PHA celebrates National Science Week

August 18, 2022

National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology and acknowledges the important contribution of Australian scientists to the world of knowledge. This year the event was held from 13 – 21 August.

Science is at the core of the work we do at PHA and once again this year we explored the role of science in plant biosecurity. Some of the important science-based work we do includes pest management, crop improvement, risk analysis, data management, surveillance, diagnostics and protecting the natural environment. The National Plant Biosecurity RD&E strategy provides a framework to guide and strengthen cross-sector biosecurity RD&E for Australia’s plant industries and PHA chairs the implementation committee to drive action.

The event also presented an opportunity to reflect and share the collective scientific work we do and to shine the spotlight on the important role science plays in plant biosecurity.

PHA’s week-long social media campaign focused on reflecting and sharing the collective scientific work we do with our government and industry partners in the field of plant biosecurity.

Some of the highlights included videos by Sarah Corcoran, CEO of PHA, Dr Greg Chandler, R&D Manager for Biosecurity at Hort Innovation, Chris O’Connor, Fruit Fly Engagement Coordinator at PHA, Shakira Johnson, Project Coordinator for iMapPESTS at AUSVEG, and Bianca Rodrigues Jardim, PBRI Ritman Scholarship recipient and PhD student at La Trobe University.

Sarah Corcoran, CEO of Plant Health Australia

 

Chris O’Connor, PHA’s Fruit Fly Engagement Coordinator

 

Dr Greg Chandler, Hort Innovation’s R&D Manager for Biosecurity

 

Shakira Johnson, Project Coordinator for iMapPESTS at AUSVEG

Bianca Rodrigues Jardim, PBRI Ritman Scholarship recipient and PhD student at La Trobe University