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Honarary Professor in Environmental Genomics, University of Otago

Professor Bunce's research interests and expertise revolve around using DNA sequencing technologies on trace, environmental and forensic substrates to address a variety of biological questions.

He has worked on a diverse variety of projects with the common theme of extracting and amplifying degraded DNA - these include studies of extinct species, DNA from ice/sediment cores, environmental DNA and microbes.

Since 2019 Prof Bunce has worked as a science advisor in New Zealand, including as chief science advisor for the Department of Conservation.

Experience

  • 2013–present
    Professor of environmental genomics, Curtin University
  • 2023–present
    Chief Science Advisor, Department of Conservation
  • 2022–2023
    Principal Scientist (genomics), ESR
  • 2020–2022
    Seconded, Ministry of Health, NZ
  • 2019–2021
    Chief Scientist, NZ, EPA
  • 2006–2013
    ARC Future Fellow, Murdoch University
  • 2005–2006
    Post Doctoral Researcher, McMaster University, Canada
  • 2002–2005
    Post Doctoral Researcher, Oxford University

Education

  • 2003 
    Australian National University, PhD
  • 1998 
    Lincoln University, New Zealand, Bachelor of Science (1st Class Hons)