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Furbank Group – Improving photosynthesis and crop yield
Research in the Furbank Group focuses on the identification of enhanced photosynthetic properties in crop and model plant germplasm and improving C4 photosynthesis. In rice, the Group is using molecular techniques to install a CO2 concentrating mechanism as part of the IRRI led Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation-supported C4 Rice Consortium. In wheat, the Group works closely with the Grains Research and Development Corporation to identify genetic variation in photosynthetic performance and develop new tools for high throughput measurement of photosynthesis.
Group Leader
Honorary Senior Lecturer
Divisional Visitors
PhD Student
Postdoctoral Fellows
Technical Assistants
Technical Officers
| Project | Status |
|---|---|
| C4 Rice Project | Current |
| Decrypting chloroplast signalling networks in C4 photosynthesis at cell type-resolution | Current |
| Improving C4 photosynthesis by genetic manipulation | Current |
Research to turbocharge rice given major funding boost
Story | Tuesday 3 December 2019
Research that could transform global rice production by increasing yields from the world’s number one food crop has been boosted by five more years of funding.
2019 ANU Federal Election Conversation Series - Food security
Story | Tuesday 14 May 2019
Professor Owen Atkin and Professor Robert Furbank from RSB analyse the ongoing issues around food security and the policy direction needed to ensure Australia's ongoing prosperity.
Human mortality 'plateau' may be statistical error, not hint of immortality
Story | Tuesday 29 January 2019
Human error, not human biology, largely accounts for the apparent decline of mortality among the very old, according to a new report by Saul Newman of the Research School of Biology, ANU. The result casts doubt on the hypothesis that human longevity can be greatly extended beyond current limits.
Designing a more productive corn, able to cope with future climates
Story | Tuesday 2 October 2018
An international research team has found they can increase corn productivity by targeting the enzyme in charge of capturing CO2 from the atmosphere.
Honorary Doctorate of Science for Robert Furbank
Story | Tuesday 10 May 2016
Thirty seven years after finishing his honours degree at the University of Wollongong, Professor Robert Furbank has been awarded an Honorary Doctoral Degree (Doctor of Science) by his former University.
Australian researchers take on G20 challenge to make energy efficient wheat
Story | Thursday 12 November 2015
