World leading ANU scientists recognised among nation's best 25 May 2021 A plant biologist and geochemist from The Australian National University (ANU) have both been recognised for their outstanding contributions to their fields of science. Professor Dorrit Jacob's work is diverse, covering everything from how certain molluscs produce pearls, to how diamonds form deep inside the Earth's mantle. She's a pioneer in the emerging field of biomineralisation - or how living organisms produce minerals - and recently joined ANU as the first female director of the Research School of Earth Sciences. Professor Barry Pogson's innovative research has helped us better understand how plant cells communicate with each other about changes in their environment, paving the way for more drought resilient crops.