Public
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?
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
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.
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2008 PhD workshop
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.
