I am a third-year joint PhD scholar at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, India and Monash University, Australia, under the IITB-Monash Research Academy. During my Master’s, my fascination with biology gradually evolved into a deeper interest in biomaterials and sustainable innovation. Through my research, I explore how biological systems can inspire the design of environmentally responsible food packaging alternatives to petroleum-based plastics. I am particularly interested in biopolymeric nanocomposites, active ingredient delivery, and developing functional materials that not only protect food but also contribute to a more sustainable future.

Kaleb Ferede is a second-year PhD candidate at the University of Melbourne. After earning a double degree in Chemical Engineering (1st Class Honours)/ Biotechnology from RMIT University, he joined the University of Melbourne to pursue his PhD. His research focuses on developing machine learning and hybrid modelling approaches to improve bioprocess development and manufacturing. As part of the ARC Digital Bioprocess Development Hub, a broader collaborative research community, his work contributes to the digitisation of the biopharmaceutical industry.

Professor Sally Gras is a Redmond Barry Distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at The University of Melbourne where she leads the Food and BioPharma research theme within the University’s Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology. She is currently Director of the ARC Digital Bioprocess Development Hub and Deputy Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space. Sally is Associate Director of the Bio21 Institute, where her research group is based. A Chemical Engineer and Molecular Biologist, she received her PhD from Cambridge University and was elected to ATSE in 2020.

Sajani Piyatilleke is a PhD candidate at the University of Melbourne. Her interests are in algal processing, food, and sustainability. Her current research focuses on cell rupture of marine microalgae and the synthesis of metabolites in freshwater microalage utilizing the effects of salinity as a low-cost, low energy abiotic stressor.

Mihiraj Karunanayake is a doctoral candidate in Chemical and Materials Engineering at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, researching dairy fouling using computer-aided tomography (CAT) and online sensing. He is a Chartered Electrical Engineer with more than eight years of industrial experience, and his experience includes research and development focused on practical engineering applications. His research interests include dairy heat exchanger fouling, embedded systems, IoT, wireless sensor networks, energy management, deep learning, and artificial cognitive systems, with additional experience in marine control systems. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and an MSc in Artificial Intelligence.

Dr. Bhagya Yatipanthalawa is a postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Chemical Engineering, at the University of Melbourne. Her research focuses on advancing bioprocess engineering approaches for sustainable food, fuel and biopharmaceutical production. She is affiliated with the ARC Digital Bioprocess Development Hub, a collaboration between leading universities and biopharmaceutical manufacturing companies in Australia. In collaboration with CSL, one of the world’s leading biopharmaceutical manufacturers, her research focuses on addressing industry relevant challenges through advanced modelling and data driven approaches