CTET Director, Professor, Department of Materials Science & Engineering – Monash University
Laurence is CTET Centre Director, Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Theme Leader and Centre Chief Investigator. Laurence is a material scientist with interests in cell therapies, particularly from the control of cell-material interactions and manufacturing perspective. He obtained his PhD from the Australian National University in colloid science in 1996. After postdoctoral appointments, he joined CSIRO and worked to deliver technology solutions to industry partners. He joined Monash University in 2015 and is a Professor in the Materials Science and Engineering department. He has a deep capability in polymeric medical materials and surface coatings, controlled radical polymerisation methodologies, stem cell biology/manufacturing (both primary and pluripotent cells) and some aspects of tissue engineering/regenerative medicine (skin, muscle, wound healing). He has a significant activity in material development for bioprinting for cardiac, neural, muscle and vascular applications. He has an active research program in materials and surface coatings for medical device and antibacterial applications. He also leads translational research activities through his role as Director of the SPARK Monash Program and regional Co-director of SPARK Oceania.