Holding the title of Distinguished Professor, Plaxco joins La Trobe from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), where he holds professorial appointments in Chemistry and Biochemistry and Bioengineering. At La Trobe, his appointments are within La Trobe’s School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and the Environment and La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS).
Professor Plaxco’s research has focused on protein folding, protein dynamics and the development of biomolecular sensing technologies, establishing him as a leading figure in the fields of molecular biophysics, molecular diagnostics and biosensor development. During his career, Professor Plaxco has co-authored more than 280 scientific papers and more than a dozen patents. In addition to his academic roles, he has also recently been appointed Nutromics’ Chief Scientific Officer; he is the inventor of Nutromics' DNA-based sensor technology.
LIMS Director Professor Patrick Humbert said Professor Plaxco's appointment would strengthen the institute's capacity to deliver both fundamental scientific discoveries and real-world applications.
"Kevin is internationally recognised for pioneering new approaches to molecular sensing and for translating those discoveries into technologies with significant potential to improve healthcare," Professor Humbert said.
"His research excellence and entrepreneurial experience make him an outstanding addition to LIMS. We are delighted to welcome him to La Trobe and look forward to the collaborations and opportunities his appointment will create."
Professor Plaxco said he was attracted by La Trobe's strong research culture and commitment to translating research into tangible outcomes.
"La Trobe has built an impressive reputation for bringing together outstanding fundamental science with a focus on addressing real-world challenges. And the campus’s profile in molecular science and biotechnology is rapidly expanding. I look forward to working with my new colleagues to build on this exciting momentum."
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation, Professor Chris Pakes said Professor Plaxco's appointment reflected La Trobe's strategy of attracting globally recognised researchers capable of delivering both research excellence and societal impact.
"Kevin has built an exceptional international reputation through research that combines scientific discovery with innovation and commercial translation," Professor Pakes said.
"We are delighted that Kevin has chosen to join La Trobe. His appointment further strengthens La Trobe's position in molecular science and biotechnology and will open new opportunities for research and commercialisation in biosensing technologies that can make a meaningful difference to people's lives."
Prior to joining UCSB, which was his first independent academic position, Professor Plaxco completed his PhD at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) before undertaking postdoctoral research at the University of Oxford and the University of Washington.
