Gene editing for climate smart crops

Feeding the world's population

The United Nations continues to raise the alarm on climate change. The UN’s International Panel on Climate Change released their latest report, this time focusing on agriculture’s impact on the environment and the need to make the most use out of our current farmlands to prevent further damage. Today, around 75 percent of the earth’s usable land is dedicated to feeding the world’s population. And as the population increases to be 9.7 billion in 2050, the strain on farmland will intensify.However, ag biotech innovations like gene editing hold tremendous promise to slow the expansion of farmland by enabling farms to grow more food on less land—and with less resources.

Research team leader: Associate Professor Parwinder Kaur

I'm currently leading an innovative Translational Genomics research program that aims to translate fundamental science into ready-to-use solutions across the agricultural and medical sectors. My DNA Lab team enables research to span the spectrum of scientific activities beyond the traditional ‘Lab-to-Landscape’ model, using new age technologies such as CRISPR, single-cell and 3D genomics. With DNA Zoo Australia I'm on a mission to provide genomic empowerment to unique Australian biodiversity facilitating conservation efforts for the threatened and endangered species.

Multiple projects are available across legume and cereal crops for traits like improving yield potential, biofortification, root hair architecture manipulations for better nutrient acquisition etc. Please contact Parwinder Kaur parwinder.kaur@uwa.edu.au for further details and choosing a specific topic of interest.

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How to Apply

Check criteria

• To be accepted into the Doctor of Philosophy, an applicant must demonstrate they have sufficient background experience in independent supervised research to successfully complete, and provide evidence of English language proficiency

Submit enquiry to research team leader 

• Contact the research team leader by submitting an Expression of Interest form via the button below
• After you have discussed your project with the research team leader, contact hdr-science@uwa.edu.au to proceed with your application