Charles Robin is an Associate Professor in the School of BioSciences at the University of Melbourne, where he also serves as Director of Graduate Research. He lectures in Genetics and conducts research focused on molecular evolution, population genetics, insect population genetics, and molecular evolution. His work explores the genetic basis of adaptation in pest insects, including studies on Drosophila melanogaster, insecticide resistance mechanisms, ecdysteroid kinases, and detoxification genes. Robin earned his PhD from the Australian National University in 1999 and holds a Bachelors Degree with Honours from the University of Technology Sydney. He has been affiliated with the University of Melbourne's genetics and BioSciences programs for an extended period, including as a post-doctoral fellow.

Robin's research has contributed significantly to understanding gene evolution and adaptation in insects. Key publications include 'Evolution of genes and genomes on the Drosophila phylogeny' (Nature, 2007), 'Universal primers for fluorescent labelling of PCR fragments—an efficient and cost-effective approach to genotyping by fluorescence' (Molecular Ecology Resources, 2012), 'Genomic innovations, transcriptional plasticity and gene loss underlying the evolution and divergence of two highly polyphagous and invasive Helicoverpa pest species' (BMC Biology, 2017), 'Copy Number Variation and Transposable Elements Feature in Recent, Ongoing Adaptation at the Cyp6g1 Locus' (PLoS Genetics, 2010), 'Adaptation and conservation insights from the koala genome' (Nature Genetics, 2018), 'A comparison of Drosophila melanogaster detoxification gene induction responses for six insecticides, caffeine and phenobarbital' (Insect Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 2006), and 'Molecular Evolution of Glutathione S-Transferases in the Genus Drosophila' (Genetics, 2007). Recent works address ecdysteroid kinase-like genes in insects, spinosad effects in flies, and gene drives for insecticide susceptibility. His publications demonstrate impact through collaborations on major genomic projects and applications to pest management and biodiversity.

Professional Email: crobin@unimelb.edu.au