In 2024 the Centre partnered with Wageningen University and Research to deliver the third GxExM Symposium on 30 and 31 October. 159 people attended in the Netherlands and 511 people registered to attend online. Associate Investigator Fred van Eeuwijk led the organisation of the conference this year and Centre Members Christine Beveridge, Mark Cooper, Nicole Fortuna, Owen Powell, Melanie Wilkinson, Burhan Ud Din Abbasi, Christos Mitsanis, Shunichiro Tomura, Jason Brider, Greg
I am excited to share with you the Best Practice Guidelines for the Collection and Transfer of Genetic Resources, a comprehensive framework designed to guide ethical and scientifically sound practices in the management of genetic resources. The guidelines aim to address legal complexities by providing recommendations for researchers and access providers involved in the collection, transfer, and use of genetic materials
A high-tech building with rooms to mimic environments from rainforests to deserts will help Australian plant scientists and industry improve crop productivity and secure future food supplies. The University of Queensland’s $65 million Plant Futures Facility is fitted out with technology to finely control temperature, light intensity, light quality, humidity and CO2 concentration, allowing researchers to better predict plant responses to
The Researcher Development Group (RDG) continues to provide a variety of excellent activities for the Centre! The RDG collaborates across the Centre’s Nodes to identify and develop learning programs that improve research culture and practice. This year, several new members have joined the working group which has helped to bring fresh ideas and initiatives that are empowering Plant Success Early Career Researchers (ECRs). Below, leaders of
Deputy Director and Chief Investigator Mark Cooper has appeared on an episode of the Computomics Podcast titled ‘Plant Breeding’s Moonshot: Inside the Next Generation of Plant Breeding.’ This episode delves into the world of plant breeding, Mark shares insights from his extensive experience in the industry, highlighting the importance of data-driven approaches, computational power, and strategic partnerships. The conversation also
What a busy year we have had so far! Last week the Centre reached a milestone by holding our mid-term review at The University of Queensland. It was another opportunity to reflect on how far we have come with our science, industry connections, researcher development and outreach. I am extremely proud of our achievements to date and to be a part
Plant Success participated in three exciting activities for National Science Week 2024! Our Centre members ran activities for the Festival of Bright Ideas, Richmond Primary School’s Science Expo, Beaker Street Festival, Young Tassie Scientists, and Holy Family School STEM Week. Festival of Bright Ideas (pictured above) PhD candidates Kritika Sharma, Katya Bandow, Shamsunnahar Mukta, Hahn Vo, Lily Bennet, Chantelle Beagley,
The long-awaited genome sequencing of Arabica coffee could be the solution to producing a high-quality Australian-grown coffee, according to a University of Queensland researcher. Professor Robert Henry from Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation was part of a large international team which mapped the genome of Arabica, thought to be the first species of coffee cultivated. Professor Robert Henry “Ten years
I recently had the opportunity to work with five Centre Postdoctoral Researchers to create a series of video profiles that help to highlight their research journey and achievements. These profiles offer a glimpse into the innovative work and diverse backgrounds of these ‘budding’ researchers, whilst highlighting their contributions to both the Centre and plant science more broadly. The researchers featured are: Dr Maddie James – Maddie is
Last week was a really special Research Retreat week for us. We opened the week with the Plant Success Symposium where we heard from invited speakers including Charlie Messina, Greg Rebetzke, Jacqui Batley and Brendan Choat, as well as Centre Chief Investigators and Postdoctoral Researchers on some of our many research achievements. The Symposium was open to anyone to attend online or in person. We are
