Visiting Scientist Seminar – Prof Benjamin Schulz

Professor Benjamin Schulz

Professor of Biochemistry, School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland

Systems biology proteomics and metabolomics to investigate beer and wine production

Time: Thursday 8th June, 12pm

Location: McLeod Theatre

Prof Schulz will be visiting Waite on Thursday 8th June. If you would like to arrange a meeting, please contact Dr Rebecca Vandeleur: rebecca.coleman@adelaide.edu.au

Abstract

Beer and wine are some of the most popular beverages worldwide. As products of variable agricultural ingredients and processes, beer and wine have high molecular complexity. We have used integrated proteomics and metabolomics systems biology to investigate the diversity and dynamics of this molecular complexity throughout the beer and wine making process, and in the final product. We uncovered substantial molecular variability dependent on variety and growth environment, discovered extensive dynamic post-translational modifications of proteins throughout the production processes, and linked features of the proteome to quantitative beverage quality metrics. Finally, to expand the flavour and sensory profiles after fermentation we have used genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics to investigate wild yeast ferments for controlled production of diverse fermented beverages.

About the speaker

I am a Professor in Biochemistry in the School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences at The University of Queensland, with research interests in molecular systems biology, protein post-translational modifications, yeast biology, and fermentation. I graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering and Science from The University of Queensland, after which I joined Proteome Systems, an Australian biotechnology company. I moved to the ETH Zurich in Switzerland for doctoral studies in yeast genetics, and then joined UQ as a post-doctoral research fellow in bacterial pathogenesis, and now as a teaching and research academic.