James Dale

Distinguished Professor James Dale is a Professor in the School of Biology & Environmental Science at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). He holds a PhD and BScAgr from the University of Sydney. As Program Leader (Banana Biotechnology) and inaugural Director of QUT’s Centre for Tropical Crops and Biocommodities (CTCB), he leads global research in agricultural biotechnology, focusing on disease-resistant and nutrient-enhanced crops like bananas and sugarcane.

His research interests span biofortification (e.g., vitamin A-enriched bananas), genetic engineering for disease resistance (Fusarium wilt, viruses), and molecular farming for medical proteins. He has pioneered transgenic solutions for tropical crops and collaborates internationally, including with African institutions like Uganda’s National Agricultural Research Organisation.

Key achievements include developing GM banana varieties with biofortification and disease resistance traits, leading a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation-funded project, and commercializing biotech innovations through ventures like Leaf Energy. Awards include an Order of Australia (AO) and ATSE Fellowship.

He has supervised over 25 PhD students and secured major grants, advancing sugarcane biofuel technologies and tropical crop improvement. His work bridges lab-to-field translation, emphasizing socio-economic impacts in developing regions.