The ARC Centre of Excellence for the Mathematical Analysis of Cellular Systems (MACSYS) is entering its next chapter, with Professor Jennifer (Jen) Flegg appointed as Centre Director and Professor Mike McDonald appointed as Deputy Director.

Bringing together internationally recognised leaders in mathematical and biological sciences, the appointments reflect a commitment from MACSYS to integrating theory and experimentation to transform understanding of the cell.

Jen is a Professor of Applied Mathematics at The University of Melbourne and a world-leading expert in mathematical biology. Her research focuses on developing mathematical models to answer complex questions in biology and medicine.

“Mathematical biology is my area of research, so leading a Centre that brings theoreticians and biologists together is an amazing opportunity for me,” said Jen.

Mike leads the Microbial Experimental Evolution Laboratory in the School of Biological Sciences at Monash University and has established himself as a national leader in research at the intersection of evolution, genomics and microbiology.

Together, Jen and Mike represent the complementary strengths of the wet- and dry-lab sciences that underpin the Centre’s collaborative approach across its five partner universities.

“When modellers and experimentalists are genuinely working together, not just side by side, truly transformative work is possible,” said Mike. “Having leadership that lives in both worlds means we understand the challenges and opportunities on each side, and we can make sure neither voice gets lost.”

Since commencing operations in 2024, MACSYS has established a strong foundation for its mission to develop mathematically rigorous models of cellular systems that are deeply informed by biology.

“We’ve built real progress across our four research themes,” said Jen. “What excites me most is pushing our research towards modelling whole-cell behaviour and ensuring that our work remains deeply connected across disciplines. The whole point of MACSYS is that ideas travel further when theoreticians and biologists work on them together than either could alone.”

A key part of that vision is continuing to break down disciplinary barriers and build a shared research culture.

“Walk into a meeting and you’ve got mathematicians and microbiologists pretty much finishing each other’s sentences at this point,” said Mike. “That didn’t happen by accident. It’s been built deliberately through the right people, the right projects, and taking the time to meet and work together. That culture is MACSYS’s greatest asset, and we intend to strengthen it even further.”

Jen steps into the role after serving as Deputy Director to Professor Trevor Lithgow for the past 15 months. Both Jen and Mike acknowledged Trevor’s contribution in guiding the Centre through its formative period.

“Mike and I are stepping into these leadership roles at a great time,” said Jen. “Trevor has spent the past 15 months establishing the foundations, building connections and shaping the research direction of the Centre. We are fortunate to be able to build on that work.”

“Trevor took on the role at a pivotal stage in MACSYS’s development and brought exactly what was needed: clear direction, strong processes and a steady hand,” said Mike. “Many of the initiatives he introduced will continue to shape the Centre’s future.”

As MACSYS enters its next chapter, Jen and Mike aim to deepen the culture of collaboration that has become one of the Centre’s defining strengths, advancing its shared goal of developing a predictive understanding of cellular behaviour.