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Dr Allen  Zhengyu) Wen
Head of Plant SynBio Australia – ANU
allen.wen@anu.edu.au

Title: From SynBio to the Field – Broad-Spectrum, Long-Lasting Antiviral Defense

Abstract: Maize lethal necrosis, or MLN, poses a serious threat to the food security of smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa. Our recent research has uncovered two independent genetic solutions to combat this devastating viral disease. The first involves a mutated peroxisomal peptidase that disrupts viral invagination formation. The second is a unique eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E mutant which, while maintaining normal plant growth, has lost the ability to support viral protein translation. Using gene editing, we successfully introduced these traits into elite maize varieties. In Kenyan field trials, the edited lines showed complete resistance to MLN with no yield penalty. These breakthroughs mark a major step toward protecting the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers across Africa.

Biography - Dr. Allen (Zhengyu) Wen earned his PhD in Plant Physiology from the University of Adelaide, where he investigated nitrate transporters in maize. He then undertook postdoctoral research at the University of Sydney, advancing his studies on membrane proteins from a biochemical perspective. Dr. Wen later joined the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) in Mexico, where he co-led a multi-institutional maize gene editing program. After delivering Africa’s first gene-edited crop, he transitioned to industry, joining KeyGene to contribute to innovations in plant-based proteins and vegetable crop improvement. Now, drawing on his academic research experience, industrial pipeline expertise, and deep ties to Australia, Dr. Wen leads the ANU node of the newly established Plant SynBio Australia. He is committed to advancing Australian plant science by building and sustaining this vital research infrastructure.

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Dr Thomas Vanhercke
Lead of Synthetic Traits Group, CSIRO
thomas.vanhercke@csiro.au

Title: Healthier Canola – Improving Omega-3 Content through Synthetic Biology

Abstract: Plant synthetic biology and metabolic engineering are transformative fields that enable the precise redesign of plant genomes for enhanced traits and novel functionalities. For over two decades, the CSIRO Synthetic Traits group has been at the forefront of applying advanced genetic tools to deliver the next generation in oil crops. In this presentation, I’ll discuss omega-3 transgenic canola as one real-world impact example the group has developed to deliver health-promoting nutrients and address global supply challenges. Time permitting, I’ll touch on a new wave of technical developments within the group, such as high throughput library screening in planta, advanced RNAi designs and novel complex traits that continue to push the current boundaries of plant synthetic biology.

Biography - Thomas graduated from Ghent University with a PhD in plant biotechnology in collaboration with Bayer/BASF Belgium. Thomas currently leads the Synthetic Traits research group within the CSIRO Agriculture & Food Research Unit. This group specializes in applying cutting edge plant synthetic biology and metabolic engineering principles to develop the next generation of value-added genetically modified crops. Thomas’ earlier work focused on engineering enzymes that are involved in plant lipid production. In addition, Thomas has modified plants to accumulate high levels of valuable plant oils in non-seed parts. More recently, Thomas’ focus has broadened to include the development of high throughput plant screening platforms and the production of high-value secondary products via molecular farming.