I think it is fair to say that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer the next big thing – rather it is the current big thing. Keeping tabs on ever-improving large language models (LLMs), protein structure prediction, foundational models for data analysis, graph neural networks and everything in between is overwhelming. I have an uneasy, yet strangely exhilarating feeling that
It is already the last Newsletter of the year! Well done to our vibrant Newsletter aficionado Phoebe Baldwin. Following our successful mid-term review, we completed the year with a review of past, current, and future directions. Chief Investigators were joined in Melbourne this week by several Associate Investigators who are bringing new opportunities and collaborations to the Centre. Discussions focussed on
This Centre’s loftiest goals transcend any particular trait, technique or species group. From the outset we have been aiming to develop general approaches and discover general principles in analysis, inference and prediction.  But at the same time our collective feet are grounded in an eclectic mix of specific study systems, analytical approaches and practical challenges. This “creative tension” is also
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,
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