MACSYS Committees

MACSYS has several committees that consider and manage  the organisation’s strategic goals, ethical and societal impacts and risks, research delivery and career progression, equity and inclusivity, and ensure smooth day-to-day operations.

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee is MACSYS’s principal management body, responsible for delivering on the organisation’s strategic goals. It oversees the effective use of human, financial, technical, and administrative resources to support MACSYS’s core activities in research, training, and translation.

As a forum for strategic thinking, the committee focuses on advancing MACSYS’s central mission: the development of a whole-cell model. It also ensures that MACSYS’s governance aligns with Australian Research Council requirements and operates in the best interests of the organisation, in accordance with the Funding Agreement.

Michael McDonald

Deputy Director & Node Leader

Read More

Ben Hess

Interim Chief Operating Officer

Read More

Emily Duane

Chief Operating Officer

Read More

Operations Committee

The Operations Committee serves as the administrative hub for coordination and information sharing across MACSYS. It brings together professional staff from the Nodes and MACSYS Headquarters to collaborate on operational and procedural matters in a supportive, team-based environment.

The committee provides a forum for discussion, innovation, and problem-solving—ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. It also plays a key role in team building and in delivering high-quality services that support the broader MACSYS agenda.

Ben Hess

Interim Chief Operating Officer

Read More

Matt Coffey

Indigenous Outreach & Education Coordinator

Read More

Emily Duane

Chief Operating Officer

Read More

Veronica Lay

Node Administrator

Read More

Shuting Liu

Centre Administrator

Read More

Tim Macuga

Media & Communications

Read More

Kate Moxhay

Node Administrator

Read More

Holly Shore

Node Administrator

Read More

Beth Wilson

Stakeholder Engagement Officer

Read More

Jin Yan Yap

Node Administrator

Read More

Equity, People and Culture Committee

The Equity, People and Culture Committee guides MACSYS’s efforts to build a more inclusive, equitable, and diverse organisation. With a strong intersectional approach, the committee recognises and values the complexity of people’s overlapping identities and lived experiences. Its work focuses on embedding equity across all levels of staffing and organisational culture. The committee also leads a range of public events and initiatives that celebrate diversity and foster a sense of belonging within the broader community. This group serves as a strategic and creative space where new ideas are welcomed and bold thinking around equity and inclusion is encouraged.

Michael McDonald

Deputy Director & Node Leader

Read More

Matt Coffey

Indigenous Outreach & Education Coordinator

Read More

Eduardo Eyras

Chief Investigator

Read More

KJ Goh

Research Fellow

Read More

Lucy Ham

Research Fellow

Read More

Veronica Lay

Node Administrator

Read More

Alex Sneddon

Research Fellow

Read More

Training and Career Development Committee

The Training and Career Development Committee (TCDC) supports the growth and success of the MACSYS community by developing training initiatives that enhance research delivery and foster career progression.

The committee provides a strategic forum for exploring opportunities in training, education, and professional development. Its focus is on building skills, supporting career pathways, and creating a thriving environment for researchers at all stages of their careers.

Wenjie Zhang

Chief Investigator

Read More

Robyn Araujo

Chief Investigator

Read More

Anthony Hart

Research Fellow

Read More

Malcolm McConville

Chief Investigator

Read More

Richard Morris

Chief Investigator

Read More

Richi Nayak

Chief Investigator

Read More

Lan Nguyen

Chief Investigator

Read More

Sean Vittadello

Research Fellow

Read More

Thomas Williams

Research Fellow

Read More

Strategic Research Committee

The Strategic Research Committee provides leadership across MACSYS’s key research areas and themes, working to ensure the successful delivery of our research goals—particularly the development of a whole-cell model. Acting on behalf of the Executive Committee, and within its delegated authority, the Strategic Research Committee plays a central role in guiding scientific direction and priorities. Committee meetings serve as a forum for strategic thinking and encourage open, unconstrained scientific exploration.

Traude Beilharz

Chief Investigator

Read More

Christopher Drovandi

Chief Investigator

Read More

Runze Li

PhD Candidate

Read More

Richi Nayak

Chief Investigator

Read More

Thomas Soerianto

Research Fellow

Read More

Eric Stone

Chief Investigator

Read More

Beth Wilson

Stakeholder Engagement Officer

Read More

Translation and Partner Engagement Committee

The Translation and Partner Engagement Committee supports MACSYS’s vision of becoming a world-leading research and biotechnology translation environment. It coordinates MACSYS’s efforts in research translation, partner engagement, and outreach.

Acting on behalf of the Executive Committee, and within its delegated authority, Translation and Partner Engagement Committee helps ensure that MACSYS’s research outputs are effectively translated into the Australian research and development landscape. Committee meetings provide a strategic forum for exploring partnerships, collaborations, and new opportunities for impact.

Traude Beilharz

Chief Investigator

Read More

Eduardo Eyras

Chief Investigator

Read More

Hilary Hunt

Research Fellow

Read More

Heejung Shim

Chief Investigator

Read More

Beth Wilson

Stakeholder Engagement Officer

Read More

Wenjie Zhang

Chief Investigator

Read More

ARC Centre of Excellence for the Mathematical Analysis of Cellular Systems (MACSYS)

  • The University of Melbourne Victoria 3010 Australia
  • +61 3 8344 9188

© ARC Centre of Excellence for the Mathematical Analysis of Cellular Systems


The ARC Centre of Excellence for the Mathematical Analysis of Cellular Systems (MACSYS) acknowledges First Nations peoples as the first scientists, makers and innovators of this land and their continuing connection to Country. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples culture and to Elders past and present.

We pride ourselves in our commitment to foster and promote a diverse, safe and respectful environment free from discrimination, harassment, or victimisation based on individual identity and experience.

Privacy Preference Center