John Stanley Mattick

John Stanley Mattick is the SHARP Professor of RNA Biology in the School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences at UNSW Sydney. Previously, he served as Executive Director of Genomics England (2018-2019) and Director of the Garvan Institute of Medical Research (2012-2018). He holds leadership roles in genomic research, establishing key facilities like the HiSeq X10 sequencing platform. His career includes foundational roles at the University of Queensland, including founding the Institute for Molecular Bioscience and the Australian Genome Research Facility.

Education:

• BSc (First Class Honours, Biochemistry) from the University of Sydney (1972)
• PhD in Biochemistry from Monash University (1978)
• DSc from the University of Queensland (2024)

Research focuses on regulatory RNAs, noncoding DNA functions, and their roles in development, disease, and evolution. Key areas include RNA structure-function relationships, lncRNA roles in cognition, and the epigenetic trajectories of development. His work challenges traditional views of genomic 'junk' DNA, emphasizing the centrality of RNA in genetic regulation.

Publications span over 300 peer-reviewed articles, cited over 100,000 times. Notable contributions include co-authoring RNA, the Epicenter of Genetic Information (2022), which won awards for Best Science Open Access Book.

Awards and Honors:

• Officer in the Order of Australia (AO)
• Fellowships in the Australian Academies of Science, Health & Medical Sciences, and Technology & Engineering
• Recipient of the IUBMB Medal and HUGO Chen Medal
• Ranked #1 globally in noncoding RNA research (2023)

Leadership and Service:

• Chaired major international genome conferences and advisory boards
• Contributed to ethical frameworks for genomic research and healthcare
• Member of the Queensland Studies Authority (2004-2007)

Current research explores RNA modification dynamics, lncRNA functions in brain plasticity, and the genomic basis of complex traits.