Australia has a rich biodiversity of native plants that provide habitat for wildlife, are the foundations of natural ecosystems, and are deeply embedded within Australian culture. However, they are in danger from invasive fungal diseases, deforestation, and climate change.
Dr Ashley Jones uses cutting-edge long-read DNA sequencing technologies to unlock the genomes of Australia’s native plants and reveal the secrets of invasive fungi. He has pioneered new research, detailing genome structural rearrangements within Eucalyptus trees, wattles, grass trees, and paperbarks. This provides valuable insights into how these plants adapt to their environment, fight fungal disease, and respond to climate change. This knowledge is crucial to maintain healthy and resilient forests, to ensure a vibrant future for the Australian landscape. Ashley’s research and outreach extends to the community, by aiding plant conservation efforts, improving Australia’s biosecurity, educational workshops, and he helped combat COVID-19 by virus genome surveillance. Ashley’s innovative nature and expertise has garnered him the nickname “DNA Whisperer”, and he continues to push the boundaries of plant and fungal genomics.