The Australia New Zealand Marine Biotechnology Society (ANZMBS) warmly invites students, supervisors, and researchers to join us for a 1 hour webinar focused on student internships in marine biotechnology across Australia and New Zealand.

This event will showcase internship opportunities, share firsthand experiences, and create space to network in advance of our August 2026 ANZMBS Conference at the Tauranga Campus.

Speakers

Professor Wei Zhang: Matthew Flinders Distinguished Professor, Flinders University, MBCRC (AU)

Wei leads innovative marine biotechnology research with applications in bioactive compounds, bioproducts and algae-derived materials. His group focuses on translating marine science into industry innovation.

Dr Maxence Plouviez: Scientist, Cawthron Institute (NZ)

Max works at the Cawthron Institute (New Zealand’s largest independent science organisation) in Nelson. His research focuses on microalgae cultivation, biology, and biotechnology, especially the model species Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Max frequently hosts students from around the world and is always looking for opportunities for motivated interns. He encourages students to reach out directly.

Dr Min Zhao: Senior Research Fellow & Lecturer, University of the Sunshine Coast (AU)
Min’s research focuses on genomics and bioinformatics, particularly in marine genomics and aquaculture species. He leads student projects exploring molecular adaptations and genetic tools for sustainable aquaculture.

Internship Experience Panel

Hear directly from past interns as they share their journey, highlights, and advice:

Annabelle McQuillan: Third-year Environmental Science student at the University of Canterbury. Interned at the Cawthron Institute. Winner of the 2024/2025 ANZMBS Summer Student Internship Award.

Alyssa Barkus: A Californian intern working with Greenwave Aotearoa, hosted at the Coastal Marine Field Station in Tauranga, New Zealand.

Leteisha Prescott: From IMAS, University of Tasmania. Her research explores how exercise training in farmed finfish can improve thermal resilience. Winner of the 2023/2024 ANZMBS Summer Student Internship Award.

Who Should Attend?

Students seeking marine biotechnology internships

Supervisors interested in hosting interns

Anyone keen to grow trans-Tasman research connections