Ashley Franks

Professor Ashley Franks is a leading academic at La Trobe University, serving as Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Capability) and Co-Director of the Mallee Regional Innovation Centre. He holds a Professor position in Microbiology within the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, and has previously occupied roles including Director of Research for the School of Life Sciences and leadership positions in the Australian Society of Microbiology.

• Current roles: Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Capability), La Trobe University
• Academic affiliations: School of Life Sciences, Mallee Regional Innovation Centre
• Education: BSc(Hons) and PhD from University of New South Wales
• International collaborations: Exeter University, University College Cork, University of Massachusetts Amherst
• Funding sources: Australian Research Council, NHMRC, National Geographic Society

His research focuses on microbial community structure and function at environmental interfaces, spanning plant-soil interactions, bioenergy systems, bioremediation, and microbial-electrode relationships. Recent publications highlight impacts of climate change on soil carbon dynamics, plant-microbe symbiosis, and microbiome implications in neurodevelopmental disorders.

Key awards include the Adrian Lee Fellowship and Government of Ireland Fellowship. His funded projects address rhizosphere priming effects, gut microbiome regulation in autism, and sustainable agricultural practices through microbial interventions.