Themes
Our research activities are grouped under themes which encompass the research strengths of the School.
Behavioural, evolutionary and physiological ecology
Ecologists often begin by asking how interactions between individual and the environment result in differential survival & reproductive output of organisms depending on their size, age, sex & which traits they possess....
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Bioinformatics and bio-mathematical modelling
Using mathematical approaches to biological problems underpins many research approaches to understand how plants operate. This approach applies to many aspects of plant biology, ranging from understanding genetic information...
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Evolutionary genetics and genomics
New methods in genetics and genomics have allowed a rapid expansion of research into the basis of variations in phenotype, development and the epigenetic variations induced by diet and other lifetime experiences. Genetics...
Infection and immunity
Organisms defend themselves against infections through innate and adaptive immune responses. In the Research School of Biology we investigate important pathogens (Shigella, poxviruses and herpesviruses) and how they are...
Membrane transporters and channels
Membrane transporters and ion channels play a crucial role in the provision of nutrients to organisms and cells, they remove toxic compounds and waste, and are crucial in regulating excitability in the nervous system. In the...
Parasitology
Parasites can infect humans, animals and plants causing severe problems such as Malaria and reduced crop production. In the Research School of Biology we study the physiology, cell biology and development of the Malaria parasite...
Photosynthesis and plant energy biology
The capture of CO2 by photosynthesis using sunlight is fundamental to the maintenance of life on earth. At the Research School of Biology, we study the energy metabolism of plants, algae and cyanobacteria, including the...
Phylogenetics, population genetics and biodiversity
Molecular genetics forms the basis for much of what we do in this research area. Research at the Research School of Biology spans the continuum of population genetics and phylogenetics of bacteria, fungi, plants and animals. Our...
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Plant environmental biology and functional ecology
How plants respond to the environment is of fundamental importance to understanding plant evolution, biodiversity and responses to future climate change. At the Research School of Biology, we apply fundamental knowledge of plant...
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Plant genetics and gene regulation
Genome content and the regulation of gene expression are crucial for plant development, form & function. At ANU we use molecular genetics to understand gene regulation, epigenetic control processes, evolution and gene/protein...
Plant-microbe interactions
The interactions of plants with microbes both in the soil and above ground shoot are of great importance for the growth and productivity of plants in agricultural and natural ecosystems. At the Research School of Biology,...
