Welcome to our first newsletter of 2022.
I was fortunate to have an extended break to welcome in the New Year, with time to relax and unwind. As I reflect on 2021 and the year ahead however, I wanted to acknowledge that I am not starting off as mentally refreshed as I normally would. Given the start to the year here in Australia and aboard, I suspect this feeling is far from uncommon. This is OK, and I would encourage all members and followers of the Centre to be kind to yourself and each other as our community adapts to these challenging circumstances.
Despite the continued impact of the pandemic, I am excited by the year ahead for the Centre. 2021 provided an opportunity to pause, design and articulate how the Centre’s vision and mission would be delivered through the transdisciplinary research projects we are undertaking. As I see our research staff and student numbers grow alongside early outputs and collaborations, I am extremely positive that we are on our way to making a meaningful contribution via the work of the Centre.
In the coming months the Centre aims to deliver our members an increased opportunity to interact with each other through various channels. For our partners this will commence with our quarterly Talking Plant Science Seminar series. With interstate borders now opening in Australia, it is my hope that within the first quarter our early career researchers will be able to travel between our Nodes and partners to further strengthen collaborations face to face.
In the spirit of “new year, new me” we have started the year with a refreshed logo and new website. I encourage you to take a look at the information it contains and if there is a way you or your organisation can contribute, or partner with us please get in touch.
I wish you a happy New Year and good luck with any resolutions that have been set and/or habits in the process of being stacked.
Enjoy 2022 and I look forward to catching up soon,
David Tomlins
Chief Operating Officer
