Ben Long

Dr. Ben Long is a Senior Lecturer in Molecular Plant Biology at the University of Newcastle, affiliated with the School of Environmental and Life Sciences. He leads the Biological CO₂ Capture Lab and directs the Don McNair Herbarium. His research focuses on harnessing cyanobacterial CO₂ concentrating mechanisms (CCMs) to enhance plant photosynthesis and mitigate climate change. Long’s work involves synthetic biology approaches to engineer carboxysomes and bicarbonate transporters into crop plants, aiming to boost carbon capture efficiency by up to 60%.

• Education: PhD in Plant Biology (La Trobe University), BSc with Honours (La Trobe University)
• Research Interests: Cyanobacterial CCMs, Rubisco function, carboxysome engineering, and synthetic biology applications for agriculture.

His team’s breakthroughs include encapsulating Rubisco in tobacco chloroplasts and elucidating carboxysome assembly mechanisms. Key collaborations involve the RIPE consortium and funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Long actively trains the next generation of scientists through teaching and supervising Honours/PhD students in CO₂ capture projects.

Publications highlight advancements in carboxysome engineering and bicarbonate transport systems. Awards include the Dean’s Commendation for Supervision (2022) and the Michael D. Gale Award (2018). Current grants explore endophyte biopesticides and carbon capture technologies.