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Dr Ryan Farr

Pronouns: he,him,his

Senior Research Scientist

https://people.csiro.au/F/R/Ryan-Farr

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Contact details:

PO BAG 24
GEELONG VIC 3220 AUSTRALIA

Biography

Dr Ryan Farr is a molecular biologist and bioinformatician specialising in the study of host molecular responses to infectious diseases. His work integrates next-generation sequencing with advanced machine learning to identify biomarkers for early disease detection and management. He has developed and patented biomarkers of several diseases, including COVID-19, diabetes, rabies, and bovine Johne’s Disease, to enable clinicians and veterinarians to implement early, effective treatment. To that end, Ryan works closely with industry stakeholders, as well as biosensing and nanofabrication experts to understand how these biomarkers can be used in clinical practice. Ryan completed his PhD in Medicine at the Hardikar Laboratory within the NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney in 2017, then underwent a three-year Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Australian Animal Health Laboratory before joining the Host Response Team. Beyond his research, Ryan is actively involved in science communication and outreach, aiming to bridge the gap between complex scientific concepts and practical applications in public health and veterinary medicine.

Achievements and Awards

  • 2023-2026

    Julius Career Award
    CSIRO

  • 2020-2020

    Chairman's Medal
    CSIRO

  • 2019-2019

    People's Choice Award
    VIIN Young Investigator Symposium

  • 2017-2017

    Recognition award for promoting STEM in the Geelong region
    CSIRO ACDP

  • 2018-2018

    Seminar of the Year
    CSIRO ACDP

  • 2018-2018

    Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting
    Australian Academy of Science and the Lindau Council

  • 2017-2017

    Oral Presentation Award
    International Conference on BioNano Innovation

  • 2017-2017

    Pitch or Perish Competition Winner
    CSIRO H&B

  • 2017-2017

    Our Science 2 Minute Presentation Winner
    CSIRO H&B

  • 2016-2016

    Basic Science Poster Presentation Award
    Australian Diabetes Society

  • 2015-2015

    ADS Pincus Taft Young Investigator Award Finalist
    Australian Diabetes Society

  • 2015-2015

    Oral Presentation Award
    Islet Society and Australian Islet Study Group Joint Annual Meeting

  • 2014-2014

    Publication Award
    Life Technologies

Professional Areas

Fields of Research

Current

Former

Current Roles

  • Senior Research Scientist
    Health and Biosecurity

Academic Qualifications

  • 2017

    Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine)
    University of Sydney

  • 2012

    Masters of Philosophy
    University of New South Wales

  • 2010

    BSc (Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Genetics)
    University of New South Wales

Professional Experiences

  • 2020-2023

    Research Scientist
    CSIRO Health and Biosecurity

  • April 2023-August 2023

    Acting Team Leader, Host Response Team
    CSIRO Health and Biosecurity

  • 2017-2020

    Postdoctoral Research Fellow
    CSIRO Australian Animal Health Laboratory

  • 2019-2020

    Local Organising Committee
    Cutting Edge Symposium - Challenges and Opportunities for "ex vivo" Model Systems

  • 2018-2018

    Local Organising Committee
    VIIN Young Investigator Symposium

  • 2014-2015

    Local Organising Committee
    Islet Society and Australian Islet Study Group Joint Meeting

  • 2012-2013

    Research Assistant
    Respiratory Viruses Group, Prince of Wales Hospital Research Laboratories

  • 2011-2012

    Technical Assistant
    Serology Quality Assurance Program, Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia

Grants

  • 2023-2025

    Strengthening Australia's Biosecurity Through AI-Enabled Diagnostics (AI4M Project)

  • 2023-2023

    Biomarkers of Viral, Bacterial and Non-infectious Inflammation (HeIDI Project)

  • 2022-2025

    Host-Microbiome Interactions in Livestock for Immune Competency (MOSH FSP Project)

  • 2018-2018

    Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting Travel Grant

  • 2017-2017

    Probing Biosystems FSP Travel Grant

  • 2016-2016

    European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Travel Grant

  • 2016-2016

    Postgraduate Research Support Scheme Award

  • 2016-2016

    Australian Diabetes Society Travel Grant

  • 2015-2015

    European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) Travel Grant

  • 2015-2015

    Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Travel Grant

  • 2015-2015

    Postgraduate Research Support Scheme Award

  • 2015-2015

    Australian Diabetes Society Travel Grant

  • 2014-2014

    Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Travel Grant

  • 2014-2014

    Postgraduate Research Support Scheme Award

  • 2014-2014

    Australian Diabetes Society Travel Grant

  • 2014-2016

    Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Top-Up Scholarship

  • 2013-2016

    Australian Postgraduate Award

  • 2013-2013

    National Health and Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Centre Top-Up Scholarship

Related links

Publications

We have publications by Dr Ryan Farr