, located at the Queensland Bioscience Precinct in Brisbane, Australia. She previously led CSIRO’s Future Protein Mission, driving innovation in sustainable nutrition and food security. She is also a Chief Investigator with the ARC Centre of Excellence for Innovations in Peptide and Protein Science.

A specialist in proteomics, Michelle applies advanced mass spectrometry techniques to address challenges in agriculture and food science. Her research targets proteins related to food intolerance, allergy, and bioactivity, aiming to improve health outcomes through better food quality. Professor Colgrave leads projects that deliver practical benefits. Her team contributed to the creation of a canola variety rich in omega-3 oils and played a pivotal role in developing the world’s first gluten-free barley. They are currently evaluating oat cultivars suitable for gluten-free diets, reflecting her commitment to advancing food choices for those with dietary restrictions.

Professor Colgrave has authored more than 160 peer-reviewed publications and edited the book “Proteomics in Food Science: From Farm to Fork,” which introduces mass spectrometry and proteomics to the broader food and agricultural research communities. Her expertise also extends to strategic policy development, and she is dedicated to encouraging women to pursue careers in science.

Her pioneering work in quantifying gluten proteins in cereals has earned her numerous accolades, including: AOAC International's Harvey W. Wiley Award (2024), ICM Agrifood Award, Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE) Innovation and Excellence Awards (2020), CSIRO Chairman's Medal (2016), and Plant Industry Research Achievement Award (2014). Prior to this, Michelle received the Payne-Scott Award (2014), John Philip Award for Promotion of Excellence in Young Scientists (2012), and was honoured as an ATSE Fellow in 2022.

Professor Colgrave’s leadership and scientific contributions continue to shape the future of food science and agricultural innovation.

Professional Areas

Current Roles

  • Deputy Director
    Food

Academic Qualifications

  • 2002

    PhD
    University of Wollongong

  • 1999

    B Adv Sci (Hons I)
    University of Wollongong

Professional Experiences

  • 2007-2019

    Proteomics Research Scientist
    CSIRO

  • 2006-2007

    Field Application Scientist
    Applied Biosystems

  • 2002-2006

    Senior Research Officer
    Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of Queensland

  • 2001-2002

    Research Fellow
    Nottingham Trent University

Achievements and Awards

  • 2024-2024

    Harvey W Wiley Award
    AOAC International

  • 2022-2023

    Fellow of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering (FTSE)
    Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering (ATSE)

  • 2022-2022

    Women Leading Tech Finalist, Highly Commended
    Women Leading Technology

  • 2021-2021

    Bowie Medal
    Australian and New Zealand Society for Mass Spectrometry (ANZSMS)

  • 2021-2021

    Vice-Chancellor’s Excellence in Research Award
    Edith Cowan University

  • 2020-2020

    ICM Agrifood Award
    Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE)

  • 2017-2017

    Runner-up “Women in Research Award”, Scopus Researcher Awards
    Elsevier

  • 2017-2017

    Agriculture & Food Director’s Award for Leadership
    CSIRO

  • 2016-2016

    Chairman's Medal
    CSIRO

  • 2014-2016

    Payne-Scott Award
    CSIRO

  • 2014-2014

    Plant Industry Research Achievement Award
    CSIRO

  • 2012-2013

    John Philip Award for the Promotion of Excellence in Young Scientists
    CSIRO

  • 2012-2012

    CSIRO Research Achievement Award (Resilin)
    CSIRO

  • 2008-2011

    Julius Career Award
    CSIRO

Community and Corporate Citizenship

  • 2023-2024

    International Mass Spectrometry Conference Organising Committee

  • 2020-2025

    Asia Oceania Agricultural Proteomics Organization (AOAPO) Board Member

  • 2020-2024

    AgCatalyst (CSIRO) Steering Committee

  • 2016-2022

    Australasian Proteomics Society (APS) Board Member

  • 2017-2019

    HUPO 2019 Organising Committee

  • 2018-2018

    AgCatalyst (CSIRO) Steering Committee

  • 2014-2015

    ANZSMS15 Conference Organising Committee

  • 2012-2018

    Editorial Board Member: Peptidomics

  • 2011-2018

    Editorial Board Member: Journal of Integrated Omics

  • 2010-2015

    Education & Training Officer, APS

Related links

Publications

We have publications by Prof Michelle Colgrave