MACSYS Chief Investigator Marc Wilkins (UNSW) recently returned to the university where he earned his PhD to mark a major milestone in the field he helped shape.

The Australian Proteome Analysis Facility at Macquarie University celebrated its 30th anniversary, a moment of deep personal and professional significance for Marc. Back in 1994, as a PhD student at Macquarie, he coined the term proteome – a concept that would give rise to the entire field of proteomics.

“It was a pivotal moment in molecular biology,” Marc reflected. “It marked a shift from studying individual proteins to exploring all the proteins in a cell. It’s an approach that opened up entirely new ways of understanding biology.”

That shift didn’t just transform protein science. It also inspired the emergence of related fields like transcriptomics and metabolomics and drove the development of technologies for studying mRNAs and small molecules in cells.

In 1995, Macquarie established the Australian Proteome Analysis Facility – one of the world’s first dedicated centres for proteomics research. Thirty years later, its legacy continues.

“It’s a wonderful milestone for the facility,” said Marc. “Some of my former students and staff are now leading research in mass spectrometry and bioinformatics there. It’s incredibly rewarding to see.”

The celebration was also a reunion across generations. Marc reconnected with his PhD supervisor and met many of the next generation of proteomics researchers.

“Three generations of proteomics scientists in one room! It was a special moment,” he said.

Looking ahead, Marc shared his vision for the future of proteomics through his work at MACSYS, emphasising its growing role in systems biology.

“Proteomics is no longer just a niche field. It’s becoming central to how we understand proteins, their complex interactions and functions within cells. At MACSYS, we hope to model the world of the proteome with mathematical and computer science techniques and uncover new insights into cellular systems,” said Marc.

As the field continues to evolve, the legacy of that early work in Macquarie remains strong.

Congratulations to Professor Marc Wilkins – and to the Australian Proteomics Analysis Facility – for 30 years of groundbreaking science and lasting impact.

Feature image photo credit: Lachlan Thompson, Macquarie University