Team Leader, Aquaculture Biotechnology, CSIRO, Australia
(speaker for OECD CRP funding)
Dr. Agus Sunarto is the team leader of the Aquaculture Biotechnology team, focusing in developing biotechnology and precision genome engineering (PGE) capabilities for improved aquaculture traits and sustainability. Agus was head of the Fish Health Research Laboratory within the Indonesian Ministry of Fisheries before joining the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Australia. His initial work at CSIRO focused on integrated viral and genetic biocontrol technologies for managing aquatic invasive species. The research has contributed to the development of the National Carp Control Plan. Gene technologies such as Self Stocking Incompatible Male Systems (SSIMS) and Sperm Transfection Assisted Gene Editing (STAGE) have dual benefits for innovative genetic biocontrol of aquatic invasive species and improved aquaculture traits. Currently, Agus and his team focuses are on applications of high-throughput delivery of gene editing using STAGE platform and developing target traits for improved aquaculture production and sustainability.