Caitlin Byrt

Professor Caitlin Byrt is a faculty member in the Research School of Biology at the Australian National University (ANU), part of the College of Science. She co-founded Membrane Transporter Engineers (MTE), a group developing protein components for membrane separation technologies and crop improvement. Her research focuses on membrane transporters, particularly aquaporins, and their applications in biotechnology, environmental science, and agriculture. MTE engineers proteins for critical mineral processing and plant productivity enhancement in challenging environments.

Her work spans molecular biology, plant physiology, and bio-inspired engineering. Key projects include studying ion transport mechanisms in plants under salinity stress and developing novel separation technologies inspired by plant membranes. She leads initiatives like Bioleaching of hyper-enriched black shales and biomining for rare earth elements.

Recent research highlights include studies on rare earth element interactions with organisms, aquaporin roles in leaf water dynamics, and genetic targets for abiotic stress tolerance. Her collaborations involve global teams in plant science, biotechnology, and environmental engineering.

Publications emphasize cutting-edge techniques like high-throughput yeast screening and advanced membrane analysis. Projects funded include bioleaching innovations and frameworks for socio-technological integration.

Labs/Teams: MTE Group, ANU Research School of Biology, and cross-disciplinary collaborations with the Institute for Climate, Energy & Disaster Solutions.