Ryan Farr is a molecular biologist, virologist and bioinformatician who, as a Research Scientist with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), conducts molecular disease-related investigations as part of their Host Response Team, Health and Biosecurity (H&B) at the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP). His studies focus on characterization of host molecular responses to disease using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and advanced machine learning algorithms. This approach identifies biomarkers that aid in health monitoring and disease management. Most recently, Ryan has investigated the use of biomarkers in several diseases, including diabetes, rabies, SARS-CoV-2 and bovine mastitis, to enable clinicians and veterinarians to implement early, effective treatment. To that end, heworks closely with industry professionals, including biosensing and nanofabrication experts, to understand how these biomarkers can be used in clinical practice.

Ryan completed his Ph.D. in Medicine at the NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Australia, in 2017. Following his degree, he completed a three-year Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the CSIRO Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP), a high-containment virology laboratory based in Geelong, Australia. In March 2020, Ryan joined the CSIRO as Research Scientist, where he continues today. Ryan thoroughly enjoys scientific communication and outreach and participates in these activities whenever possible.