Simon Ellwood

Associate Professor Simon Ellwood is a faculty member in the School of Molecular and Life Sciences at Curtin University, within the Faculty of Science and Engineering. He is affiliated with the Centre for Crop Disease Management (CCDM). His research focuses on plant-pathogen interactions, particularly in barley and other crops, with emphasis on disease resistance mechanisms, genome evolution, and fungal pathogen dynamics. Key areas include genetic diversity in landraces, fungicide resistance evolution, and the molecular basis of plant immunity against pathogens like Pyrenophora teres. His work integrates genomic, genetic, and epidemiological approaches to enhance disease management strategies in agriculture.

Research interests span plant disease resistance mechanisms, fungal pathogen population genetics, and the application of genomic tools to crop improvement. Notable contributions include studies on barley powdery mildew and net blotch diseases, fungicide resistance in Pyrenophora spp., and the role of transposable elements in pathogen genome evolution. Publications highlight his expertise in analyzing virulence mechanisms, resistance gene interactions, and global pathogen spread patterns linked to human activity.

His academic contributions include over 50 peer-reviewed articles, with recent work published in journals like Nature Communications, Plant Pathology, and Frontiers in Genetics. Collaborative projects involve global networks analyzing wheat and barley pathogens, linking historical trade routes to disease spread. Despite no explicit awards listed, his extensive publication record underscores recognition in plant pathology and crop science fields.