The Rising Stars event showcases the breadth of research that takes place within the University of Western Australia’s Faculty of Science. Each Rising Star nominee is given three minutes to showcase their cutting-edge research.
Dr Kidd from the ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology (PEB) and UWA’s School of Molecular Sciences is applying synthetic biology to developing genetic switches in order to create smart plants that can adapt to stressful conditions mid-season. Australia’s changing climate means more frequent severe weather events leading to yield decline and crop failure. His work aims to produce plants with increased yield and provide greater options for farmers and plant industries.
Dr Haywood, from the School of Molecular Sciences and a PEB affiliated researcher, is taking an academic approach to herbicide discovery. His focus is on identifying and providing protein structure information about new protein targets against which herbicides can be developed. Food security for a growing population relies on agriculture, which in turn relies on herbicides. Dr Haywood’s research addresses the challenges of herbicide efficacy coming under serious threat from resistant weeds.
The twelve 2019 Rising Star finalists presented their work to guests, including donors and Faculty of Science alumni at an event on August the 14th at UWA’s University Club. First prize was awarded to Dr Lies Notebaert for her work in Psychological Sciences.
“Rising Stars is an important initiative for the Faculty of Science to demonstrate the importance of science with our community and its impact on the world” said Professor Tony O’Donnell, Executive Dean to the UWA Faculty of Science.
Image: Dr Brendan Kidd (centre), Dr Joel Haywood (right) pictured with 2017 Rising Star Dr Brendan O'Leary (left).