Next generation of researchers ready to take on Australia’s biosecurity and invasive species challenges
The capability of scientists investigating solutions to Australia’s invasive pest problems shone out at the Australian Academy of Science’s Shine Dome in Canberra earlier this month at an event hosted by the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions.
Mr Andreas Glanznig, Chief Executive of the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, said that maintaining a stream of researchers and science trained decision makers was critical to support and take advantage of new and emerging innovations to future-proof Australia’s biosecurity system.
“Graduates of our Balanced Researcher Program are now adding to Australia’s biosecurity and invasive species research and innovation within the government and university sectors in fields as diverse as environmental DNA, pest incursion modelling, molecular biology, epidemiology, virology and social science.
“Over the 16 years that the program has been running we have supported 51 PhD students, three Masters students and two postdoctoral researchers.
“The fact that the program has achieved a 96 percent completion rate, with participants going on to take up leadership roles in Australia and internationally — many of them within the invasive species and biosecurity fields — is testament to its effectiveness,” said Mr Glanznig.
Participants in the Centre’s Balanced Researcher Program gathered outside The Shine Dome. Credit: Frank Exon.
Over the course of a day, 28 participants in the Centre’s Balanced Researcher Program shared their research findings, their experiences as program participants, and their insights into how the program had shaped their future careers.
Dr Tony Buckmaster — the Centre’s Research, Development and Education Manager — said the Balanced Researcher Program had been designed to produce multi-skilled, industry ready PhD students ready to take on leadership roles within the research profession.
“We put significant resources and effort into supporting participants throughout their studies and they repay us in spades.
“The completion rate for Doctorate by Research that our participants achieve is far higher than the national average where only about 60% are completed after 9 years of studying — most of our participants completed their research theses within the 4 years of the program.
“It’s very clear that the participants gain skills and build knowledge and networks that is far beyond what a traditional PhD program can provide,” said Dr Buckmaster.
Program participants have applied their research skills to the study of multiple species including rabbits, cats, foxes, wild dogs, carp, feral pigs, skinks, cane toads, the common myna and macropods, as well as targeting the illegal plant and wildlife trade and researching the human dimensions of pest management.
The program has also enabled placements for participants within industry, fostering networks and collaborations with Biosecurity SA, NSW NPWS, NSW DPI, the Smithsonian Institute, SANParks and the Australian Museum.