Higher Degree by Research Application Portal
| Title | Unleashing the potential of Restorer-of-fertility proteins for hybrid crops |
|---|---|
| Course | Doctor of Philosophy |
| Project opportunity | Unleashing the potential of Restorer-of-fertility proteins for hybrid seed production |
| Description | Hybrid crops offer higher and more stable yields than conventional lines. However, cost-effective systems for hybrid seed production are missing for key crops like wheat or barley. One of main challenges is identifying and tracking Restorer-of-fertility genes that control self-pollination in breeding material. This project will make this process easier, cheaper, and faster by improving our understanding of how Restorer-of-fertility proteins interact with RNA. Improved knowledge of the protein-RNA interactions will extend the application of these genes as biotechnological tools in agriculture, synthetic biology, and medicine. Higher and more stable yields from hybrids will ensure food security for growing human population amidst climate change. |
| Keywords | Hybrid crops |
| Synthetic biology | |
| Mitochondria | |
| RNA-binding proteins | |
| Opportunity status | Open |
| Open date | 01 Jun 2025 |
| Close date | 18 Jul 2025 |
| Research area | Biological Sciences |
| Citizenship status | International |
| Domestic | |
| Enrolment status | Future student |
| Contact | Professor Ian Small FAA M316, 4th Floor (4.73) Bayliss Building, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009 |
| Scholarship details | |
| Scholarship type | Stipend scholarship |
| Scholarship value | AUD $37000 |
| Availability | As soon as possible |
| School | School of Molecular Sciences |
| Course type | Doctorates |