Genomics and bioinformatics
Our research covers areas of genomics, proteomics and metabolomics, along with bioinformatics and biostatistics.
Plant & Food Research staff have access to the best available genomics, proteomics and metabolomics tools and resources, these include bioinformatics microarray facilities, robotic high throughput qPCR and controlled environment rooms. Our staff use molecular and cellular biology techniques to identify the systems, mechanisms and regulation of both plant and human biological processes. We build knowledge of the systems within whole organisms and different cell types, including the interactions between DNA, RNA and protein biosynthesis and how these systems interact.
At the University, Auckland Genomics offers NextGen DNA/RNA sequencing (NGS), Sanger sequencing and gene expression services. Auckland Mass spectrometry Centre processes analytes which range from elements, metabolites, lipids, pharmaceuticals and peptides to intact proteins.
Our researchers
University of Auckland staff
Dr Sarah Knight
- Ecology and evolution
- Population genetics
- Molecular ecology
- Phylogenetics
Professor Ant Poole
- Bioinformatics
- Microbial genomics
- Origin of Life
Associate Professor Anna Santure
- Genomics
- Population genetics
Co-appointed staff
Professor Andrew Allan
- Carotenoid biosynthesis
- Comparative genomics
- Anthocyanin synthesis
- Transcription factors
Dr Robert Schaffer
- Fruit texture genomics
- Ethylene related ripening
- Fruit transcriptomics
- Plant molecular diagnostics
Associate Professor Matt Templeton
- Host-pathogen interactions
- Fungal genomics
- Pathogen effectors
Associate Professor Maren Wellenreuther
- Genomics
- Population genetics
Plant & Food Research staff
Dr Charles Ampomah-Dwamena
Email: charles.dwamena@plantandfood.co.nz
- Plant pigments
- Gene expression
- Plant Biotechnology
Dr Ross Atkinson
Email: ross.atkinson@plantandfood.co.nz
- Flavour and aroma genes
- Fruit development and ripening
- Overexpression of genes in plants
- Fruit allergens
Dr Sean Bulley
Email: sean.bulley@plantandfood.co.nz
- Genetics, breeding and physiology
- Primary metabolism of plants
- Plant Biotechnology
Dr Richard Espley
Email: richard.espley@plantandfood.co.nz
- Plant pigments
- Gene expression
- Plant Biotechnology
Dr Ken Marsh
Email: ken.marsh@plantandfood.co.nz
- Acid metabolism
- Esters and aroma volatiles
- Gene expression
Dr Daryl Rowan
Email: darryl.rowan@plantandfood.co.nz
- Metabolomics/metabolic
- Biomarkers
- Flavour volatiles
- Biosynthesis
Dr Grant Smith
Email: grant.smith@plantandfood.co.nz
- Sequences in plant genomes
- Molecular diagnostics
- Proteins in viral sequences
- Pathogen populations
- Nanotechnology applications
Roy Storey
Email: roy.storey@plantandfood.co.nz
- Bioinformatics
- Computational Biology
Dr Benjamin Warren
Email: benjamin.warren@plantandfood.co.nz
- Bioinformatics
- Machine Learning