Dr Axayacatl (Axa) Gonzalez
Associate Researcher in Synthetic Biology and Bioprocess Development
Dr Axayacatl González is the Facility Manager and Senior Bioprocess Engineer at the Integrated Design Environment for Advanced Biomanufacturing (IDEA Bio), a Bioplatforms Australia and NCRIS-supported facility at UQ’s Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN).
Since 2022, he has led IDEA Bio’s transformation into one of Australia’s largest university-based bioprocessing hubs, positioning UQ at the forefront of precision fermentation and synthetic biology.
His research focuses on microbial cell factory engineering and synthetic microbial communities for sustainable agriculture, areas that combine discovery with translation. These programs have attracted more than $1.7m in competitive funding from FaBA, GRDC, ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology, and industry partners. His expertise directly supports FaBA’s goals to accelerate innovation in food and beverage manufacturing by developing new Australian-based products such as rare sugars, sustainable proteins, and precision-fermented ingredients.
Dr González is also committed to developing the next generation of scientists. He supervises students at all levels, mentors postdoctoral fellows, and fosters collaborations that connect academia, industry, and government.
Key capabilities
Bioprocess development
Development of microbial cell factories
Systems and synthetic biology