I am excited to apply for the 2025 Hong Kong Laureate Forum as a first-year PhD student at the University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, with a strong background in crop breeding and genetics. My research focuses on developing herbicide-resistant wheat cultivars through genome editing, aiming to enhance global food security by improving crop resilience and sustainability. Given the increasing challenges posed by herbicide resistance in weeds, my work explores precise genetic modifications to develop wheat varieties with enhanced resistance, reducing reliance on chemical herbicides and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

Attending the Hong Kong Laureate Forum presents a unique opportunity to engage with world-renowned scientists, exchange ideas on cutting-edge research, and gain valuable insights into scientific advancements across disciplines. I am particularly eager to interact with leading experts in genetics, biotechnology, and plant sciences to refine my research approach and explore interdisciplinary applications of genome editing in agriculture. This forum will not only expand my scientific knowledge but also provide a platform to build collaborations that can drive impactful solutions in crop improvement. By participating, I hope to contribute to and learn from a global network of researchers dedicated to addressing pressing agricultural and environmental challenges.

My research focus on using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing and EMS mutagenesis to develop herbicide-tolerant wheat cultivars by modifying genes associated with herbicide susceptibility. The primary objective is to expand weed management options in wheat growing systems, enabling the safe use of previously incompatible herbicides while preserving high yields and agronomic performance. By leveraging established genetic mechanisms of herbicide resistance, this study aims to mitigate the risks of weed resistance evolution by developing herbicide tolerant wheat cultivars to enhance the flexibility of integrated weed management strategies. The insights gained will advance sustainable agricultural practices and refine genome editing applications in wheat, thereby contributing to global food security.