Belinda Ferrari

Professor Belinda Ferrari is a leading environmental microbiologist at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, where she currently serves as the Associate Dean Research in the Faculty of Science. She is also affiliated with the School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences (BABS), having previously held roles as Deputy Head of School and Director of Research. Her work is globally recognized for advancing our understanding of microbial life in extreme environments, particularly in Antarctic soils.

Education:

• PhD in Microbiology, Macquarie University, 2001
• BSc (Hons) in Microbiology, University of New England, 1994
• Postdoctoral Scientist, University of Copenhagen, 2001–2002
• Macquarie University Research Fellowship, 2002–2005

Research Interests:

Professor Ferrari’s research lies at the intersection of microbial ecology, genomics, and environmental science. She specializes in uncovering the diversity and functional potential of microbial communities in Antarctic soils, focusing on atmospheric chemosynthesis, a novel carbon fixation process discovered by her team. This process allows microbes to survive by metabolizing atmospheric gases, challenging our understanding of the limits of life. Her lab also investigates microbial indicators of soil health, bioremediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated soils, and the discovery of cold-adapted microbes with biotechnological potential.

Scientific Awards:

• UNSW Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Higher Degree Research Supervision (2021)
• Faculty of Science Staff Excellence Award for Research Excellence (2018)
• Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellowship (2017)
• Outstanding Supervisor Award, UNSW (2015)
• Macquarie University Research Fellowship (2002)

Leadership & Service:

Professor Ferrari has held numerous leadership roles at UNSW, including Deputy Head of School and Director of Research at BABS, and currently serves on the Faculty of Science Board. She is a member of the Australian Microbiome Scientific Coordination Working Group and has contributed to national and international scientific panels, including the Royal Society of New Zealand Marsden Fund and the Australian Antarctic Science Advisory Committee.

Laboratory & Team:

She leads the Ferrari Lab (ferrarilab.org), a vibrant research group comprising PhD students, postdocs, and collaborators from across Australia and internationally. The lab integrates cutting-edge ‘omics’ technologies with novel cultivation methods to explore microbial dark matter and develop real-world applications in bioremediation and environmental monitoring.