The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) last week celebrated Australia's next generation of plant biosecurity scientists, by providing a platform to showcase innovative work to tackle emerging biosecurity challenges.
Department Secretary Victoria Anderson said supporting PhD and postdoctoral researchers helped build the expertise needed to detect, prevent and manage pests and diseases that threaten Australia's plant industries.
"The Investing in Australia's Plant Biosecurity Scientists event showcased the department's partnership with the ARC Training Centre in Plant Biosecurity," Ms Anderson said.
"This was a great forum to demonstrate the collaboration between DAFF, academia and research partners, driving real-world solutions to emerging biosecurity challenges.
"Through the ARC Training Centre in Plant Biosecurity we are investing in the next generation of biosecurity scientists because strengthening our research capability today protects Australia's agriculture, environment and trade tomorrow.
"A single pest or disease incursion could cause severe damage to agriculture, trade and biodiversity, which is why prevention and early detection are essential.
"Australia's communities and trading partners depend on the department to maintain confidence in our biosecurity system.
"The Investing in Australia's Plant Biosecurity Scientists event provided a platform for PhD students and postdoctoral researchers co-supervised by the department to demonstrate their advances in plant biosecurity.
"Collaboration across government, research and industry helps Australia stay ahead of emerging biosecurity risks with a coordinated national approach to biosecurity."
The event featured 5 PhD students and two postdoctoral researchers supported by DAFF through the ARC Training Centre in Plant Biosecurity.
Presenters:
- Jowell El-Darwiche - PhD student from Australian National University - Identification of fruit fly biomarkers using mass spectrometry
- Shimi Jose - PhD student from Australian National University - Natural and synthetic antibodies to identify spider mite eggs during import
- Stephanie Morgan - PhD student from James Cook University - Plant disease diagnostics in tissue culture
- Dr Elle Saber - Early career researcher from Australian National University - Developing robust proof-of-freedom surveillance systems for Australia
- Jessica Kriticos - PhD student from Australian National University - Ranking priority plant pests and diseases and their preparedness activities
- Alphonsa Baby - PhD student from James Cook University - Target gene discovery for locust control
- Dr Rachel Tulloch - Early career researcher from University of Canberra - Determining provenance of biosecurity pests using new genomic technologies
