Capturing the imagination of school children and developing their enthusiasm f

Plant Pest Investigators

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The Cooperative Research Centre for National Plant Biosecurity hosted an exhibition booth at the Australian Science Festival's 'Amazing World of Science' from Wednesday 27 - Saturday 30 May.

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.

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.

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.

The 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.

Currant-Lettuce aphid (CLA), Nasonovia ribis-nigri, migrated from New Zealand to Tasmania on low-level jet streams in January 2004 and rapidly spread throughout Australia. Like many small winged insects, aphids migrate predominantly via wind and human activity. The distance of their dispersal is influenced by many factors including temperature and weather events.

Media release: 7 November 2008