Professor Geoff McFadden
...having the time to talk over a scientific mystery and how to solve it is a delightful part of our work.
60 seconds with Geoff
Where is your favourite place to conduct your science?
I really like informal brain-storming sessions over a coffee in the Botany System garden. It's a little oasis
of tranquility in the city campus and having the time to talk over a scientific mystery and how to solve it is a
delightful part of our work. I also relish going to places like Africa, South America, China and India for work -
who wouldn't?
Who inspires you and why?
My son Max is a huge inspiration. His ability to connect to people, understand where they are at, and empathise
is remarkable for someone so young.
Which achievement are you most proud of and why?
Redirecting my research from plants and algae to a medically important problem with all the attendant hurdles of
technology, funding and infrastructure was a steep learning curve, but we did it.
If you had to leave a body part to science, it would be?
My stomach. I seem to be able to eat whatever and never put on weight. It makes everyone cranky at me because it
is totally unfair. If we could figure out why, it would solve lots of problems.
What is your biggest scientific ambition?
To cure kids of malaria.