June 2008

Edition 16

June 2008

Edition 16

CEO comment

In May we saw the release of the latest ABARE report on GM crops in Australia and since then there has been a fair amount of media comment around its release. According to the report ("Economic impacts of GM crops in Australia" see http://www.abareconomics.com/publications_html/crops/crops_08/gmcrops_australia.pdf)
GM crops can provide significant economic benefits to our regional economies. The potential economic impact of cultivating GM crops is estimated for two scenarios - GM canola and GM canola alongside GM wheat, maize, soy beans and rice.  

The report suggests that economically New South Wales will benefit most from adopting GM crops. Significant benefits are also estimated for Western Australia, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland. Despite this, issues behind the release of GM crops are complex and at times emotive. Greenpeace recently secured a Charter for "Chefs for a GM free Australia", reputedly signed by some of Australia's top chefs.

Information on GM sugarcane is now included in a great deal of media material (ie information provided to counter the anti-GM lobby). If you are approached by someone seeking comments on GM sugarcane, please be reminded of the sugar industry and CRC SIIB's position on GM as outlined in the Sugarcane Gene Technology's Key Messages. This information is available from our office, contact 07 3365 7502.

CEO comment

In May we saw the release of the latest ABARE report on GM crops in Australia and since then there has been a fair amount of media comment around its release. According to the report ("Economic impacts of GM crops in Australia" see http://www.abareconomics.com/publications_html/crops/crops_08/gmcrops_australia.pdf)
GM crops can provide significant economic benefits to our regional economies. The potential economic impact of cultivating GM crops is estimated for two scenarios - GM canola and GM canola alongside GM wheat, maize, soy beans and rice.  

The report suggests that economically New South Wales will benefit most from adopting GM crops. Significant benefits are also estimated for Western Australia, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland. Despite this, issues behind the release of GM crops are complex and at times emotive. Greenpeace recently secured a Charter for "Chefs for a GM free Australia", reputedly signed by some of Australia's top chefs.

Information on GM sugarcane is now included in a great deal of media material (ie information provided to counter the anti-GM lobby). If you are approached by someone seeking comments on GM sugarcane, please be reminded of the sugar industry and CRC SIIB's position on GM as outlined in the Sugarcane Gene Technology's Key Messages. This information is available from our office, contact 07 3365 7502.

Scientists shine

CRC SIIB researcher, Harry Kanasa, recently found out what the Shine Dome is all about, when he attended the annual Australian Academy of Science event in Canberra.

According to Harry, the Shine Dome Conference not only gives you insight into many wonderful areas of research across Australia, it is a fabulous opportunity to meet talented scientists and imminent researchers acknowledged at the Shine Dome. This year, two Professors - Professor Peter Koopman and Professor John Mattick from the University of Queensland - were admitted as Fellows to the Australian Academy of Science.

The actual Shine Dome building is famous for its role in the post-war development of Australia's scientific community. Built in 1958, it has been the Australian Academy of Science's peak conference venue. 

Scientists shine

CRC SIIB researcher, Harry Kanasa, recently found out what the Shine Dome is all about, when he attended the annual Australian Academy of Science event in Canberra.

According to Harry, the Shine Dome Conference not only gives you insight into many wonderful areas of research across Australia, it is a fabulous opportunity to meet talented scientists and imminent researchers acknowledged at the Shine Dome. This year, two Professors - Professor Peter Koopman and Professor John Mattick from the University of Queensland - were admitted as Fellows to the Australian Academy of Science.

The actual Shine Dome building is famous for its role in the post-war development of Australia's scientific community. Built in 1958, it has been the Australian Academy of Science's peak conference venue. 

Big Brazil

Recently Graham Bonnett, along with Robert Henry, Andrzej Kilian and Robert Birch, visited Brazil as part of a delegation organised by the Australian Academy of Science. The purpose of the visit was to develop Brazilian-Australian collaboration in the area of Agricultural Biotechnology.

The visit consisted of two days of meetings at EMBRAPA in Brasilia where aspects of the relevant science being undertaken in both countries were presented. Broad areas of potential collaboration were also identified. The long-term aim of the group effort is to develop a pool of funds to support bilateral collaborations.

Graham Bonnett then went on to visit the Agricultural Campus of Sao Paulo University and two of the four sugarcane breeding organisations. According to Graham, his mini-tour brought home the massive size of the Brazilian sugarcane industry and the industry's enormous potential for continued expansion.

Big Brazil

Recently Graham Bonnett, along with Robert Henry, Andrzej Kilian and Robert Birch, visited Brazil as part of a delegation organised by the Australian Academy of Science. The purpose of the visit was to develop Brazilian-Australian collaboration in the area of Agricultural Biotechnology.

The visit consisted of two days of meetings at EMBRAPA in Brasilia where aspects of the relevant science being undertaken in both countries were presented. Broad areas of potential collaboration were also identified. The long-term aim of the group effort is to develop a pool of funds to support bilateral collaborations.

Graham Bonnett then went on to visit the Agricultural Campus of Sao Paulo University and two of the four sugarcane breeding organisations. According to Graham, his mini-tour brought home the massive size of the Brazilian sugarcane industry and the industry's enormous potential for continued expansion.

Growers show interest in biotechnology

Our stand at this year's BSES Mackay Field Day attracted a considerable amount of interest among growers. The display, which included a simple DNA experiment and a range of information on our work, was manned by PhD students Geoff Dun and Mark Jackson.

According to Geoff, the display was very worthwhile as it gave growers the opportunity to quiz our scientists a bit about the nature of their work and when they might expect to start seeing some outcomes.

Geoff said many growers expressed their concerns about the future of the Australian sugarcane industry and said they believe GM outcomes provide the best opportunities for their and the industry's future. However, several voiced their frustration with how long it takes the technology to develop tangible results.

Growers show interest in biotechnology

Our stand at this year's BSES Mackay Field Day attracted a considerable amount of interest among growers. The display, which included a simple DNA experiment and a range of information on our work, was manned by PhD students Geoff Dun and Mark Jackson.

According to Geoff, the display was very worthwhile as it gave growers the opportunity to quiz our scientists a bit about the nature of their work and when they might expect to start seeing some outcomes.

Geoff said many growers expressed their concerns about the future of the Australian sugarcane industry and said they believe GM outcomes provide the best opportunities for their and the industry's future. However, several voiced their frustration with how long it takes the technology to develop tangible results.

Student congratulations

Congratulations to Hayati Iskandar and Mark Jackson who recently submitted their PhD theses. Hayati has returned to Indonesia to work at the Biotechnology Research Unit for Estate Crops, Bogor, and Mark has moved buildings at the UQ St Lucia campus to work with Prof Robert Birch’s group. Well done to both students on such an achievement.

Student congratulations

Congratulations to Hayati Iskandar and Mark Jackson who recently submitted their PhD theses. Hayati has returned to Indonesia to work at the Biotechnology Research Unit for Estate Crops, Bogor, and Mark has moved buildings at the UQ St Lucia campus to work with Prof Robert Birch’s group. Well done to both students on such an achievement.

PhD scholarship extension - are you eligible?

All PhD students receiving CRC SIIB scholarships are entitled to 3.5 years full-time equivalent stipend and operating costs support. A further 6 month full-time equivalent extension may be possible should individuals require this time to complete their thesis, but this extension must be negotiated with Peter Twine and Suzanne Morris at approximately 3.2 years of full-time equivalent candidature. For more information, please contact Suzanne (suzanne.morris@crcsugar.com).

PhD scholarship extension - are you eligible?

All PhD students receiving CRC SIIB scholarships are entitled to 3.5 years full-time equivalent stipend and operating costs support. A further 6 month full-time equivalent extension may be possible should individuals require this time to complete their thesis, but this extension must be negotiated with Peter Twine and Suzanne Morris at approximately 3.2 years of full-time equivalent candidature. For more information, please contact Suzanne (suzanne.morris@crcsugar.com).

New Graduate Certificate

Our CRC is committed to providing professional development opportunities for our students and staff. Currently, financial support is on offer for two CRC SIIB students or researchers to undertake the CRC Association endorsed Graduate Certificate in Research Commercialisation through the e-Grad School (http://www.egradschool.edu.au/whategsaoffe/awardlevelqu/gradcert/CRC_researchers.jsp ) at the Australian Technology Network of Universities.

The Graduate Certificate in Research Commercialisation meets the career needs of CRC researchers and postgraduate students. It provides skills, knowledge and accreditation in research commercialisation and the associated areas of research project management, leadership and workplace communication. Units of work are conducted online, facilitated by expert moderators for 13 weeks, with discussions and activities around each topic. To find out more, contact Suzanne (suzanne.morris@crcsugar.com).

New Graduate Certificate

Our CRC is committed to providing professional development opportunities for our students and staff. Currently, financial support is on offer for two CRC SIIB students or researchers to undertake the CRC Association endorsed Graduate Certificate in Research Commercialisation through the e-Grad School (http://www.egradschool.edu.au/whategsaoffe/awardlevelqu/gradcert/CRC_researchers.jsp ) at the Australian Technology Network of Universities.

The Graduate Certificate in Research Commercialisation meets the career needs of CRC researchers and postgraduate students. It provides skills, knowledge and accreditation in research commercialisation and the associated areas of research project management, leadership and workplace communication. Units of work are conducted online, facilitated by expert moderators for 13 weeks, with discussions and activities around each topic. To find out more, contact Suzanne (suzanne.morris@crcsugar.com).

CRC SIIB Symposium 2008

The CRC SIIB will hold its fifth symposium on Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 December 2008 at the Victoria Park Golf Complex in Herston, Brisbane (not the Marriott Hotel as advertised in the last eNews).  All CRC SIIB participants are requested to attend, so please mark the dates in your diary. Further program and registration details will be made available closer to the date.

CRC SIIB Symposium 2008

The CRC SIIB will hold its fifth symposium on Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 December 2008 at the Victoria Park Golf Complex in Herston, Brisbane (not the Marriott Hotel as advertised in the last eNews).  All CRC SIIB participants are requested to attend, so please mark the dates in your diary. Further program and registration details will be made available closer to the date.

CRCA Conference wrap up

A number of CRC SIIB office staff recently attended the Cooperative Research Centres Association (CRCA) annual conference in Sydney which followed the theme: Cooperative Research: The Engine of Innovation. Participants were taken on a journey through the trials and tribulations of research and development by exploring key factors and future developments of collaborative projects.

A conference highlight was the CRC early career scientists' session and associated awards. In recognition of the value placed on postgraduate students educated within a CRC, the CRCA annually showcases the achievements of outstanding early career research scientists and engineers. The final selection of speakers is based on an ability to communicate effectively about a research achievement to a non-specialist audience.

All CRC SIIB eligible students and early career research scientists are urged to apply for the award for the next conference to be held in Canberra from 27 to 29 May, 2009.

CRCA Conference wrap up

A number of CRC SIIB office staff recently attended the Cooperative Research Centres Association (CRCA) annual conference in Sydney which followed the theme: Cooperative Research: The Engine of Innovation. Participants were taken on a journey through the trials and tribulations of research and development by exploring key factors and future developments of collaborative projects.

A conference highlight was the CRC early career scientists' session and associated awards. In recognition of the value placed on postgraduate students educated within a CRC, the CRCA annually showcases the achievements of outstanding early career research scientists and engineers. The final selection of speakers is based on an ability to communicate effectively about a research achievement to a non-specialist audience.

All CRC SIIB eligible students and early career research scientists are urged to apply for the award for the next conference to be held in Canberra from 27 to 29 May, 2009.

OMS upgrade

The CRC SIIB office team is currently upgrading OMS. If you go to the existing site you will see a down for maintenance sign. The upgrade is expected to be released within the next week. Once the system is up and running you will receive an email notification. If you identify any bugs we would greatly appreciate hearing from you.

OMS upgrade

The CRC SIIB office team is currently upgrading OMS. If you go to the existing site you will see a down for maintenance sign. The upgrade is expected to be released within the next week. Once the system is up and running you will receive an email notification. If you identify any bugs we would greatly appreciate hearing from you.