Staff Profiles
Professor Ary Hoffmann
The greatest lesson science has taught me is that scientific approaches can be used to develop creative solutions
to many problems facing humanity but you still need political solutions to implement them!
Area of expertise: Genetics
Biography, qualifications, awards and publications: Find an expert
60 seconds with Ary
Where is your favourite place to conduct your science?
In the Victorian Alps around Falls Creek, in the rainforests of North
Queensland, and in the Mallee of Victoria where there is a patchwork
of horticulture, native vegetation and broadacre agriculture.
Who inspires you?
I am inspired by Charles Darwin who used careful observation and data
collection to develop novel ideas about selection generating
biodiversity. I am also inspired by Jared Diamond who makes wonderful
connections between scientific research and human developments
accessible to a broad audience.
How does your work impact your life?
My work makes me appreciate the detrimental effects that human
activities are having on the environment where I live, so I try to
reduce my ecological footprint in a number of ways like installing
photovoltaic solar panels and rainwater tanks, and by purchasing
local and fewer resources. I try to teach my son to think
scientifically and creatively and to be environmentally responsible.
Which achievement are you most proud of and why?
My group has developed new methods of controlling agricultural mite
and insect pests, and we have also identified new ways of
incorporating evolutionary thinking into maintaining biodiversity and
protecting threatened organisms.
The greatest lesson science has taught me is...
That scientific approaches can be used to develop creative solutions
to many problems facing humanity but you still need political
solutions to implement them!