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$50K to advance Australia’s forestry industry

Innovators have just a fewweeks to win up to $50,000 to advance Australia’s forestry and other rural industries.
Applications for the 2009 Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry close on 3 July 2009 and are open to Australians aged 18 to 35 who work or study in rural industries.
“These awards are a great opportunity for young scientists and innovators to boost our rural industries by helping them convert their ideas into reality,” Bureau of Rural Sciences Executive Director Karen Schneider said.
“There are 14 awards available, one of which is sponsored by Forest and Wood Products Australia for innovative forestry projects.”
Other award categories range from fisheries through to grains, sugar, wine and more.
Since 2001, more than 130 young Australians have received awards, including 2008 Forest and Wood Products Australia award winner, Lynette Taylor.
“It’s important to invest in plantation research to meet future demands of this industry and reduce pressure on Australia’s native and old growth forests,” Ms Schneider said.
“Lynette is working toward developing molecular markers for wood fibre quality.
“If successful, commercial tree-breeding programs could be introduced to match specific wood characteristics with the end product – from paper to timber.”
The 2009 award winners can use their funding for a range of activities such as conducting research projects, visiting industry or attending conferences.
The awards also allow winners to build their networks and gain skills in media liaison to help promote their research.
Application forms are available at www.daff.gov.au/scienceawards.

For further information email [email protected] or phone (02) 6272 5039.

The 2009 awards are coordinated by the Bureau of Rural Sciences and sponsored by 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, Meat and Livestock Australia and the Research and Development Corporations of Fisheries, Grains, Grape and Wine, Rural Industries and Sugar.