Sub sections:
About PIIC
Introduction
The Primary Industries Innovation Centre (PIIC) is a joint venture partnership between the NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) and the University of New England (UNE) to boost primary industries research, extension and training outcomes with a special focus on the New England - North West Region of NSW. A memorandum of understanding was reached between the parties and PIIC was launched as a concept in February 2005. In February 2007, PIIC became a fully funded joint venture between UNE and NSW DPI and a full-time director was appointed in August 2007. The objectives of PIIC are to:
- Facilitate the joint development, implementation, review and evaluation of projects which improve the understanding and management of primary industries;
- Facilitate science communication between each party;
- Enhance the training and science capacity of each party;
- Improve the research opportunities of the parties; and
- Promote the reputations, capabilities and expertise of the respective parties.
The Research Coordination Group (RCG) for PIIC refined the concept and focus for the Centre during 2005 and this culminated in the first PIIC project development workshop being convened in May 2006. The PIIC symposium is an effective platform for facilitation of communication between the parties and for identification of new opportunities for collaboration.
Over 40 people participated in the 2006 workshop to produce a short list of PIIC initiatives. Opportunities for joint initiatives through the PIIC included policy science, biological sciences, collaboration in learning and extension and resource sharing through seamless UNE/NSW DPI arrangements. A number of collaborative research opportunities were identified and UNE/NSW DPI staff nominated. Rapid progress has been made in two areas since the workshop: (a) a strategic initiative on biofuels and biorefining and (b) the Border Rivers Grain & Graze Project.
On day one, the symposium provides the opportunity for jointly supervised post-graduate students to report on completed studies, progress with current projects and proposals for new projects. There are four current PIIC PhD students and three new ones will commence in 2008. The subjects of the new projects are in the following fields:
- Biological indicators and potential amendments to improve soil health, crop productivity and profitability for cropping;
- Development of integrated pest management strategies for the control of insect pests of soybean;
- Social networks that influence farm practice change with a focus on adoption of conservation farming practices.
On the second day of the symposium, joint UNE/DPI working groups will progress the development of new projects in diverse fields across primary industries such as: Grain & graze II; carbon and climate initiatives (bioenergy, Biochar, ruminant methane emissions); Improving omega-3 profiles in meat; Farming systems in a changing climate; and Opportunities for collaboration in molecular biology.
Professor Bob Martin
Director
Primary Industries Innovation Centre