MELBOURNE, Australia & DALLAS — Colossal Biosciences, the de-extinction company known for its work on species restoration and conservation technologies, has named Andrew Pask, Ph.D., as its Chief Biology Officer. The appointment coincides with the launch of Colossal Australia at the University of Melbourne, expanding the company’s research footprint across Oceania.
Pask, a world-renowned developmental biologist and leader of the Thylacine Integrated Genomic Restoration Research Lab (TIGGR), has been an advisor to Colossal since 2022. In his new full-time role, he will oversee Colossal’s developmental biology programs globally, including embryology and exogenous development systems, while also leading the company’s newly created Australian division.
“This is an extraordinary opportunity to help shape the future of de-extinction and species preservation science,” Pask said. “Colossal is bringing together the brightest minds, the boldest ideas, and the most powerful tools in biotechnology. I’m thrilled to help lead this team at the forefront of de-extinction research, not just to bring back lost species, but to apply those technologies in real time to save those still with us.”
Colossal Australia will consolidate the company’s projects at the University of Melbourne, including the thylacine de-extinction program, the Northern quoll cane toad resistance project, native frog and bird conservation work, and artificial womb development. The new hub underscores Colossal’s commitment to applying advanced biotechnology to both restore extinct species and protect those under threat.
“Andrew has been a foundational voice in the science of de-extinction,” said Ben Lamm, co-founder and CEO of Colossal. “His deep scientific insight, bold vision, and passion for conservation are embedded in Colossal’s DNA. We are thrilled to welcome him to this role. Australia’s incredible biodiversity offers unique opportunities for innovation in de-extinction and biological research. Having a presence there will help Colossal achieve our goals of de-extincting the thylacine and protecting endangered species on the continent.”
Pask is internationally recognized for his pioneering work in marsupial biology and conservation. His research has redefined understanding of Australia’s unique fauna, particularly through reproductive and stem cell biology. Over his career, he has received numerous awards and fellowships, including the Australian Research Council Future Fellowship and multiple honors from the University of Melbourne.
Colossal Chief Science Officer Beth Shapiro, Ph.D., said Pask’s leadership will accelerate the company’s conservation pipeline. “He brings an unmatched understanding of the biological systems we’re working to restore, as well as the creativity necessary to solve some of the hardest problems in biology today,” Shapiro said.
Professor George Church, Colossal’s co-founder, echoed the sentiment, calling Pask’s work “innovative and rigorous.” He added: “His leadership and experiences are paramount for Colossal’s de-extinction pipeline and developmental biology needs.”
Australia, which has the highest rate of mammal extinctions in the world, is seen by Colossal as both an urgent priority and an ideal partner in advancing de-extinction research. By establishing Colossal Australia, the company aims to leverage the country’s conservation expertise to combat biodiversity loss and pioneer new strategies for ecological restoration.
