About ECU

Professor Michelle Colgrave

Michelle Colgrave is a Professor of Food and Agricultural Proteomics in the School of Science at ECU. Professor Colgrave is using proteomics, the study of proteins, using mass spectrometry (MS), to help identify key proteins that will benefit Australia's food and agriculture industries and improve human health. Professor Colgrave’s research using MS allows her team to measure the individual proteins and their fragments in food samples and analyse the different types and amounts of proteins in each sample.

Professor Colgrave was appointed a Vice-Chancellor's Professorial Fellow at Edith Cowan University in 2018. This is a joint appointment with CSIRO where Professor Colgrave is the Principal Proteomics Research Scientist and Future Protein Lead.

Professor Colgrave's research uses revolutionary technology that has enabled major breakthroughs in gluten analysis. Her ground-breaking research has contributed to the development of an ultra-low gluten barley and sustainable omega-3-canola.

Professor Colgrave has been acknowledged by peers as an outstanding, productive and effective leader in the field who actively advances the agriculture and food sector through her directorships and memberships on committees.

On 30 July 2020, Professor Colgrave was awarded the 2020 ICM Agrifood Award by the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE) for significant contributions to the agricultural sector. This prestigious agricultural science award recognised her work in the analysis of gluten, ensuring cereals are safe for people with coeliac disease.

Hear from Professor Colgrave on her career journey and as a researcher in the science discipline:

1. As a woman in research, what or who inspired you to pursue your research career in the area of science and proteomics?

It started in high school with a great science teacher, Mr Bruce. He made science interesting and intriguing. Then at university in Wollongong, I discovered mass spectrometry – a technology that could unlock the secrets of Nature – and since then I haven’t looked back.

2. What challenges you about being a researcher in the School of Science and specifically within the food and agricultural science discipline?

The biggest challenge we face with food is how complex it is. When you study humans, you are dealing with one species. But when you are dealing with food, you are combining multiple ingredients, many of which have not been studied in detail. We have to design new ways to deal with this complexity.

3. You recently won the 2020 ICM Agrifood Award from the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE), what does this mean for your career and how will this support your research?

The award was great recognition of the research outcomes and impact delivered by my team and my colleagues. The promotion of this research has allowed my team to connect with new partners to apply our expertise to new areas of scientific exploration. The award has also drawn attention to an area that is critical for safeguarding the health of sub-populations that are impacted by food intolerance.

4. You have a joint appointment at both ECU, and at CSIRO as a Principal Research Scientist in the field of proteomics. How does your work across institutions benefit your career?

Working at CSIRO has allowed me solve challenges for industry and deliver science for societal benefit. My role at ECU has allowed me to establish a group that build capacity in food and agricultural proteomics, and train the next generation of agrifood scientists.

5. You are a role model for women researchers and women in STEM, do you have any advice for how women can succeed and thrive within their own research careers?

I have been fortunate to have many great mentors and role models along my career – both female and male. This network has allowed me to develop in different areas: from pure science, to business development and commercialisation to leadership. Surrounding yourself with people with different strengths and viewpoints is a great way to find your own path.