Adrian Scaffidi

Adrian Scaffidi is a Research Fellow in the School of Molecular Sciences at The University of Western Australia (UWA). He holds a PhD from UWA and has prior industry experience at Epichem, a drug discovery company. His research focuses on plant signaling molecules like karrikins and strigolactones, chemical ecology, and the molecular mechanisms underlying plant-animal interactions.

Education: BSc (Chemistry & Mathematics) and BCom (Investment & Finance) from UWA, followed by a PhD in Molecular Sciences. His work bridges biochemistry, pharmacology, and ecology, with notable contributions to understanding orchid pollination strategies and drug development.

Research interests include plant hormone signaling, chemical ecology of pollination, and drug discovery. Recent projects involve designing PPARγ modulators and studying MDMA analogues. He has secured grants like the UWA Research Collaboration Award.

Key collaborations include work on cat-attracting plant compounds and orchid sexual deception mechanisms. His research has been featured in BMC Biology, Current Biology, and New Phytologist, with impactful studies on volatile compound behavior and receptor-ligand interactions.

Grants/Awards: UWA Research Collaboration Award, UWA Research Development Award. Projects include developing cancer immunotherapy enhancers and investigating plant growth regulators.