ARC Chief Executive Officer, Ms Judi Zielke PSM, officially opening the Centre
The Australian Research Council (ARC) officially launched the ARC Centre of Excellence for Plant Success in Nature and Agriculture on Thursday 11 August 2022.
ARC Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ms Judi Zielke, said the Centre’s work will only become increasingly important as our climate continues to change.
“As the amount of arable land decreases, we need research that boosts food production and gives plant breeders the analytical tools to better predict successful crops,” Ms Zielke said.
“As the only ARC Centre of Excellence focused on plant science in Australia, the Centre for Plant Success will play a central role in boosting future food production and developing conservation policy at a national level.”
“I am also pleased to note that the Centre will also advocate for recognition and protection of the rights of indigenous peoples in the development of native plants for agriculture.”
Led by Professor Christine Beveridge at The University of Queensland, the Centre for Plant Success benefits from a multidisciplinary team that is not only future-proofing crops and native plant species, but is also modernising outdated legal and social frameworks, and advancing evolutionary systems biology.
“We believe that through biology, mathematics, and responsible innovation, we can increase the odds of success in plant breeding, accelerate the breeding process, double the rate of genetic gain and transform the industry,” Professor Beveridge said.
Paramount to the success of the Centre is fostering of the next generation of multidisciplinary researchers who are ethical and collaborative, thought and action leaders. Their future leadership in this space will be a major legacy of the Centre.
Vice-Chancellor and President of The University of Queensland, Professor Deborah Terry AO said that the Centre’s work will transform plant science for the next generation.
“This is very significant work. There is arguably no more important time in history for it to be happening,” Professor Terry said.
Media Contact:
Communications and Engagement Officer Phoebe Baldwin, communication@plantsuccess.org 0460 320 259
