Nathan Godde Manager

University of Queensland，The Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (AIBN)

Nathan Gödde is the Manager of the Australian Organoid Facility (University of Queensland). He has a special interest in harnessing advances in automation and stem cell technology to develop sophisticated models of development and disease. 

He has over 20 years’ experience in biomedical research, completing post-doctoral training under Dr Patrick Humbert (Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre). During this 10-year period his work focused on understanding the molecular links between development and disease through the extensive use of genetically engineered mouse models and 3D organoid cultures to model defects in polarity genes. Nathan acquired specialist training in the use of murine models of disease at the Jackson Laboratory (Maine, USA), and was also based at the Latrobe Institute of Molecular Science, where his research examined the role of asymmetric cell division genes with a particular focus on epithelial morphogenesis, stem/progenitor cell biology, tumour progression and heterogeneity.

In 2017 Nathan joined the CSIRO to work at Australia’s national biocontainment facility, the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP). He adapted Stem Cell-derived Tissue cultures to model infection of Risk Group 3 and 4 pathogens such as Hendra Virus, WNV, Rabies and SARS-CoV-2. This work involved profiling miRNAs as potential biomarkers and screening antiviral drugs across multi-tissue organoid models as CIB for a large multi-institutional project. During this time, he also performed contract research for biotechnology companies interested in 3D culture and was Technical Manager for a ISO17025 compliant core facility producing quality assured cell cultures for viral diagnostics. He was awarded “CSIRO’s CHAIRMAN’S MEDAL 2020 – COVID-19 Team” for supporting CEPI-funded SARS-CoV-2 vaccine studies and was chair of the 2020 symposia - Challenges and opportunities for "ex vivo" model systems and chair of Organoids are Us 2023 showcasing developments in 3D culture, stem cell technology, automation, micro and nano fabrication.

Nathan now works supporting other researchers interested in using 3D complex biological systems using a new state-of-the-art automation platform and has an interest in developing quality systems specifically for organoid production.