Dr
Yong Han
Research Scientist, Genetic Improvement
My role in the department
Yong is a Research Scientist working with the Genetic Improvement portfolio. He leads the Molecular Genetics group. Through collaboration with universities and breeding companies, Yong works on the identification of genetic controls of key agronomic traits in crops, and the development of new advanced crop lines using the cutting edge biotechnology of gene editing. He is adopting the gene editing system for wheat and legume crop improvement, to increase yield potential, nutrient utilisation efficiency, and stress tolerance.
My background
Yong has almost 15 years of experience in barley research at Zhejiang University, Murdoch University and DPIRD. Before joining DPIRD in 2021, he was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Western Crop Genetics Alliance, Murdoch University, and developed an efficient barley gene editing system for Australian commercial varieties. He was also involved in genetic mapping and characterisation of genes for barley salinity tolerance and nitrogen use efficiency.
Projects
- Precision genome editing for targeted trait improvement in grain crops
Key Expertise
Crop genetics, biotechnology and stress physiology, gene identification, validation and genome editing for sustainable crop production under changing climate
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Crop Science, Zhejiang University
- Bachelor of Science in Agronomy, Zhejiang University
