CQUniversity’s is marking a decade since the establishment of its world-renowned Institute for Future Farming Systems (IFFS).
In the past 10 years, the research institute has gained a global reputation its research in six targeted fields of research including Precision Horticulture, Precision Livestock Management, Non-invasive Sensor Technologies, High-value Tropical Cropping, Agricultural Microbiology and Agricultural Extension and Education.
From a base in Central Queensland (Bundaberg, Emerald and Rockhampton) the Institute has brought together multi-disciplinary a team of researchers, higher degree students and professional staff, all with expertise in the major agricultural science discipline fields.
CQUniversity’s vice-president of Research, Professor Grant Stanley said he was proud of the contribution the Institute has made to the wider university, industry partners and the agricultural sector, citing several achievements including increased grant funding and new international partnerships in Argentina, Indonesia, the Pacific Islands and the USA.
“Over the past decade, we have witnessed external grant income increase by more than 100 per cent and set up new partnerships with industry, universities and government agencies in Australia and across the globe.
“The research focus of the Institute has also expanded from precision livestock and horticulture to also include high-value cropping, and education and extension work to encourage new generations to explore careers in the sector.
“The Institute’s research scope, projects and researcher development have established CQUniversity has a serious player in the agricultural research and engagement landscape,” said Professor Stanley.
Professor Stanley also explained that the Institute’s power of place was unmatched, allowing researchers and higher degree students with direct access to producers, industry and government organisations in one of Australia’s richest and most diverse agricultural regions.
“As well as being equipped with specialised resources and facilities, our greatest asset is the access to the industries on our doorstep – Rockhampton is known as Australia’s beef capital and the wider Central Queensland Bundaberg and Wide Bay produces several crops from fruit and vegetables to sugarcane and cotton.
“Nowhere else in Australia do researchers have such ready access to the range and size of industry partners that CQU has in its immediate footprint, this has been an element in our success and helped to facilitate the expansion into other states of Australia and overseas.
“A prominent example of this power of place was CQUniversity’s successful bid to lead the Hinkler Ag-tech initiative in which a highly skilled team – led by IFFS foundational Director, Professor Phil Brown – worked alongside various AgTech innovators, agribusinesses and primary producers to test and evaluate AgTech product utilisation.
“Through the initiative the team helped to test and monitor the efficacy of agricultural technology on improving efficiencies and increasing productivity, directly benefiting farmers and the sector.”
Researchers from the Institute for Future Farming Systems are currently working on a range of diverse projects across Australia and the globe including schools outreach programs, farmer fatigue , poultry microbiome and beef production and supply chains in Indonesia.
Following the retirement of Professor Phil Brown, the Institute is also recruiting for a new director to lead the research organisation into its next phase of growth and shape a strategic research agenda that strengthens industry partnerships, enhances research capabilities, and expands CQU’s global reputation for location-based agricultural research.
Interested candidates can find out more about the role on the CQUniversity Careers page.
