Meet Thomas, our latest Pathfinder: He’s growing space plants

Thomas Cobbinah is a plant scientist pushing the boundaries of what plants can do, on Earth and beyond. As part of the ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space (P4S), he studies tiny plant hairs called glandular trichomes, investigating how they can be “programmed” to produce useful substances like natural medicines. His work could one day help astronauts grow the medical supplies they need during long missions in space.

Thomas’s journey began with a deep love of plants, science, and helping people. He has studied across three continents, Ghana, Israel, and now Australia, where he is completing his PhD at La Trobe University in Melbourne. Using high-tech tools like multi‑omics, he examines how plants switch genes on and off to shape specialised cells that create valuable compounds.

His research explores how plant cells decide what to become, and how scientists can guide those decisions. By understanding these genetic switches, Thomas aims to design plants that can produce vitamins, medicines, or even materials for future space exploration.

Beyond the lab, Thomas has worked with farmers in Kenya, helping them grow healthier crops and improve food security. He is passionate about turning scientific discoveries into practical solutions, and sharing that knowledge with communities.

His story is the latest in Future You, a series of profiles showcasing real people in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM). Our free program aims to break down stereotypes to inspire children all over Australia to explore STEM and discover their strengths.