Macquarie University hosted a strategic benchmarking visit on October 15, 2025, focusing on enhancing international collaboration in bioactives, food science and biotechnology. The visit brought together academic leaders including Dr. Alfonso Gracia-Bennett PhD, Prof. Nicki Packer, Prof. Mark Connor, Prof. Anwar Sunna, and Prof. Sakkie Pretorius, Deputy of Vice-Chancellor (Research) of Macquarie University, to explore innovative strategies in biomolecular research and sustainable food development.

The benchmarking program also included a special session with the research group Facilitated Advancement of Australia’s Bioactives (FAAB) at the School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University. The FAAB session was joined by key academic figures: Professor Anwar Sunna, PhD, GradCertMgt, who serves as Centre Partnerships Director; Dr. Alfonso Garcia-Bennet, PhD, as Centre Research Director; Prof. Nicki Parker as Distinguished Professor (Core) School of Natural Sciences, Prof. Mark Connor as Associate Dean, Higher Degree Research, Macquarie Medical School, and Dr. Rahel Cramer, BA, MA, PhD, as Strategic Programs Coordinator (International) at the Graduate Research Academy. Together, they presented FAAB’s initiatives in bioactive compound discovery, nutritional enhancement, and biotechnological processing of natural resources.

This dialogue opened new avenues for collaboration in bioactive compound extraction, metabolomic profiling, and functional food innovation. Both delegations discussed joint opportunities in biomolecular and biotechnological research, particularly focusing on developing functional food ingredients and sustainable bioresources derived from tropical and subtropical plant species. These initiatives are expected to strengthen the link between molecular science and applied food biotechnology.

During the technical discussion, Prof. Nicki Parker and Prof. Mark Connor highlighted Macquarie University’s ongoing research initiatives in biochemistry and pharmacology related to natural bioactives. They emphasized the importance of translational biotechnology that connects laboratory discoveries to real-world applications in food systems and human health. A highlight of the visit was a formal luncheon with the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) of Macquarie University, Prof. Sakkie Pretorius, held at the University Executive Dining Hall. The luncheon fostered in-depth discussions on future collaborations in food science, molecular nutrition, and industrial biotechnology. Prof. Sakkie reaffirmed Macquarie University’s commitment to global research alliances that address key challenges in food security, health, and sustainability.

The benchmarking visit concluded with an agreement to pursue joint initiatives, including collaborative research proposals, co-supervision of postgraduate students, and the establishment of a research consortium in food biotechnology and functional food development. Both institutions expressed optimism that this partnership will lead to innovative scientific contributions and long-term global collaboration.