APPN in the media
APPN media appearances, coverage and announcements
GRDC Groundcover - OzBarley's game-changing approach
In 2021, the Australian Plant Phenomics Network (APPN) and collaborators from the public and private sector assembled a trait-mapping and discovery pipeline – called OzBarley – that centralises the acquisition of genomic and phenomic datasets for public release.
This freed barley innovators from the need to collate populations, invest in genotyping and establish and fund trials to collect the all-important datasets. Instead, the sector can now tap into one centralised system designed to meet the needs of barley researchers and breeders.
OzMedicago project to build national genotype-to-phenotype resource for climate-smart pasture legumes
A new national research initiative has been launched to develop next-generation pasture legumes with the potential to cut agricultural methane emissions and boost farm sustainability.
The OzMedicago Project will build a world-first genotype-to-phenotype resource for annual Medicago species – a cornerstone of Australian grazing systems – by sequencing and analysing more than 750 accessions across five Medicago species.
$4.5m invested in hi-tech drones and mobile sensors
The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) has invested $4.5 million in APPN mobile phenotyping capabilities to help accelerate delivery of improved crops to growers.
This investment expands on a $2 million investment by GRDC in 2024 and $60 million from the National Collaborative Research Investment Strategy (NCRIS) to allow APPN to build a consistent national ecosystem of cutting-edge phenotyping technology for crop research.
APPN Launches New Node at Western Sydney University
The Australian Plant Phenomics Network (APPN) today launched its new node at Western Sydney University, further expanding Australia’s world-class network of plant research infrastructure.
The Western Sydney University node provides state-of-the-art facilities for high-resolution digital plant phenotyping in controlled environments, strengthening Australia’s capacity to address food security and climate change through innovation in agriculture and horticulture.
APPN welcomes new Board Chair
The Australian Plant Phenomics Network (APPN) is pleased to announce the appointment of Emeritus Professor Simon Maddocks as Chair of its Board, following the retirement of outgoing Chair, Dr Ron Sandland AM FTSE.
Professor Michael Goodsite, University of Adelaide’s Pro Vice Chancellor (Research Operations and Commercialisation) and APPN Lead Agent Board member, welcomed the appointment of Professor Maddocks, citing his understanding of agricultural research, research infrastructure funding and strong industry connections as key assets for the Network.
WA grain growers to benefit from new plant phenotyping collaboration
The Australian Plant Phenomics Network (APPN) today announced the launch of its two new Western Australian nodes at The University of Western Australia (UWA) and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).
These nodes are part of a national infrastructure delivery model set to transform plant phenotyping innovation.
NBN News – “APPN-University of Sydney partnership blossoms”
The APPN University of Sydney Node staged its official launch as part of the annual University of Sydney Narrabri Plant Breeding Institute Open Field Day on Wednesday 11 September 2024.
CEO Richard Dickmann travelled north to join Node Director Dr William Salter, University of Sydney Dean of the Faculty of Science, Professor Marcel Dinger, academics and educators, plus over 200 local growers, agronomists and researchers from industry for the event.
APPF welcomes Richard Dickmann as new CEO
The Australian Plant Phenomics Facility (APPF), Australia’s premier national plant phenomics research infrastructure facility, is delighted to announce the appointment of Richard Dickmann as its new Chief Executive Officer.
APPF Board Chair, Dr. Ron Sandland, expressed his enthusiasm for Richard’s appointment.
“Following a competitive recruitment process, I am delighted that Richard has accepted this critical role,” he said.
“Richard’s hands-on experience and vision make him the ideal leader for our ambitious future.”
Expanded plant phenomics facility to accelerate crop development
The Australian Plant Phenomics Facility (APPF), Australia’s national plant phenomics research infrastructure, will receive $60 million in core funding over the next five years to expand its world-leading network of facilities across Australia and accelerate the development of improved crops.
APPF headquarters is hosted by the University of Adelaide and supported by the Australian Government National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS).
The $60 million NCRIS investment is planned to be matched by contributions from university partners, state governments and industry for a total investment of nearly $135 million.
Channel 7 News – “Helping drought-stricken farmers”
As farmers across the country struggle with drought, researchers at the Australian Plant Phenomics Facility (APPF) and the University of Adelaide’s Waite Institute are developing wheat varieties resilient to climate change. They are improving genetic diversity and crop yields – and they are doing it using state-of-the-art drone technology and robotics.
ABC Catalyst – “Feeding Australia”
The two-part series, Feeding Australia, was produced by the Catalyst team on ABC TV. In Part 2, Chef Paul West, Professor Clare Collins and Dr Noby Leong reveal how technology is set to transform food production, including talking with the APPF and Dr Trevor Garnett in Part 2 here (start from 44:30).
Feeding Australia – Part 1 “Foods of Tomorrow”, and Part 2 “A Sustainable Future”, are available to watch on ABC’s iView.