Professor Marilyn Anderson, AO, is a distinguished biochemist at La Trobe University and a recipient of the Order of Australia and a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science recognizing her outstanding contributions to science. With over 40 years of experience, she has established herself as a leader in the study of antifungal and insecticidal molecules produced by plants. Among her significant discoveries is a fern-derived pore-forming protein, structurally and functionally akin to 3-domain Cry proteins, with promising applications in biotechnology and agriculture.

Professor Anderson is also a co-founder of Hexima, an agricultural biotechnology company, where was Chief Science Officer and Director from 2010 to 2021. Her career exemplifies the intersection of cutting-edge research and its translation into impactful innovations.