Did you know it takes about 1000 L of water just to produce 1 L of cow’s milk? That is the equivalent of 12 full bathtubs! A massive environmental footprint for a single glass. The good news is that Australians are increasingly turning to dairy alternatives, driven by dietary and ethical concerns. Science is rising to the challenge, offering innovative solutions that deliver the same taste and nutrition as milk, without the cost to the planet.

Dr Laura Navone is a Synthetic Biologist at the forefront of this transition, leading a scientific team to develop next generation food ingredients through precision fermentation. Her work lies at the intersection of science, sustainability, and industry, where she collaborates closely with partners across academia and the private sector to translate scientific breakthroughs into real-world applications.

Laura advocates for reshaping industries to be more sustainable by harnessing the power of nature. Some exciting projects Laura has worked on include creating cow-free dairy products, developing virus-resistant textiles during the COVID-19 pandemic, pioneering sustainable wool recycling technologies, and even formulating enzymatic solutions for the livestock industry— including a shampoo for cows!

Laura completed her PhD in Molecular Biology in 2014 and is currently a Partner Investigator in the ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology. She previously served in the Executive Committee of Synthetic Biology Australasia (SBA) as EMCR (Early- and Mid-career Representative) advocating for the next generation of synthetic biology leaders.

After more than a decade in academia, Laura transitioned into the dynamic world of biotech startups, one of the most rewarding chapters of her career. What she values most is working alongside brilliant scientists from diverse fields to tackle complex challenges and create solutions that make tangible outcomes for both industry and society.