Professor Philip Batterham

Professor Phil Batterham is an Associate Dean in the Faculty of Science at the University of Melbourne with responsibility for Community Engagement and Development.  He is a member of the Executive of the International Genetics Federation and Vice President of the Genetics Society of AustralAsia.

Phil is a member of the Ministerial Advisory Council for Science and Mathematics Education.  He is a co-author of the VCE Biology text, Biology 2 (Heinemann).   He has served as a VCE Examiner and  was a member of the working group that produced the current VCE Biology Study Design.  Phil instigated the Herald Sun/University of Melbourne Science Journalism Competition.  He is a regular speaker on science in schools, both primary and secondary, and has organized many workshops for teachers over the last two decades.

Phil is the Research Director of CESAR, the Centre for Environmental Stress and Adaptation Research.  CESAR has a broad focus looking at the impact of climate change and the use of insects as biomonitors to assess the wellbeing of the environment.

Phil's research focuses on the genetic responses to chemical stresses in the environment, particularly insecticides. The phenomenon of insecticide resistance also provides many striking examples of rapid evolution.  Phil’s large and talented research team uses pest and model insect systems, combined with the best of modern molecular technologies, to create the potential for safe and sustainable insect pest control.  Phil was awarded a national Carrick Citation for his role as a research supervisor and mentor.

In his personal life Phil has a passionate interest in theatre. In 1975 he was one of the founders of a theatre company (Catchment Players of Darebin Inc.).  Phil’s interest in theatre expanded to include event organization.  Phil was the principal organizer of the 2003 International Congress of Genetics which brought almost 3000 delegates, including 6 Nobel Laureates, to Melbourne.   This lead to Phil receiving the Celebrating Melbourne Award for Business Services, his appointment as an Ambassador for the Melbourne conference industry and a shortlisting for the elite Eureka Prize for Promoting the Understanding of Science.  Phil is currently leading the organization of Evolution – the Festival.