Dr Steve Swain

Science Lead

https://people.csiro.au/S/S/Steve-Swain.aspx

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GPO BOX 1700
CANBERRA ACT 2601 AUSTRALIA

Biography

Steve started his career working with horticultural crops and the model plant Arabidopsis, and has moved into cereal work after transferring to Canberra in 2009.

Steve received a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Tasmania, Australia, in 1994, and has had postdoctoral experience at RIKEN in Japan and at the University of Minnesota in the USA.

After being recruited to CSIRO in 1999, Steve led the molecular biology component of Plant Industry’s research at the Horticulture site near Mildura in Northwest Victoria. Steve and his team made important scientific discoveries in plant reproductive biology including uncovering new roles for the plant hormone gibberellin in pollen and seed development, and the identification of genes with important roles in abscission and dehiscence. In 2007, he became an Adjunct Professor at La Trobe University.

More recently, Steve's research has focused on using a range of genetic approaches in wheat, including the MAGIC mapping population and forward genetic screens, to investigate the genetic control of inflorescence (spike) development, and how this might be modified to increase yield potential. Steve's research has been published in leading international journals, including The Plant Cell and Nature Plants.

Until recently Steve’s role was Research Director for the ‘Traits’ program in CSIRO’s Agriculture and Food business. This program worked with a range of industry partners to identify genetic solutions to protect crops from major diseases and insect pests, to develop synthetic food ingredients, and to develop and release cotton varieties to support the Australian industry. Recently Steve was acting Deputy Director - Science for A&F.

Current Roles

Group Leader
Science Lead - Crops

Academic Qualifications

1994

PhD Plant Genetics
University of Tasmania

Achievements and Awards

2007-2022

Adjunct Professor
La Trobe University
2008-2009

Short Term Fellowship
Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science
1993-1995

Postdoctoral Fellow
Science and Technology Agency, Japan

Community and Corporate Citizenship

2012-2016

Associate editor Functional Plant Biology
2010-2013

Member of International Plant Growth Substances Association (IPGSA) council