Biological Systems Research

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Program Leader: Dr Tony Clarke

The Biological Systems Research Program (BSRP) is the focus for research and graduate education in the biological/ecological disciplines and is responsible for:

• attracting competitive research funds
• maintaining and promoting links with both public and private sector research organisations
• providing high quality postgraduate and honours supervision
• attracting postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows from other domestic and international universities

Major research activity within the Biological Systems Research Program centres on the biology and management of species and ecological systems of conservation and/or economic importance. It therefore must encompass a diversity of areas from the molecular to organism, population and systems levels. The essential link between projects is an understanding of the critical biological and/or resource interactions that underpin the operation of the biological system.

The grants, publication and supervision history of program members demonstrate the high degree of collaboration that exists between program staff. All members are actively involved in research and postgraduate education and the diversity of disciplines (population genetics, population dynamics, biometrics, evolutionary biology, systems modelling, biochemistry and nutrition) provides the multidisciplinary approach required for the solution of research questions associated with complex biological systems.

The research program coordinates an Ecology Discussion Group and an Ecological Genetics Group that both meet formally each week of both semesters. It is also responsible for an active Honours program, with many of the Honours projects requiring joint supervision as the research questions require a multidisciplinary approach.

The research program has established strong links with Federal and State authorities, the private sector and overseas research organisations. These links ensure that both the research and educational functions of the research program are relevant to national and international scientific issues.