DrMatthew Clemson

BSc (Hons), PhD (Biochemistry), Grad Cert Higher Education, SFHEA

Dr Matthew Clemson is an Education Focused Senior Lecturer in Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology at the University of Sydney. He has more than 20 years experience in tertiary education and biomolecular research.

Dr Matthew Clemson was awarded a PhD in Molecular Biology from UNSW in 2011 where he studied transplantation and immunogenetics, developing new techniques to map variation within regions of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex that mediate the immune response to infection, solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplants and cancer. He went on to work as a Postdoctoral Fellow studying epigenetics and the role of non-coding RNAs in the control of gene transcription in human cells and their role in regulating genes linked to cancer progression and development, cystic fibrosis and HIV-1 infection.

In 2015, Matthew followed his passion for teaching and took on the role of an education focused academic in the School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences at UNSW, Sydney, where he taught biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, genetics and medical biotechnology. In 2017, he moved to mid-north coast of NSW to establish the Phase 1 Medicine Program at the UNSW Rural Clinical School, Port Macquarie. He returned to Sydney in 2018 to join the Office of Medical Education teaching across multiple disciplines within the Bachelor of Medical Studies (BMed) Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program.

He joined the School of Environmental and Life Sciences at the University of Sydney in 2020, where he coordinates Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BCMB2001/MEDS2003), the Biochemistry Interdisciplinary Project unit (BCMB3888) and lectures into the Bachelor of Pharmacy program. Matthew is a member of the SOLES Education Committee and represents the School on the Faculty of Science Student Life Committee. Since joining the School, he has initiated numerous innovative teaching practices and has been invited to speak at universities across Australia and New Zealand. He has built the University of Sydney's reputation as a leader in molecular biology education nationally, and represents the University within the Australian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) Education Special Interest Group and on committees to establish a national framework for core concepts and assessment within biochemistry curricula.