Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
 
 

Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences

Research


Research LeadersProfessor Stephen Powles

Professor Stephen Powles

Professor Stephen Powles, FTSE leads a large research team focused on Australian crop science and particularly the issue of herbicide resistant crops and weeds.

Research extends from evolutionary biology, through molecular and biochemical studies to practical on-farm management of herbicide resistance.

Prof. Powles is the Director of the WA Herbicide Resistance Initiative (WAHRI), receiving major funding by the Australian Grains Research & Development Corporation and the Australian Research Council

Prof. Powles is one of the most highly cited plant scientists in the world.

Our reputation for excellence in research attracts high quality researchers and strong links with industry.

In 2008 the Faculty attracted $36 million in research funds, which was over 30% of the research income of the University.

  1. Research strengths
  2. Research centres and institutes

Research strengths

A-Z Staff Research Profiles

Our research strengths are in the areas of:

  • Fundamental earth and biological sciences
  • Agricultural and ecological systems
  • Minerals and petroleum geosciences
  • Environmental sciences (including marine science)

Student standing amongst vines in greenhouseThe Faculty is extremely well placed to provide research in support of resource development and conservation in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. Our unique combination of scientists and economists provides a collaborative research and teaching environment that benefits students and external stakeholders alike.

Strength in research is reflected in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching.

Undergraduate degrees emphasise training in fundamental sciences, and are taught by staff with significant research expertise. The Faculty provides an exceptionally strong postgraduate research program, with over 200 doctoral students, 20% of whom are international students.

We rank second in the Group of Eight Universities in average citations per paper in Agricultural Sciences.