simon says...

Having got past the challenge of completing and submitting the four exemplar projects the office and Core Team focussed our efforts on preparing a presentation for the interview.

Last Monday we received reviews of all four projects and in general they were very positive. The reviewers provided statements such as:

…a lot of novel research

…more than repay the total investment in the CRC

…important and critical for safeguarding trade

…fantastic touch to the CRC

If these are any indication of the quality of our bid then our probability of success is looking good. 

As John has eloquently discussed, last week saw us complete two ‘mock’ interviews. These are a great way to iron out the creases and fine tune the brain to answer unexpected questions. I would also like to thank John Radcliffe, Joanne Daly and Tony Peacock who assisted the CRC through the ‘mock’ process.

Following our interview on Monday (7 November 2011), I posted a blog to provide an update of how the interview went. The news on the outcome of our bid should be known by Christmas.

Submission of PhDs continues with another two submitted in recent months. Bonny Vogelzang and David Savage have both submitted their theses and you can read more about them in this edition of The Leaflet. I congratulate both of them on this achievement and expect to see many more before the end of the year. A very encouraging statistic is the number of graduates who are now employed in the biosecurity field. One of the key objectives of the CRC was to inject the next generation of experts into the system.

Last month I was fortunate to have the opportunity to visit China and have discussions with colleagues at the Chinese Academy of Grain, the Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine and the Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University. We look forward to developing strong linkages with these organisations that are developing impressive capabilities in biosecurity sciences.

Also another reminder that the 2012 Science Exchange will open soon and I encourage everyone to register early so we can advance the planning.

Keep your fingers crossed for a positive result from our interview.

Dr Simon McKirdy
Chief Executive Officer

in this issue...

From the arm of the chair

Professor John Lovett has had a tough first week back from holidays. Find out which CRCNPB staff have been harrassing him. 

CRCNPB signs MOUs with China

The CRCNPB has developed memoranda of understanding with two leading Chinese science agencies and a university. Read about it here.

RMN takes out Premier’s Award 

The Remote Microscope Network has received its second award for 2011, winning a Premier’s Award. Find out more.

What on earth is the Chairman sitting on?

In the caption competition in this edition of The Leaflet, the Chairman finds himself sitting on something out of the ordinary. Find out what it is and who won the prize from the last newsletter here.

CRC newborns 

A CRCNPB staff member and a CRCNPB PhD candidate recently added to their respective families with the birth of a baby girl and boy. Find out who??

other news...

CRCNPB Communications Officer Andrew Crichton joined the team in January 2011. Discover how he spends his spare time.

Another edition of The Leaflet and another submission, or two, or three… Find out more.

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