“Antimicrobial resistance is something we all have a responsibility to address. Being proactive now can help prevent much bigger challenges in the future.”

Cian Hoban is a SAAFE PhD Scholar at The University of Adelaide whose research focuses on monitoring and managing fungicide resistance in key pathogens of Australian strawberries. Working with researchers at the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), his project aims to improve our understanding of how fungicide resistance develops across Australian strawberry production, and to develop practical tools and strategies that support sustainable disease management.

With a background in soil and plant science, Cian completed a Bachelor of Science majoring in Soil Science before graduating with first-class honours in Plant Science. His honours project investigated the fitness of fungicide-resistant grapevine mildews – work that introduced him to the broader issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and how the repeated use of antimicrobials can drive resistance, not only in agriculture but across many sectors.

At SAAFE CRC, Cian’s work moves between the laboratory, the literature and the field. One day he might be extracting DNA for molecular analysis; the next he could be standing in a strawberry paddock talking with a grower. He values the variety this brings, along with the opportunity to work alongside researchers from different backgrounds and to broaden his research beyond plant pathology into the wider AMR conversation.

Cian is motivated by the scale of the threat that antimicrobial resistance poses, and by the belief that it is a challenge everyone shares responsibility for. He sees proactive action now as the key to preventing far bigger problems in the future.

Outside of research, Cian is a passionate football fan who will wake up at all hours to watch Arsenal F.C. play. He is also a keen runner, and a highlight of his week is the Saturday long run with friends, followed by a good coffee and a sweet treat. Cian grew up in Ireland and draws on the traditional Irish proverbs he heard growing up, including “Giorraíonn beirt bóthar” – two people shorten the road – a reminder that good company and good conversation make any hard task easier.

Cian’s long-term goal is to help develop more sustainable fungicide strategies that maintain effective disease control, reduce the risk of resistance developing, and deliver practical benefits for Australian strawberry growers.