Professor Sakkie Pretorius – Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at Macquarie University
Professor Sakkie Pretorius – Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at Macquarie University
Professor Sakkie Pretorius is a globally recognized leader in molecular microbiology and biotechnology, currently serving as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia. His career, which began in South Africa, has been marked by significant contributions to science, innovation, and academic leadership.
At Stellenbosch University, Professor Pretorius was appointed Professor of Microbiology and became the founding Director of the Institute for Wine Biotechnology. His pioneering work in yeast genetics and wine biotechnology played a crucial role in advancing South Africa's wine industry, enhancing both its production capabilities and international reputation.
After relocating to Australia, he served as Managing Director and CEO of the Australian Wine Research Institute and later as Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President: Research and Innovation at the University of South Australia. In 2013, he joined Macquarie University, where he has been instrumental in shaping the institution's research strategy. In 2014, he introduced the strategic research framework "World-leading research; World-changing impact," which guides the university's research priorities and fosters a culture of innovation.
Professor Pretorius is also a prominent figure in synthetic biology. He leads the Australian node of the international Synthetic Yeast Genome (Yeast 2.0) project and represents Australia on the International Advisory Board of the Genome Project-write (GP-write) initiative. His work in these areas underscores his commitment to advancing scientific frontiers and translating research into practical applications.
Throughout his career, Professor Pretorius has demonstrated a steadfast dedication to research excellence and innovation. His leadership continues to influence the scientific community, both in Australia and internationally, through his efforts to foster collaborative research and drive technological advancements.