Anthony Clarke

Professor Anthony Clarke is a leading academic in entomology at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), where he holds the title of Professor and Chair of Fruit Fly Biology and Management within the Faculty of Science and the School of Biology & Environmental Science. His research is globally recognized for advancing sustainable management of tropical fruit flies, particularly species in the genera Bactrocera and Zeugodacus.

Clarke earned a B.Agr.Sc in Entomology and a PhD in Entomology from The University of Queensland, followed by a decade of research fellowships at Australian universities before joining QUT in 2002. He has authored over 140 peer-reviewed publications and supervised 20+ higher degree research students.

His research spans insect ecology, evolutionary biology, and integrated pest management, with significant contributions to understanding fruit fly behavior, population dynamics, and biological control. His work has informed national and international fruit fly management strategies, particularly in Australia, Asia, and the Pacific.

The trends in his recent publications reflect a multidisciplinary approach combining molecular biology, phylogenetics, behavioral ecology, and landscape-level population studies to understand fruit fly biology and improve pest management. Key themes include gene expression in response to host plants, biogeographic patterns, reproductive behavior, and the role of competition in pest dynamics.

• Elected Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society (2006)
• CRCNPB Science Excellence Award (2011)
• Australian Entomological Society Mackerras Medal (2014)
• Appointed to ARC College of Experts (2016)
• Chaired development of the National Fruit Fly RD&E Plan (2014)
• Chair, IPPC Expert Consultation on Phytosanitary Treatments (2014)

Clarke has supervised numerous PhD and master’s students, focusing on fruit fly ecology, behavior, and management. His research has been supported by major competitive grants, including the Centre for Fruit Fly Biosecurity Innovation and projects under the Australian Competitive Grants scheme. He leads a vibrant research lab and collaborates widely across international institutions.

His laboratory, Fruit Fly QUT, is a hub for tephritid research, integrating molecular, ecological, and applied approaches to address critical challenges in horticultural biosecurity.