Benjamin Matthews

Benjamin Matthews is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Newcastle, Australia, and Founder of the Wild Yeast Zoo, a biotech startup focusing on wild yeast for biomanufacturing.

With a PhD in Communication, Benjamin's expertise lies in transdisciplinary design, emerging technology, and collaborative approaches to tackle various challenges through innovative solutions.

Over his 20-year career in creative industries, he has undertaken roles in design planning, copywriting, brand consultancy, and market research, specializing in qualitative ethnographic methods.

As a media artist, Benjamin collaborates on original works and exhibitions, including producing catalog essays.

His current projects involve immersive technology for resilience, automation in design work, citizen science in synthetic biology, debt impact on young professionals, heritage trail app development, and educating on anti-microbial resistance.

Benjamin's academic journey includes roles at universities like The University of Newcastle, University of Technology Sydney, and University of Western Sydney.

He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Communication and Media Studies from the University of Newcastle.