Research
Computational biology
Understanding biology using computational simulation and analysis
Our research groups address fundamental and applied questions in biology using big data approaches, and methods and tools from mathematics, statistics and computer science. Our research seeks to answer problems in a range of biological fields and applications, including:
- crop genomics
- environmental and evolutionary genomics
- theoretical biology and ecology
- animal and plant microbiomes
- big data management, integration and interrogation
We use a range of computational methods and modelling to explore:
- the evolution of resistance to biocides in weeds, pathogens and insects
- genome structure and diversity
- new approaches for breeding climate resilient and disease resistant crops
- the maintenance of diversity in ecological communities
- the design of biosecurity systems to help manage invasive species
- coral and seagrass growth patterns and evolution
- optimality and evolution of plant structure and function
Our methods include:
- computational simulation modelling
- genome sequencing, assembly and comparison
- statistical modelling
- applied bioinformatics
- graph database development and application
- applied deep learning
Courses
Key staff
For more information about our work and current projects, contact our key researchers:
News
First pea genome to help improve crops of the future
A global team including scientists from The University of Western Australia has assembled the first genome of the field pea, which provides insight into how the legume evolved and will help aid future improvements of the crop.
Read morePlant scientist awarded Nancy Millis Medal for Women in Science
A plant scientist from The University of Western Australia who made significant breakthroughs in disease resistance in the oilseed crop canola has been awarded the prestigious 2019 Nancy Millis Medal for Women in Science.
Read more
