David Yellowlees

Educated in Scotland as a biochemist, Professor David Yellowlees has undertaken extensive research on the symbiosis between coral reef organisms, particularly in corals and tridacnid clams. His major interests have centred on the metabolic relationship between the symbiotic partners. His research on the acquisition of inorganic carbon, its photosynthetic fixation and transfer to the animal host forms the basis of much of our understanding of these organisms at the metabolic level. David has published over 80 papers in international journals. He has had a long career at James Cook University commencing in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in 1971. After resigning as Head of the School of Pharmacy and Molecular Sciences at the beginning of 2007, he joined the staff of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies as its Assistant Director.