7 March 2012
DAFF 12/290L
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Joe Ludwig, has congratulated the winners of the 2012 Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the Australian Biosecurity Awards.
Minister Ludwig last night presented the awards at the gala dinner for the agriculture sector’s key annual conference, Outlook, noting the government’s investment in research and development.
“Research and development is vital to advancing Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors and positioning them for a strong future,” Minister Ludwig said.
“The work of those at the cutting edge of research and development is critical to our economy, environment and future prosperity.
“The Science and Innovation Awards encourage participation in science, innovation and technology in rural industries and help advance the careers of young scientists through national recognition of their research.”
Minister Ludwig said fostering young scientists will ensure Australia continues to have dynamic and responsive primary industries.
“Likewise, the Australian Biosecurity Awards recognise the individuals, companies and groups who have made a significant contribution to maintaining Australia’s biosecurity.
“Australia has one of the best biosecurity systems in the world, with government, industries and communities all playing a part.”
Dr Cedric Simon was awarded top honours in the 2012 Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry for his project on rock lobsters, while 11 others were also recognised.
Dr Simon and his fellow science award recipients will receive grants of up to $22,000 to conduct their scientific projects, which covered a wide range of projects.
The Australian Biosecurity Awards recognised those who have made a significant contribution towards the nation’s biosecurity, including former Agforce Cattle President, Peter Kenny, who was posthumously awarded the Biosecurity Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) runs the Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry with the financial support of 11 industry partners, while the Australian Biosecurity Awards are a Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry initiative.
For more information visit http://www.daff.gov.au/abares
Recipient of the Minister’s Award
Dr Cedric Simon — Tas — Novel approach to non-destructive assessment of rock lobster condition to improve fishery management.
Recipient of the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation Award
Dr Cedric Simon — Tas — Development of new and improved methods for the assessment of rock lobster nutritional, digestive and reproductive condition using blood parameters.
Recipient of the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy Award
Robyn Terry — SA — Confinement free lactation housing for sows: towards maximising expression of natural behaviours and maintaining reproduction.
Recipient of the Australian Meat Processor Corporation Award
Dr Fiona Anderson — WA — The effect of genetic selection for yield using Australian Sheep Breeding Values on muscle metabolism and meat quality.
Recipient of the Australian Pork Limited Award
Dr Sasha Jenkins — WA — The effect of antimicrobials on the anaerobic digestion of piggery waste.
Recipients of the Cotton Research and Development Corporation Award
Dr Rebecca Haling — NSW — Closing the yield gap on sodic soils – opportunities for improving input use efficiently.
Katie Broughton — NSW — Integrated effects of elevated CO, increased temperature, VPD and water deficits of field-grown cotton in Australia and USA.
Recipient of the Forestry and Wood Products Australia Award
Dr Benoit Gilbert — Qld — Timber composite hollow utility poles using waste hardwood plantation thinning.
Recipient of the Grains Research and Development Corporation Award
Dr Jeff Powell — NSW — A trait-based approach for understanding the processes limiting effective nodulation of pulse crops.
Recipient of the Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation Award
Dr Matthew Gilliham — SA — Rootstock genomics: the key to safeguarding sustainable grape production.
Recipient of the Horticulture Australia Limited Award
Dean Phillips — Vic — Curing Phytophthora plant diseases by targeting a genetic missing link.
Recipient of the Meat & Livestock Australia Award
Jody McNally — NSW — A diagnostic test for detecting Fasciola hepatica (liver fluke) in sheep faeces.
Recipient of the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Award
Corrine de Mestre — NSW — Evaluating the effect of Australian seaweed extracts on Lucerne (Medicago sativa) yellow disease (ALuY); new plant products for crop disease
2012 Award partners: Australian Animal Welfare Strategy, Cotton Research and Development Corporation, Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, Forest and Wood Products Australia, Grains Research and Development Corporation, Meat and Livestock Australia, Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, Australian Meat Processor Corporation, Grape and Wine Research and Development Corporation, Horticulture Australia Limited and Australian Pork Limited.
Biosecurity Lifetime Achievement Award
Peter Kenny — (awarded posthumously)
Australian Biosecurity Awards
