Distinguished Professor Graham Douglas Farquhar AO, FAA, FRS, NAS is a world-renowned plant biophysicist at the Australian National University's Research School of Biology where he leads the Farquhar Lab. Born in Hobart, Tasmania on December 8, 1947, he earned his Bachelor of Science from ANU in 1968, followed by Honors in Biophysics from the University of Queensland in 1969, and completed his PhD in Biology at ANU in 1973. His early career included research positions at Michigan State University before returning to ANU where he established himself as a leading figure in plant physiology and environmental biology. Farquhar has held significant leadership roles including Associate Director of the Research School of Biology from 2005 to 2008 and Chairman of the National Committee on Climate and Global Change from 1996 to 1997.
Professor Farquhar's groundbreaking research has revolutionized our understanding of plant biophysics through his development of mathematical models that integrate photosynthesis with water and nitrogen use in plants. His seminal work on isotope discrimination in plants, conducted with Richard Richards in the 1980s, enabled the breeding of wheat varieties that use water more efficiently, significantly advancing global food security. These models have been widely adopted beyond plant physiology, incorporated into climate modeling frameworks and even used in weather prediction systems across Europe. With over 300 research publications and recognition as a leading Australian Citation Laureate, his theoretical frameworks have provided critical insights into how plants respond to changing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and water availability. His research has directly contributed to practical agricultural applications while simultaneously advancing fundamental understanding of plant-environment interactions.
Farquhar's profound influence extends through his numerous prestigious accolades including the Kyoto Prize in Basic Sciences 2017, the Prime Minister's Prize for Science 2015, and being named Senior Australian of the Year 2018. As a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science, the Royal Society, and a Foreign Associate of the National Academy of Sciences, he has shaped environmental biology through his leadership and mentorship of future scientists. His contributions to climate science were recognized with a share of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007 as part of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Currently, Professor Farquhar continues pioneering research at ANU investigating which tree species will thrive in elevated carbon dioxide environments and addressing challenges of snow-gum dieback in Australian landscapes. His ongoing work remains vital to understanding and mitigating the impacts of climate change on terrestrial ecosystems worldwide.
