A plant biologist and geochemist from The Australian National University have both been recognised for their outstanding contributions to their fields of science.

Esteemed senior ANU biologist and mentor, Professor Barry Pogson, has been awarded the highest accolade for staff, the 2019 Peter Baume Award.

Australian research could help breeders develop more drought-resilient crops that can produce more food and more profit with less water.

Professor Barry Pogson, from the ANU Research School of Biology, was awarded $2.9 million to create higher-yielding and more resilient 'smart plants' for good and bad seasons.

An international study has found a drought alarm system that first appeared in freshwater algae may have enabled plants to move from water to land more than 450 million years ago – a big evolutionary step that led to the emergence of land animals, including humans. 

A passion for the business side of science has helped John Rivers land his dream job, just weeks after finishing his PhD.