Nicki Packer
Nicki Packer (also known as Nicolle Packer) FRSC is a Distinguished Professor of Glycoproteomics in the School of Natural Sciences at Macquarie University and Principal Research Leader at Griffith University's Institute for Glycomics. Packer is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and in 2021 received the Distinguished Achievement in Proteomic Sciences Award from the Human Proteome Organization. Her research focuses on biological functional of glycoproteins by linking glycomics with proteomics and bioinformatics. Career. Packer's research focuses on glycoproteomics, a topic at the intersection of chemistry and biological sciences which aims to identify and study  the function of the collection of glycosylated proteins in cells and on cell surfaces. Her research program examines the structure, function and role of glycans in cancer and microbial infections, as well as their application in therapeutics. Packer started her research career with a PhD from the University of Sydney in 1978. In 1999 she co-founded Proteome Systems Limited, an Australian biotech company which developed glycoanalytical technology and informatics tools. Packer became a Professor at Macquarie University in 2007 and in 2017 became a Distinguished Professor and also became the Principal Research Leader at the Institute for Glycomics at  Griffith University. Packer is Deputy Director of the Biomolecular Discovery Research Centre and Academic Lead of the Australian Proteome Analysis Facility, both at Macquarie University. In 2017 Packer co-founded the Human Glycoproteomics Initiative (HGI) as part of the Human Proteome Organisation (HUPO) and the Glyco@Oz network in 2019 to connect Australian glycoscientists. Packer has had multiple roles in ARC-funded research centres, including: Awards and prizes. Packer's awards and prizes include: Media. Packer's glycoproteomics work has been reported in The Toronto Star, The Age, BioSpectrum Asia and by the Royal Society of Chemistry. Her work with The  Australian biotechnology company Proteome Systems was reported in the New York Times. Packer's work on the role of sugars in a wide range of human diseases was featured in the Macquarie University publication, The Lighthouse. Publications. Packer has published over 250 journal articles and book chapters, has over 12,000 citations and has an h-index of 61 (as at April 2022). Packer is an editor of the textbook Essentials of Glycobiology.