BrisBio Network Series X Novogene AI-Assisted Data Analysis Workshop

Join the BrisBio monthly seminar series in partnership with Novogene

Date: 14th July, Tuesday
Time: 1:00 – 4:00pm
Location: QUT Kelvin Grove, Q block
Speakers: Prof Peter Prentis – Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy, QUT | Dr Susan Glendinning and Gourab Chowdhury – Centre for BioInnovation, UniSC | Ethan Shao – Technical Specialist, Novogene AMEA

Prof Peter Prentis

Genomics of wild Oceanian citrus species and their use in breeding programs.

Citrus is one of the world’s most valuable fruit tree crops, yet elite cultivars carry limited genetic diversity, leaving them vulnerable to disease and environmental stress. Wild Oceanian Citrus species from Australia, Papua New Guinea, and New Caledonia represent a largely untapped reservoir of valuable agronomic traits, including Huanglongbing (HLB) resistance, salinity and drought tolerance, and shortened juvenile periods. Population genomics of Citrus glauca revealed strong geographic structuring and adaptive variation, and C. glauca × mandarin hybrids offer a viable pathway to introgress HLB resistance. Using a novel individual segregant analysis pipeline (psQTL), we identified a copy-number variant at FLOWERING LOCUS T3 as a candidate for precocious flowering. Genomic analysis of commercial finger lime cultivars resolved them into distinct clades and clusters aligned with peel colour and introgression history. Together, these findings provide a genomic roadmap for exploiting wild citrus diversity in future breeding programmes.

Dr Susan Glendinning

Cracking the Carapace: Transcriptomic Insights for Crustacean Aquaculture

Crustaceans display remarkable physiological adaptations, yet many of the molecular mechanisms governing these processes remain poorly understood. By applying transcriptomics across a range of species, we have investigated gene expression associated with processes including reproduction and development. This presentation will examine the use of transcriptomics in our research to underpin improvements to the aquaculture of these fascinating animals.

Gourab Chowdhury

Transcriptomic characterisation of eyestalk and central nervous system during ovarian maturation in black tiger prawn

Successful reproduction in captive female black tiger prawns (Penaeus monodon) remains primarily reliant on eyestalk ablation, an invasive practice that highlights major gaps in our understanding of reproductive control. To uncover the molecular mechanisms underlying ovarian maturation, we used RNA sequencing to profile gene expression in two key neuroendocrine tissues, including eyestalk and central nervous system, across previtellogenic, early vitellogenic, and late vitellogenic ovarian stages. The analysis revealed distinct tissue-specific expression patterns, with many neuropeptides and regulatory genes showing peak expression during early vitellogenesis, suggesting a critical role in coordinating ovarian development. These findings point to a complex regulatory network that extends beyond protein-coding genes and highlight new opportunities for bioinformatics-driven discovery. This research advances our understanding of crustacean reproduction and may contribute to the development of sustainable, animal-friendly alternatives to eyestalk ablation in prawn aquaculture.

Ethan Shao

AI-Assisted Data Analysis Workshop

Learn how scientific discoveries are translated into biotechnology applications and explore practical bioinformatics tools for data interpretation as part of Novogene’s Scientific Engagement Series in Australia.
Discover NovoMagic Plus, a cloud-based platform from Novogene for RNA-seq data analysis and visualisation. Explore interactive data visualisation tools, customise publication-ready reports, and experience Novi, an AI-powered assistant designed to enhance your bioinformatics workflow and accelerate biological discovery.

Bring your laptop to participate in the interactive session and explore NovoMagic firsthand.

Stay for afternoon tea to connect with the BrisBio Network Series and Novogene presenters and representatives.
Network with leading researchers, bioinformaticians and international, industry connections.

Bring your laptop if you’d like to explore NovoMagic onsite!

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Gourab Chowdhury

PhD Candidate

Centre for Bioinnovation and School of Science, Technology and Engineering, UniSC

Gourab Chowdhury, an international student from Bangladesh, is pursuing his Ph.D. at the University of the Sunshine Coast. He completed a B.Sc. in Fisheries from Sylhet Agricultural University and an M.Sc. in Marine Environment and Resources from the University of the Basque Country (Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree). He is currently investigating molecular and endocrine regulation of ovarian maturation in the black tiger prawn, Penaeus monodon.

Dr Susan Glendinning

Research Fellow

Centre for Bioinnovation and School of Science, Technology and Engineering, UniSC

Dr Susan Glendinning is a molecular biologist whose training spans physiology, biochemistry and chemical analysis methodologies, enabling an integrative approach to biological research. As a Research Fellow in the group headed by Associate Professor Tomer Ventura, she trains HDR students in molecular biology and bioinformatics working to uncover fundamental aspects of aquatic animal physiology and translate this knowledge into innovations for aquaculture.

Prof Peter Prentis

Director and Professor in Genomics

Centre for Agriculture and Bioeconomy, QUT

I am a Professor in genomics in the School of Biology and Environmental Science/Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy at QUT. I currently serve as Centre Director of the Centre for Agriculture and the Bioeconomy at QUT. I am the Lead Chief Investigator for the “Genetics for Next Generation Orchards” initiative, a major five year, $41 million Hort Innovation Frontiers program. This initiative aims to enhance Australian tree crop breeding by integrating advanced genomics, molecular markers, and automation ready orchard designs to produce the next generation of almond, apple, citrus, macadamia and mango varieties. My current research employs a combination of high throughput genomics, bioinformatics and field experiments to address evolutionary questions in human dominated and agricultural production systems. The questions I am currently investigating include the application of genomic approaches to improve productivity in fruit tree species, better control pest species in horticulture and help conserve wild species. My research uses diverse species to answer applied questions but mainly fruit crops and their wild relatives, as well as pest fruit fly species. This research is developing new ways to use male attractants in the management of pest insects and new approaches to reduce the length of juvenility in tree breeding programs.