GeneCology Research Group
The GeneCology Research Group operates in the areas of genetics, ecology, genomics and physiology and the interaction between these.
The Group studies individual species biology and ecology, ecological communities and habitats as well production systems and their environment. The research covers topics including sustainable production systems in aquaculture, forestry and horticulture, reproductive biology and physiology of plants and animals, commercially important traits in aquaculture, forestry and horticulture, identification of genes associated with biomineralisation, species viability, conservation management, species or ecosystem recovery and restoration, effects of climate change on species distributions and reproduction and viability, management of native species in altered environments and monitoring of endocrine disruptors in aquatic environments.
The research group addresses issues of sustainability through research on:
- sustainable production of aquaculture horticulture and forestry systems
- biodiversity conservation
- sustainable urban forestry and horticulture
The research group also addresses the University of the Sunshine Coast research focus of regional engagement through collaborations with the Department of Primary Industry and Fisheries, the Environment Protection Agency and the Department of Natural Resources and Water, as well as through addressing the needs of industries and community groups, for example:
- aquaculture
- horticulture
- forestry
- local shire councils
- Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services
- regional community groups, eg threatened species recovery teams (Allocasuarina emuina, Macadamia)
- property developers (to minimise their impact on threatened species and local vegetation and habitats)
For more information please contact Professor Abigail Elizur.