Professor Andy Allan wins medal for plant genomics research

Professor Andy Allan, of Plant & Food Research and the University of Auckland, was awarded the Hutton Medal for his world leading research on plant genomics.

The Royal Society Te Apārangi acknowledged the support his work provides New Zealand’s plant breeding programmes.

Allan is a leader in research on the control of plant metabolism and response to the environment. He leads a widely-respected laboratory focused on the control of anthocyanins and carotenoids – compounds that determine pigmentation and other plant traits responsive to environmental impact.

He has focused his research on economically-important crop plants for New Zealand, such as apple and kiwifruit.

“This award is a great honour to myself and my family, and is a direct result of the continuity I have had of friendly mentors, collaborators and co-workers," said Allan. “Gaining this award will further help advertise how key plant biology is to our country’s success and prosperity.”

His research has had major implications for New Zealand’s plant industries. The genes he has described are now used as markers to improve the efficiency of crop breeding programmes. His team’s development of continuously-flowering plants promises to dramatically speed-up perennial plant breeding.

Allan’s current research forms the basis of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) Endeavour programme “The Flowering Crisis” which aims to apply, and gain acceptance for use of, new breeding technologies to ensure New Zealand’s perennial crops can tolerate a warming climate.

He has been vocal, both within the science system and publicly, in calling for a reasoned debate around genetic modification.