While on the subject of staff, I would like to officially welcome Jane Moran as Program Leader for our Impact Management Research Program and Lauren Searson-Patrick as my Executive Assistant. Jane has over 25 years' experience in plant health research for Department of Primary Industries (Victoria) and we are pleased to have her on board. Lauren started with us at the end of April and has already proved to be a valuable member of our team, and keeps me well organised! Today, I am also pleased to officially announce the appointment of Deborah Hailstones who is the new Diagnostics Research Program Leader. Deb has extensive experience in the development, adaptation and implementation of improved diagnostics for plant biosecurity.

A heartfelt congratulations goes out to our first completed PhD candidate, Craig Webster who was researching the use of microarrays for virus diagnostics. I would like to thank Dr Webster for his hard work and contribution to the CRC’s research activities and wish him the very best in his research career.

Last week a phosphine review panel commissioned by the CRC travelled throughout Australia visiting stored grain stakeholders and facilities. Chaired by Dr. Peter Merriman, the panel is made up of several subject matter experts. Their role is to identify investment priorities in chemical and non-chemical research for the control of insect pests in stored grain. The final report from the Phosphine Review is due for completion in late 2008 and outcomes will be published on our website.