Benjamin Schwessinger

Prof Benjamin Schwessinger is a Professor at the Australian National University (ANU), affiliated with the Division of Plant Sciences. His research focuses on plant pathogens, fungal genomics, and the evolutionary dynamics of pathogen adaptation. Key areas include understanding rust fungi biology, host-pathogen interactions, and structural genomic variations in plants like Eucalyptus. He has pioneered methodologies for high-throughput protein secretion optimization in yeast and developed diagnostic tools for invasive pathogens such as Austropuccinia psidii (myrtle rust).

Research Interests:

• Plant-microbe interactions and immunity
• Fungal genomics and sexual recombination mechanisms
• Evolving pathogen populations in agricultural systems
• Genomic tools for disease surveillance and biosecurity

His recent work explores the genomic basis of pathogen adaptation, including studies on wheat stripe rust and myrtle rust. Collaborations span fungal pathogenomics, eucalyptus structural genomics, and yeast biotechnology. He leads multiple projects funded by ANU and ARC, including the Plant Biosecurity Training Centre. His lab emphasizes reproducible research practices and early career researcher development.

Key projects include:

• Digital yeast bioprospecting for non-alcoholic beer production
• Surveillance of airborne pathogens in Australian Botanic Gardens
• Genome evolution of cereal rust fungi

Labs/Teams: Core member of ANU's Plant Biosecurity Group and collaborator in the ARC Training Centre in Plant Biosecurity.