Ashley Jones

Dr. Ashley Jones is a Research Fellow at the Australian National University (ANU), affiliated with the Biology Teaching & Learning Centre and the Division of Plant Sciences. His research focuses on plant adaptation to environmental challenges, including climate change and fungal pathogens, leveraging long-read sequencing and bioinformatics. He holds a PhD in Plant Molecular Biology from ANU and a Bachelor of Biotechnology from the University of Newcastle, where he earned multiple academic awards. Jones has secured $866K in funding, including grants from DAFF, CSIRO, and industry partners like Forest & Wood Products Australia. His work bridges basic research with practical conservation outcomes through collaborations with government agencies and botanic gardens. He has also contributed to SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance during the pandemic, aiding public health decision-making.

Education:

• PhD, Plant Molecular Biology (ANU, 2017)
• Bachelor of Biotechnology (University of Newcastle, Honours Class I with University Medal, 2011)

Research Interests: Jones investigates adaptive mechanisms in Australian native plants, genomic responses to environmental stress, and host-pathogen interactions. His lab employs cutting-edge sequencing technologies to study genome structure, gene regulation, and evolutionary adaptation. Recent projects include sequencing the Eucalyptus regnans genome and analyzing fungal pathogens like Austropuccinia psidii.

Awards:

• Alan Wilton Award (Genetics Society of Australasia)
• Education and Outreach Award (ASPS)
• Science Innovation Award (DAFF)
• Harry Medlin Science Award (University of Adelaide)

Grants & Projects:

• Principal Investigator: $369K in grants, including a $22K DAFF award and a $60K John Stocker Award.
• Collaborative Grant: $497K Australia's Economic Accelerator Ignite Grant (team).

Labs & Teams: Jones collaborates with CSIRO, ACT Health, and institutions like the University of Adelaide. His work integrates genomic tools with ecological and agricultural applications to address biodiversity conservation and crop resilience.