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<h1><span style="font-family: Tahoma"><span style="font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: MyriadPro-Bold; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold"><em>simon says...</em></h1>
<p><img width="165" vspace="3" hspace="3" height="236" align="left" src="/sites/all/files/simon_leaflet_2011(1).jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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 <span>CRC and Murdoch University. </span>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.</p>
<p>See you at the SX.<br />
<br />
<img width="110" height="62" src="/sites/all/files/S McKirdy web.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Dr Simon McKirdy<br />
<strong>Chief Executive Officer</strong></p>
