New career research awards to grow innovation and capability in the Australian sugar industry

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sra8 October 2014
Sugar Research Australia

Sugar Research Australia Limited (SRA) is inviting applications for Early-career and Mid-career Researcher (ECR/MCR) Awards to encourage innovative research ideas, and to enhance the capability of the research sector that supports the Australian sugar industry.

Dr Michael O’Shea, General Manager Research Funding Unit SRA, said that this is the first time that the awards have been funded, and they are an excellent career development opportunity for researchers who are actively involved in our industry.

“The awards are available for a diverse range of activities – from funding an early-career researcher who may require initial results or a proof of concept exercise prior to developing a larger research project, to investing in a mid-career researcher who would like to expand their skills or develop a research collaboration as part of a new and innovative initiative,” Dr O’Shea said.

“In line with SRA’s strategy of investing in research that can be adopted on farm or in the mill, all applications will be assessed on the likelihood of the output benefitting the industry.”

Applications must address one or more of the key focus areas identified in SRA’s five year Strategic Plan:

  1. Optimally adapted varieties, plant breeding and release
  2. Soil health and nutrient management
  3. Pest, disease and weed management
  4. Farming systems and production management
  5. Milling efficiency and technology
  6. Product diversification and value addition
  7. Knowledge and technology transfer and adoption
  8. Capability development, attraction and retention

“SRA expects to see considerable competition from the research sector for these awards which are valued up to $15,000.

“SRA is committed to investing in new ideas and innovation, and developing a highly-skilled research community with the knowledge and capability to meet the current and future needs of our industry,” concluded Dr O’Shea.

Further information:

Applications for the awards close on 19 December 2014. More information about the awards and application guidelines are available on the SRA website http://www.sugarresearch.com.au/page/Research_funding/Early-career_and_Mid-career_Researcher_Awards/

Media contacts: Vanessa Sandhu, Communications Manager, Sugar Research Australia, 0419 175 815.