Robert Willows
Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences
Macquarie University
Australia
Biography
Professor at Macquarie University
Research Interest
Innovative Grain Foods CRC: Brian Atwell, Tom Roberts and I work together with BRI Pty Ltd on a bioprocessing project for the Grain Foods CRC. This also involves industry partner George Weston Foods. We are investigating how biological processes might increase the yield and quality of flour. The work involves monitoring biochemical and structural changes that occur in grains prior to and during milling. Traditionally a technological field of inquiry driven by engineers, it has the potential for innovative biochemical discoveries with significant industry application. FORC iTTC: A/Prof Brian Atwell, and I work on the proteomics of cereals with industry partner Grain Growers Pty Ltd. We are investigating how proteomic analysis of grain samples may be used to determine provenance, variety and quality characteristics of grains. Specifically how location and environmental factors effect the proteomic profile of cereals and how this may effect quality, as well as being a predictor of the location and time that the grain was grown and harvested.
Publications
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WALKER JC, WILLOWS DR. Mechanism and regulation of Mg-chelatase. Biochemical Journal. 1997 Oct 15;327(2):321-33.
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Willows R, Reynard N, Meadowcroft I, Connell R. Climate adaptation: Risk, uncertainty and decision-making. UKCIP Technical Report. UK Climate Impacts Programme; 2003.
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Merchant SS, Prochnik SE, Vallon O, Harris EH, Karpowicz SJ, Witman GB, Terry A, Salamov A, Fritz-Laylin LK, Maréchal-Drouard L, Marshall WF. The Chlamydomonas genome reveals the evolution of key animal and plant functions. Science. 2007 Oct 12;318(5848):245-50.
