This week, P4S Chief Investigator Professor Ryan Lister was appointed a member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his significant service to biochemistry, genetic science and neuroscience. The Order of Australia recognises Australians who have demonstrated outstanding service or exceptional achievement in their field.

"It's a real honour, but not a solitary one", says Professor Lister. 

Ryan was appointed a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science (FAA) in 2020, and is a prominent researcher at number of national institutions including:

His extensive experience in plant science, epigenetics, genomics, stem cells, and cell reprogramming drives his focus on the creation of completely new programmable biological factories for Plants for Space. 

 

"On a personal level this means a great deal, recognition of what I've devoted my working life to. 

It's a real honour, but not a solitary one: science is a team endeavour, and none of what I've achieved would have happened without my mentors, the talented research staff and students I've been lucky to work with, great collaborators across the country and the world, the institutions and people that support us, and ultimately the public investment that makes science possible. 

So I see this as recognition of all of that, not just of me."

 

Ryan’s research within the School of Molecular Sciences (University of Western Australia) is focused upon understanding the role of the epigenome in regulating cell identity, and developing molecular tools to manipulate the epigenome and gene activity to control cell functions. 

The entire P4S team celebrates Ryan's appointment, and the recognition of his career-long dedication to science.