Rob Harding

Adjunct Professor Rob Harding is affiliated with the Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), where he holds a position in the School of Biology & Environmental Science. His research focuses on agricultural biotechnology, particularly controlling devastating banana diseases like Panama disease TR4 and Banana bunchy top virus, enhancing nutritional content of bananas, and advancing gene-editing techniques. With a PhD (University of Queensland) and extensive experience, he leads international projects such as the Bill and Melinda Gates-funded pro-vitamin A biofortification initiative.

• Education: PhD (UQ), BSc(Hons) (UQ), BSc (UQ)
• Research Themes: ssDNA plant viruses, Fusarium wilt resistance, genetic engineering for nutritional enhancement

Prof Harding’s work integrates GM and CRISPR-based strategies to address global food security challenges. His recent projects include field trials of disease-resistant banana varieties and non-browning fruit qualities. He has supervised over 10 doctoral and master’s students in plant virology and biotechnology. His contributions to plant pathology and biofortification have advanced sustainable agricultural practices.