Michael Bunce

Professor Michael Bunce is a leading researcher in environmental DNA (eDNA) and ancient DNA analysis at Curtin University's School of Molecular and Life Sciences within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. He directs the Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) laboratory with facilities across multiple campus buildings. His research focuses on using DNA sequencing technologies on trace, environmental, and forensic substrates to address diverse biological questions, particularly working with degraded DNA from extinct species, ice/sediment cores, and herbal medicines.

Professor Bunce's research interests include environmental DNA (eDNA), ancient DNA, trace DNA analysis, forensic DNA applications, molecular ecology, and biodiversity monitoring. His work has significantly advanced the field of environmental DNA metabarcoding, developing innovative approaches for species detection, biodiversity assessment, and ecological monitoring. The TrEnD laboratory maintains an active research program in environmental DNA with applications spanning conservation biology, wildlife management, and forensic science.

His extensive publication record demonstrates consistent contributions to understanding biodiversity patterns, particularly through eDNA metabarcoding approaches. His research spans marine ecosystems, terrestrial environments, and archaeological contexts, with a strong focus on methodological development and practical applications for conservation and management. Professor Bunce's work has been instrumental in establishing eDNA as a reliable tool for biodiversity monitoring across diverse ecosystems.

• 2013: CIA, NHMRC project grant ($480,000) to investigate new DNA and toxicological methods for auditing herbal medicines in Australia
• 2013: CI, ARC Linkage ($295,000) to study ticks and tick diseases in Australia
• 2011: Co-CI, ARC discovery grant ($350,000) to study extinction and biodiversity on Kangaroo Island in South Australia
• 2011: CI, ARC Discovery grant ($152,000) to study ancient DNA preserved in sediments Archaeological sites in the South West of Western Australia
• 2010: Awarded the Murdoch University VC's prize for outstanding early career researcher
• 2009: ARC Future Fellowship, ~$800,000 to study past biodiversity in WA
• 2009: Marsden Fund: ~$777,000 to study the archaeology of moa hunter sites in NZ
• 2006: CI, ARC Discovery grant ($192,000) to Study Long term DNA survival in Australia
• 2006: Marsden Fund (New Zealand) $825,000 (NZD) to study the population structure of the extinct moa in North Canterbury

Professor Bunce has supervised numerous students and collaborated extensively across international research networks. His laboratory serves as a hub for methodological innovation in DNA-based biodiversity assessment, with applications spanning conservation, forensics, and ecological monitoring. His research has established important protocols for eDNA collection, analysis, and interpretation that have been widely adopted in the field.

The Trace and Environmental DNA (TrEnD) laboratory, which Professor Bunce leads, maintains offices in Building 303, a clean lab in Building 206, and a molecular facility in Building 311 at Curtin University. The laboratory serves as a center for developing and applying cutting-edge DNA-based methods for biodiversity monitoring, environmental assessment, and conservation research.