Peter Dodds

Dr. Peter Dodds is a Chief Research Scientist at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), specializing in plant pathology with a focus on fungal rust diseases affecting cereal crops. His work addresses global food security threats like Ug99 wheat stem rust strains.

• BSc (Hons), University of Melbourne (1991)
• PhD, University of Melbourne (1996)

Dr. Dodds' research utilizes the flax-flax rust model system to elucidate gene-for-gene resistance mechanisms, where host R genes interact with pathogen Avr genes. His team identified rust Avr proteins as effectors translocated into host cells and discovered the first wheat stem rust Avr genes. Current projects include:

• Molecular basis of R protein-Avr protein recognition
• R protein activation and signaling pathways
• Marker-assisted wheat resistance breeding
• Effector translocation mechanisms
• Functional characterization of rust effectors

His publications demonstrate expertise in plant immunity, effector biology, and cereal crop protection. Notable awards include five consecutive Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher distinctions and the CSIRO Chairman's Medal.

• Highly Cited Researcher (2017-2022)
• Co-operative Research Program Fellowship (OECD, 2017)
• CSIRO Chairman's Medal (2017)
• Gene Stewardship Award (2013)
• Fellow, Australian Academy of Science (2012)
• Fenner Medal (2007)
• Peter Goldacre Award (2006)
• CSIRO Medal (2004)

Dr. Dodds actively contributes to scientific governance:

• Expert Working Group on Wheat Pests/Pathogens (2016-present)
• International Society for Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions Board (2007-2019)
• Treasurer, ISMPMI (2010-2016)
• Editorial Board, Molecular Plant Pathology (2012-2017)
• Senior Editor, Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions (2004-2007)