Associate Professor Munish Puri

Professor Puri FRSC is an established leader in the area of bioprocessing (industrial biotechnology). He obtained his Ph.D. in India and did his postdoctoral research at the University of Oxford, UK. He leads a research team that uses bioprocessing (microbial) to address global challenges in sustainability, food security, and human well-being. His lab has four major programs: a) metabolite production through "microbial cell manufacturing" for producing therapeutic proteins, enzymes, and lipids, b) food biotechnology for nutraceutical extraction, functional foods, and novel foods development relating to Omega 3 fatty acids, c) nanotechnology for enhancing thermostability of enzymes and bioactive with applications for health products and d) health substantiation by validation of bioactives functionality. He has published 150+ research papers (see SCOPUS, Researchgate, and Google Scholar) in the leading international journals of the discipline "Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology". Collectively, his research has led to a high number of highly cited publications. Over the years, he has supervised 21 students to Ph.D. completion in the discipline of biotechnology. He is on the Editorial board of research journals such as Algal Research, Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, Catalysts, Marine Drugs, and Journal of Carbohydrate Polymer Technology. The Stanford-Elsevier standardized citation index has ranked him amongst the top 10 Australian researchers in the field.

Munish has applied his research background to biotechnology teaching, and his teaching revolves around interactive inquiry-driven learning. His teaching focuses on empowering future biotechnologists to become drivers of innovation and impact in the field. At Flinders University, his leadership has fostered excellence in teaching and learning by leading the review of the Master of Biotechnology program. He has strengthened the biotechnology program by introducing new topics in the program that create WIL opportunities through industry placements and address the dynamic nature of biotechnology.