Our research

Applied BioSciences develops practical and innovative solutions for the management of invasive and pest species that threaten livestock, horticultural production, the environment, and human health. Applied BioSciences is the home of the ARC Centre for Fruit Fly Biosecurity Innovation.

We have particular interests in the development of non-chemical management tools such as sterile insect technique, lure-and kill technology, biological pesticides, biological control, and habitat modifications that consider biodiversity preservation and preservation of environmental health.

Applied BioSciences researches in the Genomic Biotechnology and Genetic Biocontrol area are leveraging recent advances in synthetic biology and genetic manipulation capabilities to develop transformative approaches for solving agricultural, environmental, and industrial challenges. These include genetically engineering organisms to transform waste to high-value products, genetic biocontrol for invasive pests and agricultural pathogens, and transgenic organisms to reduce the burden of persistent organic pollutants.

Our applied molecular genetics team develops genomic resources for economically, environmentally and medically important animals.

Using the state-of-the-art genomic tools we extract molecular differences at the individual, population, species and species complex levels, and exploit these variations for rapid species identification and tracing the origins of pest invasions.

The improved genomic capabilities also underpin numerous ongoing projects on population dynamics, pest-microbe interactions, abiotic stress resistance, reproductive and behavioural traits relevant for the development of the next-generation pest management strategies.

Our applied chemistry team develops new and improved products for sustainable pest management, with a focus on novel lures and repellents, provides a service for the analysis of product efficacy and longevity, and investigates chemical-mediated aspects of behaviour and physiology, particularly pheromones, phytochemicals and toxicants.

We have comprehensive state-of-the-art instrumentation for collection and analysis of samples, as well as for custom-design and synthesis of molecules, and product formulation.