simon says...

The Science Exchange (SX) is now just three weeks away and an impressive program has been compiled. There will be over 180 delegates with good representation from our international Participants, with delegates are coming from the US, NZ and Indonesia. We also have a strong compliment from China which will be a strong collaborator in the future. This year’s event will not only close the current term of CRCNPB but will give us the opportunity to kick start PBCRC. Max and Andrew have made a concerted effort to make this the best SX yet so I look forward to meeting everyone at the Vines and celebrating the success we have had to date and discussing the research challenges that are in front of us.

Nick has worked hard to develop an agreed version of the Participants Agreement. As I write we are expecting to receive, at any time, the approved version from DIISRTE that will then be circulated to all Participants for signing. With the Agreement signed the CRC will then sign the Commonwealth Agreement, target date of end of May, and the CRC will commence its new term on 1 July. Running alongside this is the development of a strong research portfolio.

As everyone is aware the program workshops were held and this was an important step in the process of identifying project ideas. As with any CRC, it is critical that any research undertaken is end-user driven. Over the past two months both the Grains and Horticulture Advisory Panels (GAP and HAP) have met and both panels will play an important role in making sure any project ideas address end-user needs and have the potential to deliver a valuable outcome. The third advisory panel, the Regulatory Advisory Panel (RAP), will formally meet for the first time in early June. The existing government Plant Health Committee will be the RAP for the CRC.

To assist in building the research portfolio the CRC has appointed two Program Coordinators. I am delighted to announce that Drs Jo Luck and Sharyn Taylor have accepted these roles. I expect that the majority of our research team will already know both Jo and Sharyn. Jo will take responsibility for Programs 1 and 2 and Sharyn will look after Programs 3 and 4. These appointments will enable the Program Leaders to focus on science leadership. Both Jo and Sharyn will be at the SX and I encourage everyone to welcome them into their new roles.

I congratulate Pattaraporn Khuwuthyakorn on submitting her PhD. This PhD emphasised the broad scope of research undertaken by our PhD candidates and the potential to work collaboratively with other Australian research organisations. Patt’s PhD was also supported by NICTA Australia. Alex Rea has also submitted his thesis which was a joint effort between the CRC and Murdoch University. As Kirsty has mentioned in her update there are several other PhD candidates who are very close to submitting and I encourage all of you to complete the final writing.

See you at the SX.

Dr Simon McKirdy
Chief Executive Officer

in this issue...

From the arm of the chair

Autumn is in the air and Professor John Lovett thinks it is a time that reflects the CRC's activities.

Fire blight simulation

A ‘war gaming’ workshop was recently held to simulate a fire blight incursion in the Goulburn Valley. Read about it here. 

New starters for PBCRC

Two Program Coordinators are joining the CRC team. Find out who they are here. 

CRC news updates 

The CRCNPB is revising the way it provides news updates. Sign up now.

Countdown to SX 2012

The Science Exchange (SX) is just a few weeks away, find out what is on the program here.

Love is in the air at the CRCNPB

A wedding and an engagement have taken place in the past two months, find out who.

other news...

The CRCNPB has a new Management Accountant. Find out who she is and what keeps her busy. 

Expressions of interest are now being sought for PBCRC PhD candidates. 

With the PBCRC launch just around the corner, the CRCNPB office has had a fun look at new program icons. Do you have any suggestions??

Want to know more about Cooperative Research Centres in general?  Sign up to the CRC Association newsletter here.