Scientist profile: Alec Foster
Science career built on curiosity
When Dr Alec Foster was a boy, he liked taking things apart and figuring out their inner workings. His father’s computer was no exception, and this didn’t aways end well.
“Sometimes I didn’t get it fixed before he came home from work,” Alec laughs.
This curiosity paved the way to a career in science. “I had a natural inquisitiveness, but I also wanted to make the world a better place.”
Alec is now the acting general manager for Forest to Biobased Products at Scion, overseeing the development of sustainable processes and renewable resources that drive New Zealand's economic growth. His background in synthetic biology, biotechnology and commercial research has positioned him as a key figure in the country's bioeconomy landscape.
He has been the driving force behind Scion's biotechnology growth and the organisation's recent submission on the government's Gene Technology Bill. “Other countries are already adopting gene technologies to generate economic benefits and protect human and environmental health while developing cleaner and more sustainable processes,” he says.
“As technologies advance and global regulations evolve, New Zealand must modernise its regulatory framework to capitalise on opportunities.”
This work is significant as the New Zealand government establishes a public research organisation (PRO) focused on the bioeconomy – an initiative that will drive innovation and enhance the value of New Zealand's biological resources while fostering economic growth and environmental sustainability.
“Synthetic biology is one of our most powerful tools for simultaneously protecting the environment and growing the economy,” Alec says. “It’s perfect for the bioeconomy. Whether we're developing biofuels, bioplastics, biofertilisers or high-value products such as nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals, we're creating sustainable solutions for real-world challenges. That's what makes Scion such a fantastic place to work.
“We are turning research into real-world outcomes.”
Science background
Before joining Scion, Alec worked for the Radiata Pine Breeding Company, helping with breeding and associated genomics, and for INVISTA, part of Koch Industries, where he oversaw one of the world’s largest synthetic biology programmes. This programme involved using fermentation to convert CO2 into as nylon and other products.
He has been with Scion three years. Before stepping into the acting GM role, Alec led the Bioproducts and Packaging portfolio, overseeing work in bioplastics, composite materials and packaging as well as driving the change in how Scion approaches industrial biotechnology.
“I’ve helped provide a lot of the energy to grow,” he says. “I love translating exciting research into commercial outcomes. It’s great working with so many companies that are trying to do things more sustainably.
“A lot of my time now is spent engaging externally, trying to link industry to what we do at Scion, and helping different organisations understand how they can work with us to innovate and apply new technologies.”
Alec is constantly learning and challenging himself, something he enjoys given his naturally curious nature. He advisesothers to also embrace learning opportunities. “Push yourself outside your normal boundaries. It’s often the areas where you’re uncomfortable that there’s the most opportunity. Nothing was ever lost from studying different areas and it’s surprising how they often come together later.
He would know. He has five degrees, including in biomedical science and bioengineering, and a PhD in chemical engineering. “I was a student until my early 30s,” he says. “I enjoyed university, enjoyed learning. Now I’ve got enough knowledge to be dangerous.”
He laughs at that. It’s clear he enjoys his work.
Outside work
Alec loves football, and he’s so dedicated to Liverpool’s club that he started a fan website, a community he says has several thousand members. “It gives fellow fans a chance to come together and discuss football and Liverpool’s matches.”
He enjoys getting outdoors, too. He, his wife Melissa and their two children, Samantha, 15, and Willow, 8, are often found playing around Rotorua’s many lakes. Plus there’s a lot of gardening in his future. He and Melissa have just bought a 1.5ha lifestyle block in Hamurana with a lot of trees that promises to be a lot of work. “That’s going to be taking up most of my weekends,” Alec says.
“The kids really love it. There’s a stream, and every day I wake up and see at least three or four bunnies – it’s really quite nice. There are lots of pukekos too.”
It’s a long way from the UK, where Alec moved from Rotorua as a teenager – spending time in Leicester, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Yorkshire – and where he later met his wife during his undergraduate years. “We clicked and the rest is history.”
They came to New Zealand to show the kids where Alec grew up, then COVID hit, and this led to a permanent move back. They’re happy here. “We’ve moved out here and been happy, and we don’t have the urge to go back,” Alec says.
“It’s worked out nicely and It’s great to put down roots here again.”
Click here for a short video to learn more about Alec’s journey and work at Scion.