Peter Waterhouse

Professor Peter Waterhouse is a leading molecular geneticist at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), holding dual roles as Professor of Molecular Genetics and Australian Laureate Fellow. He is affiliated with QUT’s Faculty of Science (School of Biology & Environmental Science) and serves as Program Leader at the Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Plant Success in Nature and Agriculture. A Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science and recipient of the Prime Minister’s Prize for Science (2007), his work spans RNA interference (RNAi), plant genomics, and epigenetics.

Education: BSc (Hons) in Plant Biology from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne (1977), PhD in Plant Virology from the University of Dundee (1981). Career highlights include leadership roles at CSIRO Plant Industry, ARC Federation Fellowships (2008–2013), and honorary professorships at the University of Sydney. He has pioneered RNAi research with over 150 peer-reviewed publications (>20,000 citations, h-index >65).

Research focuses on gene silencing mechanisms, viral biology, and plant biotechnology. Notable contributions include patents on RNAi applications, recombinant antibodies, and virus-resistant plants. His work bridges fundamental science with commercialization, exemplified by collaborations with industry partners like Bayer and Cambridge Antibody Technology Ltd.

• Awards: Prime Minister’s Prize for Science, CSIRO Chairman’s Medal, Victor Chang Medal
• Patents: 11 RNAi-related patent families, recombinant antibody patents, and plant resistance patents
• Leadership: Scientific advisory roles for organizations including the Prime Minister’s Science Council and the Ramaciotti Centre for Gene Function Analysis

His recent publications emphasize multi-omic analyses of Nicotiana benthamiana, viral resistance mechanisms, and drought response strategies in plants. Ongoing work explores terminator elements to enhance transgene expression and improve biotechnological applications.