Young Queensland scientists, this one is for you

BRS08/SA2905d

3 June 2008

Time is running out! You have only six weeks left to lodge an application for a ‘science award’ and win up to $50 000 to help develop your great agriculture, fisheries, forestry, food or natural resource industries idea.

Jennifer Firn, a University of Queensland student was the winner of last year’s Queensland award. She is investigating whether Australian native grasses can reduce the spread of exotic weeds.

“If the right species can be found, it could be used to build competitive pasture communities that would stave off invasion while ensuring sustainable production levels,” Jennifer said.

Applications for the 2008 Australian Agricultural Industries Young Innovators and Scientists Awards close on 14 July 2008 and are open to people 18 to 35 years old who are working or studying in the agriculture sector.

“This year’s Awards are bigger and better than before, with 14 winners able to receive up to $20 000 each to undertake a project to explore an emerging scientific issue or innovative activity over a 12 month period,” said Dr Colin Grant, Executive Director of the Bureau of Rural Sciences (BRS).

“One of these winners will also receive an additional $30 000 as recipient of the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s Award, making the premier prize a total of up to
$50 000.

“Winners can use their funding for individual or industry research projects, industry visits, further study into a specific area or attending conferences – to help them develop an idea for an Australian agricultural sector.

“See how your idea measures up – get an application in soon.”

Applications for the 2008 Australian Agricultural Industries Young Innovators and Scientists Awards close at 5pm EST 14 July 2008. For further information and to download application forms go to www.daff.gov.au/scienceawards or you can email Science Awards or call the award coordinator on (02) 6272 5039.

Sponsors include the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy, Australian Egg Corporation Limited, Australian Meat Processor Corporation, Australian Pork Limited, Dairy Australia, Forest and Wood Products Australia, Horticulture Australia Limited, Land and Water Australia, Meat and Livestock Australia and the Research and Development Corporations of Fisheries, Grains, Grape and Wine, Rural Industries and Sugar.

MORE INFORMATION: DAFF Media +61 2 6272 3232