Luke Formosa

Luke Formosa is a Senior Research Fellow at Monash University's Monash Biomedical Discovery Institute (BDI), where he serves as a Group Leader. He holds an NHMRC Emerging Leader Fellowship and completed his PhD in 2016 under Prof. Mike Ryan, focusing on mitochondrial electron transport chain proteins. His research investigates mechanisms underlying mitochondrial diseases, particularly defects in complex I/IV assembly and metabolic rewiring. Key projects include understanding heme regulation, complex I assembly's clinical implications, and mitochondrial dysfunction in diseases.

Research interests span mitochondrial biology, proteomics, CRISPR-Cas9 applications, and metabolic pathways. He leads projects funded by NHMRC and the Mito Foundation, collaborating internationally on mitochondrial disease mechanisms. Formosa has published extensively in journals like PNAS and Cell Metabolism, with over 30 peer-reviewed articles. His work contributes to UN SDGs related to health and well-being.

• Education: PhD in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (2016)
• Awards: NHMRC Emerging Leader Fellow (2023)
• Key Projects:
  • Uncovering heme regulation in mitochondria (2025–2027)
  • Complex I assembly for diagnosis (2022–2026)

Scientific achievements include identifying novel mitochondrial proteins, redefining roles of known factors, and characterizing genetic contributors to mitochondrial diseases. His lab explores estrogen’s role in mitochondrial metabolism and the rewiring of metabolic pathways in disease states.

Formosa actively organizes conferences like AussieMit 2024, fostering collaborations in mitochondrial research. His future work aims to translate molecular insights into therapeutic strategies for mitochondrial disorders.