Jason Terpolilli

Jason Terpolilli is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology at the School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University. He is also the Theme Leader of the Legume Rhizobium Sciences research group and affiliated with the Centre for Sustainable Farming Systems within the Food Futures Institute. His work focuses on understanding rhizobia-legume symbiosis, particularly nitrogen fixation and its agricultural implications.

Terpolilli holds a PhD in Microbiology (2009) and a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Molecular Biology (2002), both from Murdoch University. His research addresses how horizontal gene transfer between rhizobia strains impacts nitrogen-fixation efficiency in agricultural systems, aiming to optimize legume inoculation practices for sustainability.

His research interests span microbial genetics, genomics, and symbiotic physiology, with a focus on improving nitrogen-fixation outcomes through genomic and metabolic studies. Major themes include the evolution of effective rhizobia strains, metabolic constraints in symbiosis, and the ecological dynamics of rhizobia competition in soils.

Terpolilli collaborates with global initiatives like the International Legume Inoculant Genebank and contributes to the National Rhizobium Steering Committee. His work underscores the economic value of nitrogen fixation (>$4B annually in Australia) and its role in food security and sustainable farming.

He has published extensively on rhizobia genome sequencing, metabolic pathways, and symbiotic adaptation, with over 40 peer-reviewed articles since 2005. His interdisciplinary approach combines ‘omics technologies with traditional microbiology to address real-world agricultural challenges.