A/Prof Matt Hayden is Research Director for Plant Sciences at Agriculture Victoria Research and La Trobe University where he leads a diverse research team that specialises in the fields of plant genetic resources, plant genetic improvement, plant phenomics and plant functional genomics with a focus on cereal, oilseed, pulse and forage crops. His research combines the innovative use of germplasm and integration of phenomics, genomics, gene editing, genomic selection, predictive plant breeding, and breeding program simulation and design to accelerate genetic gain in breeding programs.

His personal interests are in crop genetic improvement and accelerating crop varietal development through innovative approaches that more seamlessly integrate research, pre-breeding and breeding. His expertise includes molecular genetics, trait dissection and gene editing.

New student enquiries should be directed to Kendra Whiteman (kendra.whiteman@agriculture.vic.gov.au).