Background
Dr Dusty Gardiner completed his PhD in Biochemistry at Rhodes University in 1989 specialising in biochemistry. From there, he joined AECI Research and Development (R&D) in Modderfontein, Johannesburg focusing on, inter alia, microbial metabolism and enzyme catalysis mechanisms. After six years in a vibrant research environment, he moved to the AECI Bioproducts lysine production facility, focusing on fermentation process technology, with particular emphasis on process scale-up and commercial scale technology development and implementation.
In 1999 he joined CSIR Bio/Chemtek, and was responsible for a diverse group of 95 researchers (and support staff) working in areas ranging from plant biotechnology to process and product development (fermentation and biocatalysis). The application of genomic, proteomic and informatic technologies is actively harnessed within the programme to generate new opportunities and enhance the competitiveness of the programme.
In 2005, he became Research Manager, CSIR Biosciences and was responsible for R&D in drug discovery and industrial process development.
In 2009 Dr gardiner served as acting Executive Director of CSIR Biosciences Unit
His experience and skills include process and product development and scale-up, process and product commercialisation and intellectual property development, packaging and commercialisation. Technically he has been involved in enzyme characterisation, fermentation and microbial metabolism and biocatalysis.
Other relevant information
He has been advisor or co-advisor for post-graduate students at Rhodes University and University of the Free State, and was appointed as a Research Associate at Rhodes University.
He has served on the Board of Trustees of the Cape Biotechnology Trust and as a Director of Mbuyu Biotechnology (Pty) Ltd. He was also involved in the Industrial Biotechnology Roadmapping Task Team of the Department of Science and Technology and is a member of the South African Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Contact information
, Tel: +27 11 605 2201 or Tel +27 12 841 3508, Fax: +27 11 608 3020