Jill Farrant
Jill Farrant | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 5, 1960 Modimolle, South Africa |
| Occupation(s) | Professor of molecular and cell biology |
| Known for | Expertise on resurrection plants; research on drought-resilient crops |
Jill Farrant (born 5 December, 1960 in Modimolle), a professor specializing in molecular and cell biology at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, is internationally recognized for her expertise on resurrection plants—plants capable of reviving after complete desiccation when rehydrated.
Research work
Farrant focuses on plants that endure prolonged drought conditions. She highlights that while all plants possess genes responsible for desiccation tolerance, these genes are typically activated solely in seeds; however, resurrection plants trigger these genes in their leaves and roots during drought stress. Her research is dedicated to creating drought-resilient crops suited for arid environments, particularly across Africa, with additional prospects in medicinal uses. She underscores the increasing necessity for such crops as climate change exacerbates drought frequency and severity.
Among her projects is the development of eragrostis tef, an annual grass known as a high-protein staple in Ethiopia, into a drought-resistant variety. Since Eragrostis tef shares lineage with a drought-hardy resurrection grass, Farrant supports enhancing desiccation tolerance within the Eragrostis genus through conventional breeding techniques instead of genetic engineering.
Personal life
Farrant's fascination with resurrection plants originated during her childhood when she witnessed a seemingly lifeless plant regain vitality following rainfall. In 2009, she endured a severe head trauma that led to the loss of her senses of taste and smell. Additionally, she is a recovering alcoholic and openly discusses her journey to recovery as an example of overcoming personal challenges.
Background
- Completed undergraduate studies, MSc, and PhD at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.
- Honored with the NRF President's Award recognizing outstanding research potential.
- Recipient of the 2008 SAAB Silver Medal acknowledging excellence in botany.
- Holds fellowships at the Royal Society of Southern Africa, University of Cape Town, and Oppenheimer Memorial Trust Foundation.
- Named the most distinguished female scientist by the Department of Science and Technology in 2010.
- Held the position of President for the South African Association of Botanists from 2009 to 2010.
Awards
In 2010, Farrant was awarded the €100,000 Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship Award for her work on resurrection plants. Two years later, she received the L'Oréal-UNESCO Awards For Women in Science along with a USD $100,000 prize.