Graham Farquhar

Professional Summary: Professor Graham Farquhar

Professor Graham Farquhar is a globally recognized plant physiologist and biophysicist at the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra, Australia. His groundbreaking research on photosynthesis and plant-water relations has significantly advanced our understanding of plant responses to environmental stress, with profound implications for agriculture and climate science.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor Farquhar has an extensive academic foundation in the sciences, with the following qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physics, University of Queensland, Australia
• PhD in Environmental Biology, Australian National University, Canberra

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor Farquhar specializes in plant physiology, focusing on the mechanisms of photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, and water-use efficiency in plants. His work integrates biophysical models with experimental data to address critical issues such as:

• Carbon dioxide assimilation in plants
• Plant responses to drought and climate change
• Isotope discrimination in photosynthesis

Career History and Appointments

Professor Farquhar has had a distinguished career at Australian National University, with key appointments including:

• Distinguished Professor, Research School of Biology, ANU
• Member of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Professor Farquhar’s contributions to science have been widely recognized through prestigious awards and honors, including:

• Kyoto Prize in Basic Sciences (2017) – for his pioneering research on photosynthesis
• Prime Minister’s Prize for Science, Australia (2015)
• Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) (2013) – for distinguished service to science
• Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS) (1988)
• Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science (1982)

Key Publications

Professor Farquhar has authored numerous influential papers that have shaped the field of plant physiology. Some of his key works include:

• Farquhar, G.D., von Caemmerer, S., & Berry, J.A. (1980). 'A biochemical model of photosynthetic CO2 assimilation in leaves of C3 species.' Planta, 149(1), 78-90.
• Farquhar, G.D., & Sharkey, T.D. (1982). 'Stomatal conductance and photosynthesis.' Annual Review of Plant Physiology, 33, 317-345.
• Farquhar, G.D., & Richards, R.A. (1984). 'Isotopic composition of plant carbon correlates with water-use efficiency of wheat genotypes.' Australian Journal of Plant Physiology, 11(6), 539-552.

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor Farquhar’s research has had a transformative impact on plant science, particularly through the development of the Farquhar-von Caemmerer-Berry model of photosynthesis, which remains a cornerstone for studying carbon assimilation in plants. His work on water-use efficiency has informed agricultural practices and climate adaptation strategies, influencing global research on food security and environmental sustainability.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Professor Farquhar is actively involved in the scientific community, contributing through:

• Delivering keynote addresses and public lectures on photosynthesis and climate change at international conferences
• Serving on editorial boards of leading journals in plant physiology and biophysics
• Advisory roles in scientific committees focused on environmental and agricultural research