Dr Simon Michelmore
Biography
Simon has worked within the molecular genetics sub-program since 2015 on a range of crop and pasture pre-breeding projects where he has contributed to both fundamental and applied research. He has expertise in classical and molecular genetics, as well as experience in plant physiology and developmental biology research.
Applied outputs from Simon’s research have directly supported the development of new crop and pasture varieties with improved herbicide and abiotic stress tolerance traits. Through a decade of involvement in pulse pre-breeding research and stakeholder engagement, Simon has built strong professional relationships across the Australian crop breeding and pre-breeding community, representing SARDI at industry meetings as well as national and international research conferences.
Simon’s well-rounded and considered approach to crop science research, and his experience across a range of crops, traits, and methodologies, positions him uniquely to apply his technical expertise to translate fundamental science into applied outcomes to solve a range of industry-focused problems.
Research interests
- Identification and characterisation of novel genetic diversity to enable the development of improved crop and pasture varieties
- Identifying and understanding the molecular mechanisms of key agronomic traits
- Genetic and hormonal signalling pathways controlling plant architecture, and their impact on grain and biomass yield
- Development and application of genetic, genomic, and phenotyping tools, resources, and methods to accelerate genetic gains and support the sustainability of food production systems
Qualifications
- PhD 2024, University of Adelaide
- B.Sc. Honours (First Class) 2014, University of Adelaide
- B.Sc. (Biotechnology) 2013, University of Adelaide
Publications
- Mao, D. et al. 2019. Phenotypic and molecular characterisation of novel Vicia faba germplasm with tolerance to acetohydroxyacid synthase-inhibiting herbicides (AHAS) developed through mutagenesis techniques. Pest Management Science 75 (10), 2698-2705.
- Croser, J. et al. 2021. Evidence for the application of emerging technologies to accelerate crop improvement–a collaborative pipeline to introgress herbicide tolerance into chickpea. Frontiers in Plant Science 12, 77912.
