Rate My Professor Mark von Itzstein

Professor Mark von Itzstein AO FAA FAHMS FRACI is a Distinguished Professor and NHMRC Investigator L3 at Griffith University’s Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics. He completed his primary degree and PhD at Griffith University in 1984. Following his doctorate, he received an Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Fellowship. Professor von Itzstein founded the Institute for Glycomics at Griffith University, serving as its Director until 2023, and has held leadership roles focused on interdisciplinary research in glycomics and biomedicine. His research centers on chemical biology and medicinal chemistry, with significant contributions to antiviral drug discovery, including work that supported the development of Relenza, the world’s first anti-influenza drug. He maintains active research programs in areas such as influenza, parainfluenza, and carbohydrate-based therapeutics, and has been recognized with major honors including Officer of the Order of Australia, Fellowship of the Australian Academy of Science, Fellowship of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences, and Fellowship of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute. In 2020, he was named Gold Coast Citizen of the Year. Professor von Itzstein has supervised numerous researchers and contributed to translational research initiatives at the institute.

His career has emphasized the translation of fundamental glycobiology discoveries into therapeutic applications, establishing Griffith University as a leader in this field in the southern hemisphere.