Professor Jose M. Polo FAA, FAHMS, is the inaugural Director of the Adelaide Centre for Epigenetics (ACE), Program Leader at SAiGENCI, Adelaide University, and Group Leader at Monash University.
A leading expert in cellular reprogramming, epigenetics, and stem cell biology, his work includes developing organoid models from iPSCs and in vitro models of placenta and early human embryos. Since earning his PhD in 2008, he has advanced research in development, cancer, ageing, and neurodegenerative diseases.
His contributions have earned multiple accolades, including the Metcalf Award, NHMRC Fiona Stanley Research Excellence Award, and the President’s Medal from ANZSCDB.
In 2024, he was elected Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science and in 2025 he was elected Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Science and appointed Scientic Lead for EMBL Australia. He co-founded Cell Mogrify Pty Ltd in 2016 to translate reprogramming into therapies, with the company receiving several innovation awards.