Simon says...

Welcome to 2009's first edition of The Leaflet.

The year ahead will be exciting and challenging for all those involved in the CRC's research programs. In our fourth year of operations, our activities will focus on delivering research outputs to Australia's plant industries.

To start the ball rolling, the Plant Biosecurity Toolbox and Biosecurity Bank were successfully launched on Thursday 12 February by Australia's Chief Plant Protection Officer, Lois Ransom. For me personally, it was rewarding to see both projects reach this stage; a reflection of the collaborative effort and dedication of the project teams.

Both tools will be fundamental, not only to Australia's plant biosecurity capacity, but also globally. I would like to congratulate both project teams (led by Dr Gary Kong and Dr Andrew Geering from Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries) on the passion and commitment they demonstrated throughout the term of the projects. You can read more about the launch in this edition of The Leaflet.

Following the successful Science Exchange in 2007, the CRC is starting to plan a similar event for Participants and researchers in the second half of 2009. The meeting will provide all members with the opportunity to share ideas, discuss research and network with each other and industry.

The CRC's Climate Change Project Leader, Dr Jo Luck has been successful in a submission to attend ‘Science meets Parliament' in March. Jo will be presenting in the category ‘Adapting agriculture to climate change' and will talk about her research into the effects of temperature changes on the biology and distribution of plant pests, diseases and vectors in the grains industry. This is a great opportunity for Jo and the CRC, and we look forward to sharing her experience with you in the next edition of The Leaflet.

As February draws to a close, we hope to see the conclusion of a long and hot summer. Australia has experienced the worst of its summer with flooding in the north, and devastating bushfires that continue to wreak havoc across Victoria.

Sadly, a few members of the CRC have suffered loss in this catastrophic tragedy, bringing the devastation close to home for all of us. On behalf of the CRC, I offer sympathy to everyone whose lives have changed forever as a result of the bushfires.

Regards

Simon McKirdy
Chief Executive Officer
CRC for National Plant Biosecurity

in this issue...

from the arm of the chair

Professor John Lovett shares with readers the experiences of the CRC's Third Year Review. READ MORE

the evolution of diagnostics

The CRC's Plant Biosecurity Toolbox and Biosecurity Bank were recently launched in Melbourne. READ MORE

win an iPod shuffle

Where's out brand been? Not too far it seems! We're raising the stakes with an opportunity to win an iPod shuffle...READ MORE

other news...

Pathfinders: The Innovators Conference focuses on science, innovation and collaboration. READ MORE

Recently Dr David Schlipalius presented at a workshop as part of the Plant and Animal Genome Conference. READ MORE

Meet our Impact Management Research Program Leader, Ms Jane Moran. READ MORE

Simon says...

Welcome to the final edition of The Leaflet for 2008.

It's hard to believe another year has crept by so quickly. It only seems like the other day we started planning for our Third Year Review, and now its over! Having a full independent review of our operations to date is a fitting way to end the year; providing us with the opportunity to reflect on the changes and growth the CRC has experienced since its start-up. Cooperative research centres are complex entities and as a result, the Panel interviewed many key people involved in our activities. This included staff, our Chair, Program Leaders, Participants, industry representatives and our PhD students. We look forward to receiving the recommendations from the Panel and implementing strategies to ensure the continued success of the CRC.

As the CRC steps into its fourth year, we are enthusiastic to see more of our research activities reach fruition. In February 2009, we have scheduled the launch of two key web-based diagnostic tools. The Plant Biosecurity Toolbox and the Biosecurity Bank will deliver world class plant pest diagnostic capability to Australia which is a key driver for the Diagnostics Research Program.

I am pleased to use this edition of The Leaflet to launch the dates for the Global Biosecurity 2010 conference. Global Biosecurity 2010: safeguarding agriculture and the environment is a collaborative effort between the CRC for National Plant Biosecurity, Plant Health Australia, Invasive Animals CRC and Australian Biosecurity CRC for Emerging and Infectious Diseases. This international conference is scheduled for 28 February - 3 March 2010 in Brisbane, Australia. Through The Leaflet, and the conference website (under development) we will keep readers up-to-date with the conference program.

Before signing off for what has been a very challenging and rewarding year, I would like to thank everyone who contributes to the success of this CRC  - the Board, our management team, Participant organisations, the Participant's Committee, researchers, students, supervisors and the many other industry related organisations who contribute to our activities. Committees such as the Science Committee and the Grains Advisory Panel provide invaluable guidance and leadership over our project portfolio to ensure our research meets both science excellence and the needs of end-users. Each skill set and breadth of experience from all these people and their organisations is pivotal to successful delivery of our research outcomes and shaping Australia's future plant biosecurity capability.

I wish all of you, and all readers of The Leaflet a very merry Christmas and prosperous new year.

I look forward to sharing our successes with you in 2009.

Kind regards

Dr Simon McKirdy
Chief Executive Officer
CRC for National Plant Biosecurity

in this issue...

from the arm of the chair

CRCNPB Chair, Professor John Lovett provides a wrap up of 2008. READ MORE

global biosecurity 2010

Mark your calendars now for the Global Biosecurity 2010 conference. READ MORE 

paving a career in science

PhD student Rachel Meldrum was recently awarded Northern Territory's Young Australian of the Year 2009. Discover how Rachel became interested in pursuing science as a career. READ MORE

other news...

CRCs across Australia will be competing against each other to get their logo photographed in the most unusual location. Help the CRC for National Plant Biosecurity rise to the challenge. READ MORE

Meet our Diagnostics Research Program Leader, Dr Deb Hailstones. READ MORE

Simon says...

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 Simon McKirdy
Chief Executive Officer
CRC for National Plant Biosecurity

in this issue...

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

from the arm of the chair

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

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

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

Simon says...

Welcome to the August issue of The Leaflet which looks slightly different to usual.

I am thrilled to use this month's edition to launch our new and very functional website that has been developed by our Communications Officer, Kate Scott. The new look and feel is modern and fresh and contains current information on the CRC, our research activities, as well as our researchers. Over the next few months we will be adding more projects and research publications to the website. In the meantime, I am sure you will find the new site a welcome and refreshing change.

We welcome two new staff members to the CRC head office. Appointed as the new Education Officer, Melanie Hay will deliver the schools education program, as well as organising training workshops and other education activities. In a new role to the CRC, Sarah McKay started with us as Project Officer - Business Support. Sarah will look after project contracts and other business support functions. It's great to have them both on board and we will all value their contribution to the team.

 Each year, we conduct a Board meeting in a region where a number of our participants are located. This provides us with the opportunity to collaborate and catch up with staff and researchers from participant organisations. Last week our Board met in Darwin. The warm weather was a pleasurable relief from Canberra's cold and seemingly long winter. During our visit, we had the pleasure of meeting with Ruth Wallace from Charles Darwin University to chat about our community engagement project. This exciting initiative involves engaging with northern Australian Indigenous communities, providing them with a better understanding of plant biosecurity and how they can help manage potential risks and threats to Australia.

At the meeting, the Board approved the CRC's 2008-09 Annual Operating Plan which details the CRC's direction for this financial year. A pdf copy can be downloaded from our website.

The Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research has approved an independent panel to carry out the Third-Year Review. Nominated by the Board, the panel comprises Dr Kevin Sheridan (Chairman), former Director General, NSW Agriculture and Fisheries; Mr David Crawford, Chairman of Westralia Airports Corporation and former Chairman of the Export Grains Centre Ltd, and Dr Craig Phillips, Senior Scientist with AgResearch New Zealand.  A fourth member will be appointed by DIISR. The panel will carry out its work, including seeking input from all participants, over the next three months and will hold the formal review in Canberra in mid-December. 

Our cohort of PhD scholarships has nearly reached our original target of 32. This has been a significant achievement for our Education and Training Program led by Dr Kirsty Bayliss. If you are interested in applying for a scholarship, details can be found on our website. The CRC also provides PhD Top-up scholarships.

Until the next edition...

 Regards

Dr Simon McKirdy
Chief Executive Officer
CRC for National Plant Biosecurity

Board Nomination Committee

As required by the Constitution of the CRCNPB Ltd, a Board Nomination Committee (BNC) has been formed. The Committee is required to consult with participants and members of the current Board, and to identify suitable candidates for nomination to the CRCNPB Members for election to the Board.

The election will take place at the Annual General Meeting on 5 November 2008 to fill three vacancies on the Board which will become available at the close of that meeting.

Committee members are John Lovett (Chairman); Mike Cole (DAFF); David Feinberg (CBH); David Hall (NSWDPI); John Kent (CSU); Shashi Sharma (DAFWA) and Andy Sheppard (CSIRO).

in this issue...

a new look CRC website

The new website is finally here and provides readers with much more information on the CRC. READ MORE about the new site and how CRC members can log in to the members' area.

from the arm of the chair

With the 2008 Olympic Games closing yesterday, CRC Chairman Professor John Lovett identifies the differences between Austria and Australia (and the similarities). READ MORE

GRDC releases brochure on rust pathogens

GRDC have distributed a brochure to create awareness among Australian travellers of the potential rust pathogen biosecurity threats. READ MORE

Other news...

Dr Mark Stevens recently travelled to Durban to attend the XXIII International Congress of Entemology. Mark chaired a rice pest management symposium as well as presenting several papers. READ MORE

Learn how marching headless chickens have affected the CRC's Business Manager, Nick Langley. READ MORE

 Tendrils is Plant Health Australia's weekly newsletter. To subscribe, email webmaster@phau.com.au with your contact details.

  PaDIL is an image based website designed to create a 'virtual reference collection of pests and diseases'. PaDIL have just launched a 'Users Guide' to help researchers tailor searches to use PaDIL more efficiently and effectively. READ MORE

Simon says...

Welcome to the first edition of The Leaflet. It's hard to believe that a quarter of the year has come and gone and April is upon us. The CRC for National Plant Biosecurity has a big year ahead with the three-year review to be undertaken in the early 2009. We now have a large portfolio of research projects that are underway and I look forward to seeing the outcomes of this work and the subsequent publication.

We have undergone quite a few changes in the past months. To start with, I am pleased to say we now have almost a full complement of staff which means we are better placed to establish processes to support our programs.

Most of our members will have had the pleasure of meeting Carla by now. Joining us as Project Officer in August, Carla Tadich assists at an operational and strategic level across our projects and is our IMAP guru. You can find out more about Carla by reading her profile in this edition of The Leaflet.

In September, Nick Langley was appointed as our Business Manager/Company Secretary and brings a vast amount of experience as a chartered accountant. Nick now has the business side of the company fully operational and will be visiting participants in the coming months to ensure we have the smoothest possible processes with project contracting and fund transfer.

David Eagling and his family made the move north from Melbourne in February so David could take up the role as Research Leader. David has already made a significant mark on the CRC through his role as Program Leader 4 and his wealth of experience is driving our research activities. David, Nick and myself represent the Senior Management team overseeing the research and business activities of the CRC.

In March, we appointed Kate Scott as our Communications Officer. Kate will be responsible for all our communication activities and is looking forward to working collaboratively with staff across the CRC. Kate will also be visiting participants in the coming months to build a stronger network between CRC and participant communication strategies.

By filling these much needed positions, it was timely to review our organisational structure. A revised structure has now been approved by the Board and a diagram depicting these changes will soon be available on our website.

Late March was the end of an era for the CRC with our move from the Deakin offices. We have relocated to temporary offices at the University of Canberra until our move to the Innovation Centre later this year (also based at the University of Canberra). The Innovation Centre leases commercial offices to science and research based organisations. We are looking forward to being co-located with other CRCs (eWater and Invasive Animals), and other organisations that may have an interest in plant biosecurity.

Details of our new location are available on our contacts page and we welcome all our members to drop in and visit us next time you're in Canberra.

Dr Simon McKirdy
Chief Executive Officer
CRC for National Plant Biosecurity 

in this issue...

Addressing plant biosecurity through international partnership

On 1 March 2008, the CRC for National Plant Biosecurity partnered with 15 international agencies to form PRATIQUE, a consortium-under European funding-that will address major global challenges for pest risk analysis. READ MORE

From the arm of the chair

CRC for National Plant Biosecurity, Chairman John Lovett takes readers from tropical Malaysia through to the snow-covered grounds of Norway - all in the name of plant biosecurity. READ MORE

PaDIL

PaDIL is an image based website designed to create a 'virtual reference collection of pests and diseases'. Ken Walker tells us more about PaDIL and how it is used to identify a range of pests and diseases. READ MORE

other news...

CRC for National Plant Biosecurity PhD student Bobbie Hitchcock travelled to New Zealand to meet with the members from Project CRC40024 READ MORE

In each edition of The Leaflet, you will have the opportunity to meet some of the CRC staff. READ MORE about Carla Tadich.

Simon says...

in this issue...

Protecting Australia's wine industry

 

From the arm of the chair

Papua New Guinea Master Class

Other news...