Li Li

Dr Li Li is an Associate Professor in the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU) at the University of New England. His research focuses on quantitative genetics, genomic prediction, and the development of breeding methodologies for livestock, forestry, and crop improvement.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Forestry from Jiangxi Agricultural University in 1992, he commenced his research career at the Jiangxi Province Forestry Institute. He later completed a Master’s degree in Tree Breeding and a PhD in Quantitative Genetics in Forestry at Nanjing Forestry University, with both degrees centred on the genetic improvement of Chinese fir, one of the most important plantation tree species in southern China. In 2003, he conducted postdoctoral research at CSIRO in Canberra on radiata pine breeding, and in 2005 he joined AGBU at the University of New England.

Since joining AGBU, Dr Li has made substantial contributions to the development, upgrading, and maintenance of large-scale genetic evaluation systems used by animal and plant industries in Australia and internationally. His work has included upgrading the PIGBLUP system for pigs, advancing the TREEPLAN software platform for forestry, and developing innovative methods for estimating the accuracy of genomic breeding values in major industry evaluations such as BREEDPLAN and Sheep Genetics.

His current research spans three main areas: the development of genetic evaluation systems for animal and plant breeding programs; the analysis of phenotypic, pedigree, and genomic data using mixed models; and the adaptation of advanced animal breeding methods to crop improvement, including genomic selection and optimum contribution selection.

Dr Li’s research combines methodological innovation with practical industry application, supporting more accurate selection decisions and contributing to long-term genetic gain across breeding programs.