Research groups
Find out more about our research groups below. Click here for details of our honorary group leader pages.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/sycon_maja_anu_web_small.jpg?itok=81qQIrXl)
Adamska Group - Genomic and evolutionary basis of animal development »
Led by: Maja Adamska
Our research is aimed at uncovering the genetic and genomic basis of morphological complexity in animals, from both developmental and evolutionary perspectives.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/AplinImage_1.jpg?itok=ckrjsEDa)
Aplin Group - Cognitive Ecology »
Led by: Lucy Aplin
The Aplin lab studies cognition and social behaviour.
![Atkin Group](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/Atkin%20Group%201Kpx.jpg?itok=WhvgI9Ct)
Atkin Group - Plant respiration in a changing world »
Led by: Owen Atkin
Atkin Group studies plant metabolic responses to environmental gradients, including how leaf respiration varies within and among biomes across the globe.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/Ball_Marilyn_Lab_146741430.jpg?itok=YS6HF2L6)
Ball (Marilyn) Group - Ecophysiology of salinity and freezing tolerance »
Led by: Marilyn Ball
We study how physiological adaptations and responses to environmental stresses affect the structure and functioning of plant communities.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/Alison%20Bentley_0.jpg?itok=7CuP-Mjs)
Bentley Group - Building crops for climate change »
Led by: Alison Bentley
Wheat, plant breeding, genetics
![Borevitz group 2023 Borevitz group 2023](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/Borevitz-group-2023.jpg?itok=gwluKghD)
Borevitz Group - Plant genomics for climate adaption »
Led by: Justin Borevitz
We study the genetic basis of Climate Adaptation in foundation plant species, using state of the art Genomic and Phenomic techniques
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/Brock-membrane.jpg?itok=CgzBphuE)
Brock Group - Membrane Structural & Synthetic Biology »
Led by: Joseph Brock
The Brock lab loves membrane proteins; looking at them in atomic detail, discovering new drug molecules, and engineering them to create new biosensors. Join us!
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/Group_Photo_2021.jpg?itok=bDqx48Lh)
Broer Group - Membrane transport and nutrition »
Led by: Stefan Broer
Broer group studies the role of amino acid transport in the onset of insulin resistance and the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/Bromham_Lab_78486136.jpg?itok=DlWmksQb)
Bromham Group - Macroevolution, molecular evolution & Language evolution »
Led by: Lindell Bromham
We use phylogenetic comparative methods to investigate the characteristics of lineages that influence the pattern and rate of genome evolution.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/Byrt%20Group%20Pic.jpg?itok=ZkoIayt9)
Byrt Group – Engineering plant membrane proteins and solute transport to increase yield security »
Led by: Caitlin Byrt
We work on engineering strategies to increase crop tolerance to salinity and drought, and to advance water filtration technology.
Cardillo Group - Macroevolution, Macroecology and Biogeography »
Led by: Marcel Cardillo
We are interested in big-picture questions about biodiversity. Why are there so many species in the tropics? How have some places become biodiversity hotspots?
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/Casarotto%20Group_D0A8358_2.jpg?itok=REvGRbbs)
Casarotto Group - Biomolecular Interactions »
Led by: Marco Casarotto
The Casarotto Group seeks to carry out research that explores how the structural properties of biological molecules can impact on the biological process.
![Chan group afternoon tea, Jan 2023](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/20230110%20Lab%20Photo%20%282%29%20cropped%20resized.jpg?itok=NGOishmu)
Chan Group - Plant Organelle and Cellular Signalling »
Led by: Kai Chan
We aim to unravel molecular and biochemical mechanisms that enable plant cells to adapt to challenging environmental conditions
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/Cockburn_Lab_174362885.jpg?itok=nwrJ0aS1)
Cockburn Group - Evolutionary ecology »
Led by: Andrew Cockburn
Current work focuses on cooperative breeding of superb fairy-wrens and woodswallows.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/lewis_striking_image.jpg?itok=5ND1K0z2)
Corry Group - Transport proteins and computational biophysics »
Led by: Ben Corry
Corry group's research examines the structure and function of membrane proteins.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/IMG_E3417%20copy%202_1.jpeg?itok=UOIw7X_j)
Danila Group – Plant cell structure and intercellular communication »
Led by: Florence Danila
Our group studies plasmodesmata to answer important plant science questions related to development, cellular transport, root biology, signalling and evolution.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/root-genesis-Angela-Norris-2.1_1.jpg?itok=Dn18jyfk)
Djordjevic Group - Root architecture, root nodule formation, nitrogen fixation, regulatory peptides, plant development, Rhizobium »
Led by: Michael Djordjevic
Sustainable food security is of utmost importance to the future of the planet.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/Fahrer%2520lab-Aude%252CTina%252CErin-2.1_0_1.jpg?itok=XkrZP4Yk)
Fahrer Group - Immunology »
Led by: Aude Fahrer
We are working on a very simple and inexpensive cancer immunotherapy treatment, and a bioinformatics study looking for novel proteins in different genomes.
Farine Group - Social evolutionary ecology »
Led by: Damien Farine
I am a behavioural and movement ecologist.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/shutterstock_810911%2520forest%2520trees%2520eucalyptus.jpg?itok=anmkRIO-)
Farquhar Group - Coordination of CO2 fixation and transpiration in plants »
Led by: Graham Farquhar
Our research includes: photosynthesis and growth with N2 and water use of plants; stomatal physiology; isotopic composition of plants & global change science.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/carbs_0.jpg?itok=KN4VMniA)
Furbank Group – Improving photosynthesis and crop yield »
Led by: Robert Furbank
Our research focuses on the identification of enhanced photosynthetic properties in crop and model plant germplasm, and improving C4 photosynthesis.
![Molecular structure of a thiol redox protein (PDB: 6C29)](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/6c29_light.jpg?itok=WqoY4PeE)
Furlong Group - Bacterial Structural Defence »
Led by: Emily Furlong
We aim to identify new potential targets for antibacterial agents, using structural biology, biochemistry and bacteriology methods.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/lots-of-bugs.jpg?itok=zr-TkXc-)
Head Group – Ecology and evolution of sex »
Led by: Megan Head
Research in the Head Group focuses on the evolution, ecology and physiology of sexual reproduction.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/stock-dna-information-computer-data.jpg?itok=5m6UIupL)
Howitt Group - Transporter structure and function »
Led by: Susan Howitt
Howitt group explores how transporters function and aim to understand their molecular mechanisms.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/coral-skeliton-crop.jpg?itok=5sufzADL)
Huttley Group - Bioinformatics, molecular evolution of genomes »
Led by: Gavin Huttley
We focus on understanding what processes shape the distribution of genetic variation.The nature of our work is largely computational and statistical.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/test-214185_1280.jpg?itok=cSixOT5X)
Jackson Group - SynBio »
Led by: Colin Jackson
Our research interests lie at the interface between biology, chemistry and physics
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/Gambusia_AKahn.jpeg?itok=CZTNtHUX)
Jennions Group - Behavioural and reproductive ecology »
Led by: Michael Jennions
What do we do? We are interested in whole organism evolutionary biology, especially the evolution of behavioural and morphological reproductive traits.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/tomato-plant-leaf-mildew-fungus.jpg?itok=bVdWs3a_)
Jones Group - Disease resistance »
Led by: David Jones
We investigate the molecular basis of disease and disease resistance in tomato (leaf mould and Fusarium wilt resistance) and flax (flax rust resistance).
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/Keogh_Lab_113553267.jpg?itok=D5uUtx9Z)
Keogh Group - Evolutionary biology & ecology of reptiles and amphibians »
Led by: Professor Scott Keogh
My primary research interest is the study and evaluation of evolutionary processes and we work mostly on reptile and frog systems.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/nature09113-f32_0.jpg?itok=Nd0neaJH)
Lanfear Group - Mutation, molecular evolution and phylogenetics »
Led by: Robert Lanfear
Our work is motivated by the desire to understand molecular evolution, from the origin of mutations in individuals to their fixation in evolving lineages.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/Black-eared-Cuckoo---Speckled-Warbler_David-Cook_web_0.jpg?itok=WqK4MltU)
Langmore Group - Avian evolutionary and behavioural ecology »
Led by: Professor Naomi Langmore
We study many aspects of evolutionary and behavioural ecology in birds, mainly by using field experiments and observations to test evolutionary theory.
Lehane Group - Antimalarial drug action and resistance »
Led by: Adele Lehane
We study membrane transport processes in the Plasmodium parasites that cause malaria.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/Denisse-leyton.jpg?itok=KE7FynYX)
Leyton Group - Assembly, function, and applications of nanoscale bacterial surface structures »
Led by: Denisse Leyton
We study how autotransporters are assembled into bacterial outer membranes, and how they function to mediate infection and disease once they get there.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/Linde_Lab_177747441.jpg?itok=b5nz4fc_)
Linde Group - Population genetics, evolution, phylogeography and molecular phylogenetics of fungi »
Led by: Celeste Linde
Our main research interest is in fungal-plant-interactions, both applied and pure research, on a range of important pathogens.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/lyerbird-highlight_0.jpg?itok=7VhK1_Zy)
Magrath Group - Behavioural ecology; acoustic communication; ornithology »
Led by: Rob Magrath
We have broad interests in behavioural ecology, particularly acoustic communication and breeding biology in birds.
![Maier Group 2022 Maier Group 2022](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/2022-Maier-Group-websize.jpg?itok=UG2bEgKI)
Maier Group - Molecular mechanisms of malaria pathogenesis »
Led by: Alexander Maier
The Maier Group focusses on the identification of molecules involved in malaria pathogenesis and transmission.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/venus2.jpg?itok=U270nWl_)
Marsh Group - Animal-plant interactions and nutritional ecology »
Led by: Karen Marsh
Our research is aimed at understanding how diet and nutrition influence wildlife physiology, behaviour, and habitat quality.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/Microbial%2520control%2520of%2520root%2520%2528Mathesius%2529.jpg?itok=0x0ZwppN)
Mathesius Group - Root microbe interactions - symbionts to parasites »
Led by: Ulrike Mathesius
We are interested in the molecular mechanisms controlling nodule development in legumes, and how this is linked to other aspects of root architecture.
![CMS, hybrids, fertility restoration, mTERF, PPR, crops, breeding](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/Melonek_group.jpg?itok=l3GkSqdj)
Melonek Group – Unlocking genetic secrets of cytoplasmic male sterility and fertility restoration in plants »
Led by: Joanna Melonek
The Melonek Group studies the genetic and molecular basis of cytoplasmic male sterility and fertility restoration in plants.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/homescreen.image1__0.jpg?itok=mSTuGm8Q)
Millar Group - Plant microRNA biology and disease resistance »
Led by: Tony Millar
The principal interest of the lab is gene silencing mediated by microRNAs, with a focus on microRNAs that control plant disease resistance.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/desert-ecosystem_0.jpg?itok=_21TPWoY)
Moritz Group - Evolutionary biogeography & conservation »
Led by: Craig Moritz
Our research focuses on evolutionary biogeography; biodiversity discovery and conservation; biogeography speciation; and biological responses to climate change.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/IMG_2916.jpeg?itok=pPLJ-C4o)
Nicotra Group - Plant physiological ecology, plant evolutionary biology, reproductive ecology »
Led by: Adrienne Nicotra
We are interested in phenotypic plasticity - the range of forms a given genetic individual can exhibit under different environments.
Noble Group - Animal ecophysiology and evolutionary ecology »
Led by: Daniel Noble
Our research explores how early developmental experiences impact physiology and metabolic function.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/Orchid%2520and%2520wasp%2520pollination3.1.jpg?itok=y17uvCEH)
Peakall Group - Pollination, evolution and conservation »
Led by: Rod Peakall
Our research spans reproductive ecology, genetics, phylogeny, biochemistry and chemical ecology.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/Pogson%20Lab%20Photo%202022%20%281%29.jpg?itok=u-wwFhfu)
Pogson Group - Chloroplast to nuclear signalling: light, drought and carotenoids »
Led by: Barry Pogson
The overarching theme of our research is to determine the controls and regulators of communication between the chloroplast and nucleus.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/cbx4.jpg?itok=k0UjMSKJ)
Price Group - The cyanobacterial CO2 concentrating mechanism and the use of synthetic biology to transfer it to C3 crop plants »
Led by: Professor Dean Price
The Price lab is presently focusing on the molecular biology and physiology of photosynthesis in cyanobacteria (blue-green photosynthetic bacteria) and plants
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/BioRender%20tomato_0.jpeg?itok=1Yefj9ym)
Rathjen Group - Plant immunity »
Led by: John Rathjen
Rathjen group focuses on all aspects of plant immunity, characterising the fascinating interplay between host and pathogen.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/Rowell-lab-fieldwork.jpg?itok=s81vHwA7)
Rowell Group - Population genetics, karyology and phylogeography of terrestrial invertebrates »
Led by: Dave Rowell
We study the mechanisms behind the proximal processes of evolution – those that lead to population differentiation, divergence and ultimately speciation.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/Yong-Ling.jpg?itok=G0gZqDLu)
Ruan Group- Optimising Carbon Allocation for Development, Yield and Resilience »
Led by: Professor Yong-Ling Ruan
Our research focuses on identifying molecular and biochemical bottlenecks.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/Malaria%2520mosquito_0.jpg?itok=3GWzDzO4)
Saliba Group - Physiology and biochemistry of the malaria parasite »
Led by: Kevin Saliba
The Saliba Group is investigating vitamin utilisation pathways in the red blood cell stage of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/IMG_20191219_155632.jpg?itok=iNtPS0G6)
Schwessinger Group - Plants, fungi, evolution »
Led by: Benjamin Schwessinger
Our team focuses on questions around plant biosecurity in Australia by studying the interaction between plants and their fungal pathogen.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/Ana_Measuring%20turtle_Shark%20Bay%20by%20JPearce_0.jpeg?itok=XqSi8NvX)
Sequeira Group - Statistical Modelling & Marine Megafauna Movement »
Led by: Ana M. M. Sequeira
Associate Professor Ana M. M. Sequeira, a marine ecologist based at ANU, leads breakthrough research in the field of marine megafauna movement and conservation.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/solomon-lab-2016.jpg?itok=_JVzZvMK)
Solomon Group - Wheat biosecurity »
Led by: Peter Solomon
The Solomon group focuses on pathogens of wheat that threaten food security and stability.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/Spry%20Lab%20Photo_June%202024.1.jpg?itok=QoUkrple)
Spry Group - Drug discovery for infectious diseases »
Led by: Christina Spry
The Spry group focuses on validating new drug targets and identifying new drugs to combat key pathogenic microbes responsible for human disease.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/stone_0.jpg?itok=ie-ecimr)
Stone Group - Quantitative and Computational Biology »
Led by: Eric Stone
We study aspects of the evolutionary process, including mutational events, the genetic basis of fitness-related traits, and genetic variation.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/19326942568_9c146d1f64_b.jpg?itok=LLOh0h0A)
Tham Group - Understanding chytrid infection biology »
Led by: Wai-Hong Tham
More information to come.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/van%20Dooren%20Group%20-%20Kosciuszko.jpg?itok=oPP2PWda)
van Dooren Group - Cell biology and metabolism of apicomplexan parasites »
Led by: Giel van Dooren
We study the basic biology of parasites, with the hope that such knowledge can be used in developing new treatment options against these formidable foes.
![the von Caemmerer Group in 2021 the von Caemmerer Group in 2021](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/2021-von-Caemmerer-Lab%20%28crop%201Kpx%29.jpg?itok=yCa_EHD2)
von Caemmerer Group - CO2 fixation and water loss of leaves »
Led by: Susanne von Caemmerer
We are investigating aspects of carbon acquisition by plants including the biochemistry of CO2 fixation and regulation of CO2 diffusion into and within leaves.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/Dani_way.jpg?itok=qvtRbXAs)
Way Group - Plant Ecophysiology and Global Change Biology »
Led by: Danielle Way
One of the most pressing concerns in biology is whether we can predict how plants and ecosystems will respond to climate change.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/RubiscoFoci.jpg?itok=CYfYs_-A)
Whitney Group - Synthetic Photosynthesis - bioengineering enzymes to adjust carbon fixation »
Led by: Spencer Whitney
We focus on the development and use of synthetic tools to scrutinize the biology of the most abundant protein, the photosynthetic CO2-fixing enzyme Rubisco.
![](https://biology.anu.edu.au/files/styles/anu_doublenarrow_440_248/public/Title_page_2_0.jpg?itok=q8bfodnd)
Williams Group - Plant structural immunology »
Led by: Simon Williams
We aim to understand the molecular basis of the interactions between plant hosts and the microorganisms, particularly fungi, that colonise them.