Virology

Dr Martin Pal

PhD (Dr rer nat) Genetics; BSc, MSc Biology

Dr Martin Pal is an expert in genome editing and CRISPR-technology and has extensive research experience across multiple disease backgrounds (metabolism, exercise, cancers including liver, breast, blood).

Since receiving his PhD in 2012 from one of the leading institutes in gene targeting technologies, Martin performed postdoctoral research at four of Australia’s preeminent medical research institutes (WEHI, JCSMR (ANU), Garvan, Baker IDI), before taking up a lecturer position in 2021 with Charles Sturt University.

Dr Pal’s research centres around applying CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology for disease modelling and the discovery of novel therapeutic targets, such as for cancer-driving genes.

Dr Pal currently serves as Higher Degree Research (HDR) coordinator of the School and is the founder and lead coordinator of the School’s Research Seminar Series.

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Dr Pal is an enthusiastic science educator striving to create an environment where students can flourish. In his teaching he utilizes his extensive background in science, genome editing and disease research to guide students through basic concepts in science. As such, Dr Pal is passionate about breaking down complex scientific and molecular technologies into easily understandable information and has developed a growing portfolio of online educational resources showcasing advanced technologies, such as genome editing with CRISPR.

In addition, as Lecturer in Medical Science, Dr Pal has a teaching portfolio in Molecular Cell Biology, Molecular Pathology and Workplace learning (Clinical Placement), focusing on student engagement, retention, and their preparation to join the workforce.

Training the next generation of research scientists, Dr Pal is driven to foster a skillset within undergraduate and HDR students that helps them to succeed in their studies and future career stages.

Dr Pal’s research focusses on developing novel genetic models using CRISPR-technology; discovery driven-work with CRISPR-technology for novel drug targets; and developing novel detection methods for domestic zoonotic pathogens using CRISPR Diagnostics. Dr Pal has successfully obtained research funding throughout his career (Research Fellowship, German Research Foundation, 2014-2016; CIE NHMRC Ideas Grant 2021-2025; CI RRC 2022-2025).

Several Honours and PhD (pending on availability of PhD scholarships) projects are currently available.

In collaboration with Prof Jade Forwood he is investigating mechanisms of nuclear import for both cancer-driving and tumour-suppressing genes with the aim of finding novel therapeutic avenues