Frances Sussmilch

Dr. Frances Sussmilch is a Research Fellow in Biological Sciences at the University of Tasmania’s School of Natural Sciences. Her work focuses on molecular mechanisms governing stomatal responses and their evolutionary origins, with implications for drought resilience and climate adaptation.

• Affiliations: ARC Centre of Excellence for Plant Success in Nature and Agriculture; Julius-von-Sachs Institute for Biosciences (2017–2020)

Research Interests: Investigating the genetic basis of rapid abscisic acid biosynthesis under low humidity, evolution of guard cell ion channels, and conserved molecular pathways controlling stomatal movements. Her work bridges plant molecular biology, evolutionary physiology, and agricultural sustainability.

Scientific Awards:

• Endeavour Australia Cheung Kong Research Fellowship (2018)
• DAAD Short-Term Postdoctoral Research Grant (2017)

Grants: Lead CI on ARC Discovery Project How plants open up: revealing the evolution of stomatal opening mechanisms (2022–2025) and recipient of ARC DECRA Fellowship The quick and the dead: identifying mechanisms for plant drought survival (2020–2025).

Supervision: Currently supervising projects on stomatal timing and molecular basis for humidity responses; completed supervision of Hong Kiat Lam (PhD, 2012–2017).