Research Interests
The immediate aim of Professor Tester's research program is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that enable certain plants to thrive in sub-optimal soil conditions, such as those of high salinity, low water or low nutrients.
The ultimate applied aim of the program is to modify crop plants in order to increase productivity on such soils, with consequent improvement of yield in both developed and developing countries.
Furthermore, the intellectual aim is to understand the co-ordination of whole plant function through processes occurring at the level of single cells, particularly through processes of long-distance communication within plants. This aim is being addressed by combining genetic and genomic approaches with a broad-based understanding of plant physiology.
A particular strength of Professor Tester's research program is the integration of cell biology with whole plant physiology. The development and use of tools for the study and manipulation of specific cell types is unique in the field of salinity tolerance, and even in the broader areas of plant nutrition and ion transport.
Awards
- 2010 American Society of Plant Biologists recognition for “publishing the most influential science” (one of 12 Australians and 45 internationally)
⁃ Faculty of Science Award for Distinguished Contribution to Research over a sustained period
⁃ Australian Institute of Architects SA Chapter Keith Neighbour Prize for Best Commercial Building,
(The Plant Accelerator)
⁃ Australian Institute of Architects SA Chapter Commendation for Environmentally Sustainable Building,
(The Plant Accelerator)
⁃ Master Builders Association Commendation for excellence in commercial / industrial building $10-20 million
⁃ Australian Steel Institute SA Awards: Steel Clad Structures – Steel Design Award
- 2004 ARC Federation Fellowship
- 2001 BBSRC Research Development Fellowship
- 1997 President’s Medal of the Society for Experimental Biology
- 1988 Glaxo Junior Research Fellowship, Churchill College, Cambridge