A unique funding opportunity is being offered to young Australians keen to assist the national grains industry through innovative research and associated activities.
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Applications are now being sought for the 2011 Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
Open to Australians aged between 18 and 35, the awards recognise and support young innovators in their rural industry research endeavours.
One of the award categories is grains, which is sponsored by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).
GRDC managing director Peter Reading says progress within the grains industry is very much dependent on new and innovative projects and activities and it is critical that young minds and fresh thoughts contribute to that research and development effort.
“The GRDC encourages young Australians with ideas that could help advance our grains industry, as well as their own professional development, to apply for the grains award which carries a grant of $22,000,” Mr Reading says.
The grains award winner can use their funding for a range of activities including research projects, industry visits or to attend conferences and workshops.
Eligible applicants may include young grain growers, extension officers, researchers, processors, students or industry advisers.
Last year’s GRDC-sponsored grains award recipient was Scott Cummins, a post doctoral researcher from the University of Queensland, who has used his award to learn more about essential hormones and pheromones in pest snails.
Each of the award categories includes a grant of up to $22,000, while one grantee will also be awarded an additional $33,000 as the winner of the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s Award.
Applications close on January 7, 2011. For further information please visit www.abares.gov.au/scienceawards or phone (02) 6272 2260.
