Become aBiohacker

Why become a Biohacker? Imagine designing life altering and maybe even saving drugs or creating new ways to boost human health and potential! Biohackers often lead exciting projects that could redefine human capabilities and increase our understanding of life itself. Plus, it’s a chance to be a pioneer in a field where you can genuinely change the world.

• Push the boundaries of human potential.
• Innovate with biology to solve real problems.
• Explore ground breaking science in everyday life.
• Create personalised health and performance strategies.

Biohackers experiment with the building blocks of life, modifying DNA, proteins, and other biological systems to develop new applications or products. They might engineer bacteria to produce new types of medicine or create bio-art by combining genetics with art. If you love both creativity and science, this is where they intersect spectacularly!

Biohackers use their skills to explore biological systems, finding ways to tweak them to improve health, fight diseases, and even extend life. They work in unconventional spaces, often outside traditional lab environments, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in science and medicine.

Biohackers are promoting a new world, where people can move between different careers with greater ease. Biohackers offer new insight and findings. The more people tinker with synthetic biology the faster discoveries are made. Biohackers are changing how science is to be ‘done.’ A biohacker thinks broadly and challenges the ‘status quo.’

Biohacking stretches across various industries, each offering unique challenges and opportunities. Here’s where biohackers are making their mark:

Biotechnology

Developing products from living systems.

Pharmaceuticals

Creating better drugs and treatments.

Agriculture

Engineering crops to increase yield and resistance.

Environmental Science

Developing organisms to clean pollutants.

Health and Wellness

Innovating for better health devices and supplements.

Art and Design

Merging biology with art to create living installations.

As a budding Biohacker, you’ll need a mix of interpersonal or 21st century skills and technical skills to navigate this interdisciplinary field successfully.

• Analytical
• Innovative
• Technical
• Problem Solving
• Collaborative
• Persistent

The path to becoming a Biohacker is fascinating and diverse, with several key STEM subjects that pave the way.

Biology

Understand life and its processes.

Chemistry

Explore the substances affecting living things.

Computer Science

Use technology to manipulate biological data.

Mathematics

Essential for data analysis and model simulations.

Physics

Helps in understanding how different forces affect biological systems.

Ethics

Crucial for responsibly navigating bioethical issues.

From developing fluorescent proteins to make brain activity visible to hacking yeast to producing rose scented biofuel, Biohackers tackle projects that sound like they’re straight out of a sci-fi novel!

Experiment with DIY Biology Kits

Use genetic tools and biology kits to explore the latest trends in DNA modification or synthetic biology right from your own home lab.

Analyse Personal Health Data

Leverage your own health metrics, such as sleep patterns, heart rate, and DNA, to create a daily regimen that optimises performance and well being.

Design Custom Nutritional Supplements

Create and test your own supplements or nootropics, aimed at improving memory, concentration, or athletic ability.

Build a Wearable Tech Device

Develop a wearable gadget that monitors body functions, like blood glucose levels or stress markers, to provide real-time feedback.

Collaborate with Scientists and Researchers

Work with universities, biotech startups, or community labs to test new theories, share knowledge, and bring innovative ideas to life.

Host Biohacking Meetups and Workshops

Lead local events to educate and inspire others about the potential of biohacking and the future of human enhancement.

Biohackers often come from diverse backgrounds and have made their mark in various ways, both through grassroots movements and more established scientific communities. In Australia, the biohacking scene is still budding, but globally, several prominent figures have captured the public’s imagination with their innovative approaches to biology and technology.

Lily Serna

A mathematician and advocate for science communication, Lily champions data-driven approaches to personal health and wellness, blending her skills with biohacking principles.

Dr. Philippa Pattison

A psychology professor at The University of Sydney, who explores the intersection of cognitive enhancement and behavioural psychology, applying biohacking insights in academic research.

Dr. Karen Andrews

With a background in mechanical engineering and biotechnology, Karen is an advocate for the ethical applications of biohacking in Australia.

Catherine Ball

A futurist and Associate Professor at ANU (Australian National University), Catherine pushes the boundaries of technology and biology, advocating for responsible innovation in biohacking.

Meow-Ludo Disco Gamma Meow-Meow

An intriguing figure in the Australian biohacking community, Meow-Meow is best known for implanting an Opal card chip into his hand, enabling him to tap in and out of transit systems without the physical card. His actions highlight the potential of biohacks to integrate technology into the human body for enhanced convenience and functionality.

Ellen Jorgensen

Although not Australian, Jorgensen is a significant influence in the global biohacking community. She co-founded Genspace, a Not For Profit DIY biology lab in Brooklyn, New York. Her work focuses on making biotechnology accessible to all and demystifying science to the public, inspiring community based research.

These individuals represent just a slice of what’s happening in the biohacking world. Their work not only challenges conventional views of what’s possible in science but also encourages ethical debate and public engagement, paving the way for future biohackers to explore and innovate responsibly.

Biohackers often share a set of core personality traits that drive their success in this innovative and challenging field.

• Curious
• Innovative
• Resilient
• Ethical
• Creative
• Adventurous

If you’re thinking about studying to become a biohacker, consider these university degrees that could set you on the right path:

• Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)
• Bachelor of Engineering (Biomedical)
• Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology
• Bachelor of Computer Science
• Bachelor of Science in Genetics

Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)

Degrees like the Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology offered by Curtin University provide a solid foundation in the core biological sciences, genetic engineering, and molecular biology, essential for anyone interested in biohacking.

Bachelor of Biomedical Science

This course, available at universities like The University of Western Australia (UWA), covers anatomy, physiology, genetics, and medical technology, equipping you with the knowledge to explore human biology at the molecular level.

Master’s in Synthetic Biology or Genomics

Postgraduate studies, such as those offered by The University of Queensland, focus on advanced techniques in genetics, bioinformatics, and synthetic biology, perfect for biohacking enthusiasts.

Biohacking is all about crossing boundaries, so mixing and matching your studies could be super beneficial. Here’s how you can mix it up:

Combine Fields

Imagine merging computer science with biology. You could learn how to write the software that runs biological experiments or even develop new ways to edit genes!

Hands On Learning

Alongside your degree, you might want to get involved in workshops or community labs where you can practise DIY biology projects.

Online Courses

Plenty of universities and private organisations offer online courses in areas like synthetic biology or bioinformatics. These could complement your studies and give you an edge in the biohacking community.

As a student, you’ll dive into the thrilling world of biology, technology, and ethics. You’ll learn how to manipulate DNA, understand the mechanics of living organisms, and even use computer models to predict how biological systems work. Plus, you’ll explore the ethical implications of biohacking, ensuring that you can innovate responsibly.

Gaining experience as a biohacker can be as unconventional as the field itself. You might start by joining a community lab or collaborating on projects with friends. Internships in biotech companies or research labs can also be a fantastic way to see real-world applications of your skills.

Work in Research Labs or Biotech Startups

Gaining experience in research institutions like CSIRO or with startups involved in biotech innovation can provide hands-on learning and insight into the world of biohacking.

Not keen on a full university degree? No worries! Check out these cool alternatives:

Certifications in Personalised Health and Wellness

Programs such as the ones offered by Swinburne University combine genetic science, nutrition, and fitness with biohacking principles, allowing you to tailor health strategies for individuals.

Microlearning Platforms

Websites like Coursera or Khan Academy offer short courses on everything from genetic engineering to ethical hacking.

Employment Based Training

Some biohack startups offer training programs where you can learn while you work. This hands on approach could be perfect if you prefer learning by doing.

Join Biohacker Spaces and Meetups

Get involved with community labs or maker spaces to learn from like-minded individuals and collaborate on projects.

By exploring the world of a Biohacker, you’re stepping into a role that defies the ordinary and creates new possibilities that could take you almost anywhere: 

Western Australia

In Western Australia, the growing biotech scene offers opportunities in research labs and startups focused on sustainable agriculture or medical innovations.

Australia

Across Australia, biohackers find roles in health tech, pharmaceuticals, and environmental conservation, contributing to cutting-edge projects and driving progress.

Rest of the World

Globally, the demand for biohackers is booming, especially in bioinformatics, synthetic biology, and personal health optimization. Whether it’s in a sleek Silicon Valley startup or a research institution in Europe, the opportunities to make a mark are endless.