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Celebrating 2008

The CRCNPB's Third Year Review took place, at the University of Canberra, from 15 to 18 December 2008. The independent panel, Dr Kevin Sheridan (Chairman), Mr David Crawford and Dr Craig Phillips, complemented by the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research (DIISR) nominee, Professor Elizabeth Deane, spoke to Participants, PhD students, Program Leaders, CRC Management, the Board's Third Year Review Subcommittee, CEO Simon McKirdy and myself.

 

Paving the way for a science career

As a young girl searching for ladybeetles and butterflies around her suburban Darwin backyard, Rachel Meldrum was on her way to becoming a leading Australian plant biosecurity scientist.

 

Rachel, a CRCNPB PhD student recently won the prestigious title of the 2009 Northern Territory's Young Australian of the Year. In an arena where generally sporting celebrities and social workers are recognised, Rachel was anonymously nominated for her contribution to science in the Northern Territory.

 

How far can our brand go?

  Inter-CRC branding logo

There's nothing quite like a bit of healthy competition among CRCs. While research activities vary, one thing we all have in common is our own identity or brand!

 

These holidays, people from across CRCs will be racing around the world with hats, shirts and even pens to find out 'How far can your brand go?' The idea is to see which CRC has its gear photographed in the most exotic and interesting place.

 

The 9th International Congress of Plant Pathology was held in Torino, Italy, 24-28 of August. There were approximately 1,500 attendees. The key theme of the conference was 'Healthy and Safe Food for Everyone'. Speakers addressed a broad range of recent plant pathology topics but of particular interest to me were the talks on plant biosecurity, modelling, epidemiology, airborne plant diseases and climate change.

 

TRAVEL DETAILS

Researcher
COVENTRYS
When: August 2008
Location: Torino, Italy
Summary:

Steven Coventry recently travelled to Torino, Italy to present a poster at the 9th International Congress of Plant Pathology.

LOCATION

Post-reading activities

These activities have been designed to consolidate the plant biosecurity themes from the big book, Plant Pest Investigation.

Pre-reading activities

These activities have been designed to provide students with learning experiences around the topic of plants and plant biosecurity.

Scientists of Tomorrow?

Last Thursday night, the CSIRO Discovery Centre was buzzing with primary school students from across the Australian Capital Territory presenting ‘plant biosecurity research projects'.

 

The Scientists of Tomorrow Summit was the finale of the CRC's Scientists of Tomorrow Program which has been run through ACT primary schools in 2008. The event was attended by over 140 children, families, teachers and members of the plant biosecurity community.

 

Investigating plant pests

Last Thursday Australia's former Chief Scientist, Dr Jim Peacock launched the CRC's big book for children, Plant Pest Investigation at the CSIRO Discovery Centre.

 

The launch was attended by representatives from government and the education and plant biosecurity industries, as well as fifty kindergarten children from Gold Creek Primary School.

 

The ABC's Surfing Scientist, Ruben Meerman kept the children and adults entertained in his role as Master of Ceremonies, clearly demonstrating his passion for science education.

 


Simon says...

Dr Simon McKirdy

Welcome to the November edition of The Leaflet.

 

The past few months have been busy for the CRC across all research programs, as well as at the Canberra office. Planning and preparation for the CRC's Third Year Review is fully underway with only five weeks left to the actual review. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all CRC members and staff who have helped prepare documentation to assist with the review.

 

I would also like to thank everyone who contributed to the 2007-08 Annual Report which highlights the CRC's key achievements during the reporting period. The report was submitted to the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research at the end of October. A pdf version of the report can be downloaded from the website and hard copies will be sent to participants in the next few weeks.

 

In late August, I attended the International Congress of Plant Pathology which was held in Torino, Italy. The CRC's research activities were represented well with posters being presented by four PhD students, three researchers, and a poster on our Education and Training Program. This conference provided a fundamental opportunity for CRC researchers to showcase their projects to an international audience, as well as fostering collaboration with other plant pathologists.

 

Since the previous edition of The Leaflet, the CRC has had an Education and Training Program bonanza! In September the CRC hosted its annual workshop for PhD students at Rottnest Island. The workshops are held to provide students with skills to benefit them in their careers when their studies finish, as well as an opportunity to network with other students and staff from the CRC's Canberra office. The workshop focused on intellectual property management and project management.

 

Last Thursday, Australia's former Chief Scientist, Dr Jim Peacock AC launched the CRC's big book for children Plant Pest Investigation. Everyone who attended the launch had a fantastic time and there has been considerable interest in the book from schools and the plant biosecurity industry.

 

The finale of the CRC's Scientists of Tomorrow primary school program was held on Thursday evening where several schools from across the ACT competed for prizes by presenting their ‘plant biosecurity research projects'. The event was hugely successful with enthusiastic ‘young scientists' showcasing their innovative projects, which included fully functional websites, sporetraps and emergency response vehicles. With the high-level of quality shown by these students, it's quite possible they could be Australia's future plant biosecurity scientists.

 

Both of these events fall under the CRC's school education strategy which aims to encourage science to the younger generation as well as create awareness of plant biosecurity. The success of the Scientists of Tomorrow program and Plant Pest Investigation are reflective of the hard work and dedication shown by CRC staff. In particular I would like to thank Carla and Lauren for their educational experience to develop (and deliver) the schools program, Mel for coming in new and delivering the program in Term 3, Kate and Lauren for authoring Plant Pest Investigation and making the complex message of plant biosecurity understandable to a young audience, and Kate for managing the production of the book.

 

Until the next edition...

Dr McKirdy signature

Dr Simon McKirdy
Chief Executive Officer
CRC for National Plant Biosecurity

in this issue...

 Suction Trap

Migrating lettuce aphids

PhD student Craig Feutrill research is looking at factors such as weather and temperature to determine quarantine zones for lettuce aphid. READ MORE


Chairman, Professor John Lovett

from the arm of the chair

Professor John Lovett gives an update on Board and CRC activities. READ MORE


Big Book Launch 

investigating plant pests just got fun!

Australia's former Chief Scientist, Dr Jim Peacock AC recently launched the CRC's beautifully illustrated big book for children, Plant Pest Investigation. READ MORE


Chapman Primary School

scientists of tomorrow?

The CRC held the finale of its primary school program, Scientists of Tomorrow at a fun event at CSIRO Discovery Centre. READ MORE


other news...

Our PhD students travelled to Rottnest Island for their annual professional development workshop. READ MORE

 

In our education and training bonanza, it's only fitting to introduce our Education Officer, Ms Melanie Hay. READ MORE

2008 PhD workshop

Rottnest IslandThe annual PhD student workshop was held on the 16 and 17 September at Rottnest Island.

 

Twenty four of the CRC's PhD students made the journey to Rottnest Island to enjoy two days sitting indoors and working hard while the sun shone outside.